As a parent, it’s natural to wonder: "If baby teeth are temporary, why worry about cavities in them?" At Sierk Children’s Dentistry, we hear this question often.
In this guide, we explain pediatric dental fillings in Highlands Ranch and Castle Pines, when they’re truly necessary, and when we might take a “wait and watch” approach.
The Big Question: Why Fix a Tooth That’s Going to Fall Out?
It’s a common misconception that baby teeth don’t matter because they’ll eventually be replaced by adult teeth. In reality, baby teeth play vital roles in your child’s development, including:
- Chewing and proper nutrition
- Clear speech development
- Guiding permanent teeth into the right position
- Maintaining healthy jaw growth and arch integrity
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, baby teeth really are the foundation for lifelong oral health. Decay in primary teeth leads to pain, infection, difficulty eating, and even problems with self-confidence and school performance. HealthyChildren.org emphasizes that caring for baby teeth helps support overall physical development and sets the stage for a healthy smile as your child grows.
At Sierk Children’s Dentistry, we take that message to heart: treating cavities in children isn’t about fixing something “temporary.” We focus on protecting their immediate comfort and their long-term health.
When Is a Filling Necessary?
We use pediatric dental fillings when decay has progressed beyond the very earliest stage and created a cavity, which is a hole in the tooth enamel that won’t heal on its own.
Your child may need a filling if:
- The cavity is large or growing
- The decay is causing sensitivity or pain
- The tooth structure is weakened
- There’s a risk of infection spreading
- Neighboring teeth could be affected
Filling a cavity restores the healthy shape and function of the tooth, prevents further decay, and helps your child eat and speak comfortably. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) notes that preserving the integrity of each primary tooth helps maintain the spacing and alignment that permanent teeth will need later.
When We Might Choose to “Watch” a Cavity Instead
Not every cavity immediately requires a filling. Sometimes, especially with very early decay, we may monitor the situation. This is especially true if:
- The decay is minimal and only affects the enamel.
- The tooth is about to be lost naturally.
- Your child is very young, and treatment can be deferred safely.
In these situations, we focus on prevention, such as strengthening enamel with fluoride, improving brushing and flossing habits, and scheduling regular check-ups to watch for changes.
Restorative Options at Sierk Children’s Dentistry
When a cavity does need treatment, we offer age-appropriate, child-friendly restorative solutions.
- Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings — These are the most common choice for children's dental fillings. They’re strong, natural-looking, and bonded to the tooth, so we remove only what’s absolutely necessary.
- Glass Ionomer Fillings — Ideal for very young children or when decay is near the gumline, glass ionomers release fluoride and help fight recurrent decay.
- Sedation or Comfort Options — If your child feels anxious, we offer gentle sedation options to make dental visits comfortable and stress-free.
Ready to Restore Your Child's Smile?
We know that every child and family is different. Our goal is to treat cavities while building trust, teaching great habits, and partnering with you to protect your child’s smile for life. At our dental offices in Highlands Ranch and Castle Pines, you’ll always get compassionate guidance and the most up-to-date care available.
Do you have questions about children's dental restorations or your child’s dental health? Give us a call today!