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Pediatric Dental Fillings & Restorations

Durable solutions to repair decayed or damaged teeth and bring back their smile’s natural beauty.

A child smiles while sitting in a dental chair, as a gloved person holding dental tools attends to them. The atmosphere appears bright and friendly.

A child in a red shirt holds a toothbrush and a plush tooth with eyes, smiling against a blue background.

The role of fillings

Fillings are common dental procedures used to repair the function and appearance of damaged teeth. Whether it’s decay, fractures, or wear, these treatments restore the tooth’s integrity and prevent further dental issues.

Choosing the right material

Composite is a tooth colored filling that is commonly used to repair the function and appearance of damaged teeth. In certain situations, our providers may recommend a glass ionomer filling rather than a traditional composite. While they look the same as a composite filling, they are very effective when placed in a wet environment. This is ideal for our youngest patients who cannot tolerate a traditional filling, or when a cavity is in an area that cannot be isolated. An extra bonus is that it releases a small amount of fluoride that helps to re-mineralize the enamel.

The filling procedure explained

The process involves removing decayed or damaged tooth material, cleaning the affected area, and then filling or covering the tooth with the chosen material. These procedures are typically completed in one visit, with little to no discomfort.

Why dental fillings might be needed

Improving oral health and aesthetics.

Decay Removal: Fillings are primarily used to repair cavities and remove decay.
Aesthetic Enhancement: Modern materials provide a natural look, enhancing your smile’s appearance.
Strength and Durability: High-quality materials ensure long-lasting results and tooth functionality.
Prevent Further Decay: Sealing off areas where bacteria enter, reducing the risk of future cavities.

Aftercare for fillings and restorations

Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure the longevity of your child’s dental work. This includes maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups to monitor the restorations. To protect soft tissue from injury after local anesthesia, avoid very hot or crunchy foods until the numbness wears off.

Other Restorative Treatments

Close-up of a child smiling, showcasing clean, white teeth. The background is neutral, highlighting the joyful expression and dental health.

SDF Treatments

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an antimicrobial liquid that we apply to areas of decay. It kills the bacteria and effectively “arrests” the cavity. When applied to the area of decay, it will stain that specific area a dark black color. We typically use it to try and arrest very small cavities, for young children who cannot tolerate getting numb, and for teeth that will exfoliate in the near future. It is an effective, quick and painless treatment option.

A child in a dental chair smiles while a person wearing green gloves holds a dental tool near the child’s mouth.

ICON Resin

The ICON resin infiltration system is a minimally invasive dental treatment that helps stop early tooth decay before it causes a hole in the tooth. It can also improve the look of teeth that have white spots or other changes in the enamel that aren’t caused by cavities. The procedure uses a liquid resin that soaks into the tooth’s surface to stop further damage and make the tooth look more uniform. Most importantly, it preserves the natural tooth structure and can prevent the need for more extensive restorative treatments in the future.

Stainless Steel Crowns

A stainless steel crown is used when the area of decay covers a larger portion of the tooth. Its function is similar to an adult crown; it covers the entire tooth which decreases the risk of tooth fracture or failure of a larger filling. It does not affect the developing adult tooth and will naturally fall out just like any other baby tooth.