in Fremont, Tracy & San Leandro, CA
Easy, Stress-Free Cavity Repair
Hearing that your child has a cavity is never the highlight of a parent’s day. You might feel guilty, worried about pain, or stressed about how they will handle the appointment. We want you to take a deep breath. At Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, treating cavities is what we do best, and we do it with a gentle, technology-driven approach.
Tooth fillings for kids are a standard, safe, and effective way to restore health to your child’s smile. Whether it is a tiny spot on a baby tooth or a deeper issue on a permanent molar, our experienced team in Fremont, Tracy, and San Leandro is here to make the repair process easy, comfortable, and fear-free.
What Is a Dental Filling?
A tooth filling is a restorative procedure used to repair minor to moderate tooth decay. When bacteria build up in the mouth, they create acids that eat away at the tooth structure, forming a hole known as a cavity.
To fix this, a pediatric dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the space with a specific filling material. This restores the tooth’s shape and function, preventing further decay from reaching the nerve. By addressing cavities early with dental fillings, we protect your child’s dental health and ensure they can chew, speak, and smile without discomfort.
Benefits of Treating Cavities Early
Ignoring cavities can lead to pain, infection, and further damage that might require more extensive treatments like stainless steel crowns or extractions. Placing fillings quickly offers several key benefits:
- Stops Decay: Removes the bacteria and seals the tooth off from future attacks.
- Preserves Natural Teeth: Keeps the natural tooth intact, which is vital for guiding permanent teeth into place.
- Restores Function: Allows your child to bite and chew soft foods and crunchy snacks comfortably.
- Aesthetics: Modern tooth colored fillings blend in with the natural appearance of the enamel.
Candidates for Fillings
Generally, any child with a diagnosed cavity is a candidate. This applies to both primary teeth (baby teeth) and permanent teeth.
Some parents wonder why we fill baby teeth if they are going to fall out anyway. Primary teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth. If they are lost too early due to decay, it can cause crowding and alignment issues later. We monitor your child’s teeth closely during regular dental check ups to catch issues while they are small.
Types of Fillings: What We Use
We use different materials depending on the location of the cavity, the severity of the decay, and the specific needs of the patient. Here are the main types of fillings and treatments we may discuss.
Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resin fillings are the most popular choice for modern families. Made from a mixture of plastic materials and fine glass particles, composite resin bonds directly to the tooth. These are tooth colored fillings, meaning they can be matched to your child’s natural tooth color. They are aesthetically pleasing, require removing less tooth structure, and are perfect for visible areas like front teeth.
Amalgam Fillings (Silver)
Amalgam fillings, often called silver fillings, have been used in pediatric dentistry for over a century. Silver amalgam is a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. Amalgam fillings are incredibly durable and withstand strong chewing forces in the back of the mouth. However, because of their dark color, they have a noticeable appearance. While silver amalgam fillings are an effective dental filling material, many parents today prefer tooth colored options to avoid the look of metal in the mouth.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomer fillings are made from acrylic and a specific type of glass material. A unique benefit of glass ionomer is its ability to release fluoride, which helps protect the tooth from further decay. These are often used for temporary restorations, cavities near the gum line, or on baby teeth that are near falling out, as they are not as durable as composite fillings or silver fillings for high-stress areas.
Stainless Steel Crowns
For larger cavities where a standard filling isn’t enough to support the tooth, we may recommend stainless steel crowns. These act like a helmet for the tooth, covering the entire crown to prevent creating cracks or total tooth loss. They are extremely durable and often necessary when decay is extensive.
Preparation & The Consultation
We know medical settings can be intimidating for kids. That is why our friendly dental team uses kid friendly language to explain everything. We don’t use scary words for our younger patients; instead, we might talk about “washing away sugar bugs” or “giving your tooth a shower.”
During the consultation, we will review digital X-rays and discuss the best filling material for your child’s specific case, whether that is composite resin, silver amalgam, or something else. We encourage parents to stay calm and positive, as children often pick up on your energy.
