The Importance of Fillings
When a cavity forms in your child's tooth, it weakens the tooth structure and leaves it vulnerable to further decay and infection. A filling is a simple, effective way to restore the tooth's natural form, strength, and function by removing the decayed material and replacing it with a durable, biocompatible substance.
Fillings not only help prevent further decay but also protect the tooth from future damage. They can even improve your child's bite and speech if the cavity was causing discomfort or interference.
The Filling Procedure
At Casey Dental, we strive to make every visit a positive experience for both you and your child. Our skilled children's dentist performs fillings using gentle, precise techniques under local anesthesia to ensure your child's comfort throughout the procedure.
The filling process typically takes about an hour, depending on the size of the cavity and the number of teeth being treated. Here's what you can expect during a typical filling appointment:
- Our dentist will numb the area around the tooth using local anesthesia to ensure your child feels no discomfort during the procedure.
- The dentist will use a drill or laser to remove the decayed material from the tooth, cleaning out the cavity until only healthy tooth structure remains.
- After preparing the tooth, our dentist will choose the appropriate filling material based on your child's needs and preferences. We offer tooth colored fillings as well as amalgam (silver) fillings.
- The dentist will apply the filling material in layers, using a special light to harden each layer before applying the next. This ensures a strong, durable bond between the filling and your child's natural tooth structure.
- Once the filling is in place, our dentist will polish the tooth to ensure a smooth, comfortable surface that promotes good oral hygiene.
Caring for Your Child's Fillings
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to ensure the longevity of your child's fillings. Here are some tips to help you care for your child's teeth after a filling:
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Encourage your child to brush their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily to remove plaque and food debris from between the teeth.
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: For the first few days after a filling, avoid giving your child hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could dislodge the filling or cause discomfort.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings at Casey Dental to monitor your child's oral health and detect any potential issues early.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your child's fillings last for many years, maintaining their oral health and preserving their beautiful smile.
Your Child's Comfort is Our Priority
At Casey Dental, we understand that visiting the dentist can be an anxious experience for some children. That's why we strive to create a fun, safe, and welcoming environment where young patients feel at ease and excited about their oral health journey.
Our skilled dentist is trained to work with children of all ages, using gentle techniques and compassionate care to ensure your child's comfort throughout the filling procedure. We also offer sedation dentistry options for children who may need extra help feeling relaxed during their visit.
If you have any questions or concerns about fillings or any other aspect of your child's oral health, please don't hesitate to contact us. As your trusted partner in care, we're here to support you every step of the way.