What to Expect When Your Child Needs a Filling
Hearing that your child needs a dental filling can catch any parent off guard. You might wonder why it’s necessary, especially if the tooth is a baby tooth that’s going to fall out soon. The truth is, still matters. Our Saginaw pediatric dentist warns that when left untreated, cavities can cause pain, infection, and even problems with how permanent teeth come in.
If a filling has been recommended for your little one, here’s what you need to know to feel confident about the process and what comes next.
Why Baby Teeth Need Fillings
Many parents ask, “Why repair a tooth that’s going to come out on its own?” It’s a fair question. But cavities in baby teeth don’t just go away. If ignored, they can grow, become painful, lead to abscesses (pimple-like swelling in gums that signals an infection), or spread to neighboring teeth. Worse, they can potentially harm the adult teeth waiting beneath the surface. Related Post → The Role of Baby Teeth in Your Child’s Development Fillings in baby teeth help stop the spread of decay, restore normal function, and maintain the space needed for permanent teeth to come in correctly. They also help prevent kids from associating dental care with pain, which is important for lifelong oral health habits. So while it may seem unnecessary at first, treating childhood cavities early helps avoid bigger problems later.What Happens During the Dental Filling Process?
When your child is getting a tooth filled, the procedure is usually straightforward and quick. Much like with adult teeth, our local pediatric dentist will gently remove the decayed portion of the tooth, clean the area, and then place a filling to restore the tooth’s shape and function. Local anesthesia may be used, depending on the severity of the cavity and your child’s comfort level. Tooth-colored composite resin fillings are typically used for front-facing teeth. These match the natural shade of your child’s teeth and blend in well. For back molars, which take on more chewing pressure, silver pediatric fillings, also called traditional amalgam fillings, are used. They’re more durable in areas that need strength over aesthetics.Filling vs. Crown: What’s the Difference?
Not all cavities can be treated with a simple filling. When decay is extensive or the tooth is structurally weak, our board-certified pediatric dentist may recommend a stainless steel dental crown instead of a filling. This is common with larger cavities in molars. A pediatric dental crown covers the entire tooth, giving it strength and protection from future damage. Crowns are often used when a filling would not hold up due to the amount of decay or when there’s been repeated treatment on the same tooth.Key differences to remember:
- Filling: Best for small to moderate cavities. Preserves more natural tooth structure.
- Crown: Necessary for severe decay. Provides full coverage and strength.
How to Prepare Your Child for a Filling
The first dental filling for a child can feel intimidating, for both the child and the parent. Preparing your child by staying calm, using age-appropriate language, and framing the experience as a way to keep their teeth strong can make a big difference.Here are some tips:
- Avoid using words like “drill” or “pain.”
- Let our dentist and assisting staff explain what’s happening in kid-friendly terms.
- Keep your own tone positive and relaxed.
- Schedule the appointment at a time when your child is well-rested and not hungry.
Preventing Future Cavities in Baby Teeth
After a tooth has been filled, it’s important to protect your child’s other teeth from decay. Cavity treatment for kids is often preventable with the right habits and regular teeth cleanings inside our Saginaw, MI, pediatric dental office.Helpful cavity prevention steps include:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Limiting sugary snacks and drinks.
- Scheduling professional fluoride treatments for your child(ren).
- Having dental sealants applied to molars as they come in.
