Welcome to Live Oak Pediatric Dentistry, where our Slidell pediatric dental team specializes in gentle and effective dental fillings for children, ensuring their smiles shine bright with confidence.
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What Are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling is a procedure for addressing mild to moderate decay and minor fractures in the teeth. The process involves using a composite material to restore cavities in your child’s teeth. Fillings even out the teeth, allowing proper tooth function while chewing and biting.
Did you know…
baby teeth with cavities may require fillings to prevent pain, infection, and premature loss of teeth, which can affect the child's speech and eating habits?
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Before & After
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
See real patient success stories.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Fillings?
Stops the Spread of Cavities
Cavities easily spread to the neighboring teeth if left unchecked. Dentists will clean the infected tooth, removing the decayed portions before plugging it with dental filling. This eliminates the cavity-causing bacteria and stops them from getting to the rest of the teeth.
Strengthens Chipped or Fractured Teeth
Fillings are great for restoring the strength of teeth fractured from accidents, falls, or physical activities. Once hardened, the fillings retain the strength of your child’s normal teeth, so they can use the fractured teeth for biting or chewing.
They’re Extremely Durable
Filings are extremely durable and can last for years on end. The length of time fillings last depends on how the patient takes care of their teeth. Simple practices like brushing and flossing your child’s teeth regularly could make their fillings stand the test of time.
Hospital Sedation
Hospital sedation provides a safe, anxiety-free option for pediatric dental care. Administered by an anesthesiologist, sedatives allow kids to fully relax through procedures. Vital signs are monitored ensuring optimal levels are maintained. With fewer traumatic memories, hospital sedation can build a lifetime of positive dental experiences for children.
The Dental Filling Treatment Process
Examination and Removal of Decayed/Damaged Portions
The process starts with the dentist examining your child’s teeth for signs of decay. The dentist might also take x-rays to determine the extent of the dental decay or tooth damage. Next, the dentist will inject a local anesthetic into the gums near the affected tooth and use a dental drill to remove the decayed or damaged portions of the teeth.
Tooth Preparation and Application of Filling Material
Next, the dentist will shape the cavity to accommodate the dental filling. They’ll carefully apply the dental filling material inside the cavity until it fills completely. The type of resin material used depends on the tooth’s location, extent of decay, and personal preferences. The resin materials include amalgam and composite resin.
Adjustments and Final Evaluation
After filling the cavity, the dentist will ask your child to bite into a thin sheet to check their bite alignment and make adjustments until the bite aligns. Next, they’ll polish the surface of the filled area to give it a smooth finish and a natural luster. After a final evaluation, they’ll give you (the parent) dental care instructions and release you.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Child Doesn’t Feel Any Sensitivity, Do They Need a Filling?
Yes, a lack of tooth sensitivity in your child’s teeth doesn’t mean that everything is A-OK. It only means that the decay hasn’t reached the sensitive nerves. In that case, your child is better off getting a dental filling to prevent the decay from worsening and further infection.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Fillings?
Yes, most dental insurance providers cover dental fillings as part of restorative and preventative care. However, you’ll have to check with your dental insurance provider to be on the safe side. Patients without insurance can opt for our membership plan, which offers discounts, perks, and other benefits for all members.
How Can I Prevent My Child From Getting Cavities in the Future?
The best way to prevent your child from getting cavities is to have them brush and floss their teeth every day. You should also limit the amount of sugary and starchy foods they consume. Additionally, you can opt for fluoride treatments and sealants that create a protective barrier in their teeth against cavity-causing bacteria.