The Filling Procedure
We pride ourselves on providing expert care that prioritizes your child’s comfort. Our offices are equipped with amenities to distract and entertain, and we use advanced tech to make the filling process fast.
Comfort Measures: If a child is anxious, we may offer laughing gas (nitrous oxide) to help them relax.
- Numbing: If necessary, we numb the area. (Ask us about our laser technology, which often allows us to do fillings without numb lips!).
- Removal: The pediatric dentist gently removes the decay.
- Placement: The chosen filling material is placed into the prepared space.
- Polishing: We shape and polish the filling so it feels smooth against the tongue and fits their bite perfectly.
Recovery & Aftercare
After the filling procedure, your child can usually return to school or play immediately. If local anesthesia was used, their lips and gums might feel “sleepy” for a few hours. Watch them closely to ensure they don’t chew on their numb cheek.
- Diet: Stick to soft foods for the rest of the day if their mouth is numb.
- Hygiene: Resume normal oral hygiene that night. Brushing twice a day and flossing are crucial to prevent cavities from returning.
- Sensitivity: Some sensitivity to hot or cold is normal for a few days after getting dental fillings.
Filling Results
The goal of any tooth filling is to return the tooth to full health. With composite resin fillings, the result is a seamless, natural appearance that looks just like their own set of teeth. Even if silver fillings or crowns are used on back teeth, the result is a stable, functional tooth that allows your child to eat and grow without pain.
Cost & Insurance
The cost of fillings varies based on the size of the cavity and the materials used. Composite fillings may have a different co-pay than amalgam fillings depending on your specific plan.
We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans and will help you calculate your estimated portion before the appointment. Investing in a cavity filling now is always more cost-effective than treating an infection or extracting a tooth later.
Why Choose Just Kids?
We are not just general dentists who see kids; we’re specialists. Our pediatric dentist team understands the unique anatomy of primary teeth and the emotional needs of children. We offer:
Choice of Materials: From aesthetically pleasing composite resin to durable silver amalgam or fluoride-releasing glass ionomer, we use what is best for your child.
- Technology: We invest in modern tools that make fillings faster and easier.
- Atmosphere: Our environment is designed to take the fear out of dental care.
- Schedule Your Kid’s Tooth Filling Consultation Today
Toothaches or suspected cavities shouldn’t wait. Schedule a visit with our experienced team today and let us help restore your child’s smile to full health so they can get back to being a kid. Call us in Fremont, Tracy, or San Leandro to book your appointment.
Tooth Filling for Kids FAQs
Are silver amalgam fillings safe for kids?
Yes. Silver amalgam fillings have been used safely for over 100 years. The American Dental Association and FDA affirm that amalgam fillings are a safe, effective dental filling material. While they do contain mercury, it is chemically bound within the silver amalgam mixture and stable. However, many parents prefer tooth-colored fillings for aesthetics.
How long do tooth fillings for kids last?
Dental fillings are durable, but they don’t last forever. Silver fillings (amalgam) can last 10+ years, while composite resin fillings typically last 5–7 years depending on your child’s oral hygiene and diet. Glass ionomer fillings generally have a shorter lifespan but are great for specific situations.
Why did you use a crown instead of a filling?
For larger cavities where there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure left to hold a filling, a crown is necessary. Stainless steel crowns provide better protection for the tooth and prevent creating cracks or further damage.
Do tooth colored fillings contain BPA?
Most modern composite resin materials are BPA-free or contain trace amounts that are well below safety limits. We use high-quality plastic materials designed specifically for patient safety and oral health.
Will getting a filling hurt my child?
We prioritize your child’s comfort. With laughing gas, local anesthetic, and a gentle touch, most children feel no pain during the filling procedure. Our friendly dental team is trained to help kids stay calm.
Can we prevent cavities in the future?
Absolutely. Good healthy habits like brushing twice a day, flossing, limiting sugary snacks, and maintaining regular dental check ups are the best ways to prevent cavities. Ask us about sealants for extra protection!