Have you been told your child has tooth decay and needs a dental filling? It can be scary to hear your little one needs treatment, especially when you don't know what to expect.
The good news is that a filling is a standard procedure that's quick and simple for your child. We can typically complete dental fillings for kids during one short visit, and we use a local anesthetic to ensure that your little one's tooth is numb before the procedure so they don't feel any discomfort. We understand your concerns about your child's comfort and take every measure to ensure they feel at ease during their treatment. We also offer the option of using nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to help your child relax if they feel really anxious about their procedure.
What Is the Procedure Timeline for Dental Fillings?
When you bring your child to our dental office for a dental filling, these are the steps we’ll follow:
- Preparation — First, we’ll numb your child’s mouth to ensure they don’t feel anything.
- Cavity removal — Then, we’ll remove any decay from your child’s tooth.
- Placement and shaping — Once we’ve cleaned the area, we’ll place the filling and shape their tooth.
- Post-procedure check — Finally, we’ll check their bite and make any necessary adjustments.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
Today, we use tooth-colored composite resin for pediatric dental fillings in Castle Pines. This durable material can last seven to fifteen years for adults, which is likely the lifespan of your child's baby tooth.
Since composite resin is tooth-colored, it doesn't detract from the appearance of your little one's smile.
Factors Affecting Treatment Time
We will do everything we can to effectively restore your child’s oral health as quickly as possible, but certain factors can affect your child’s treatment time, including:
- The size and location of the decay
- Your child’s age and cooperation level
- The type of filling material we’re using
- The number of cavities they have
What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Dr. Sierk may recommend Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) for kids with tooth decay. SDF, a liquid containing fluoride and silver, is applied to the decayed area. These components have antibacterial properties that effectively halt decay and prevent further progression, providing a reliable solution for your child's dental care.
We may use this treatment for children with the beginning signs of decay or those who can't complete typical treatment. While SDF can be helpful in some cases, it's not a replacement for a standard tooth filling if your child's tooth is severely decayed.
Addressing Parental Concerns
At Sierk Children’s Dentistry, worrying about your child’s comfort is natural. That’s why we strive to address your concerns about pain management before we begin treatment. We also use local anesthesia to ensure your child is completely comfortable.
Before you leave, we’ll discuss any follow-up care your child needs and schedule their next checkup and cleaning to keep their oral health on track.
Looking for a Pediatric Dentist in Highlands Ranch, CO?
Contact our team at (303) 865-4066 if you have questions about dental fillings for kids in Castle Pines and Highlands Ranch.