Pediatric Dental FillingsIn Hudson, OH
When your child develops a cavity, Dr. Greg has several treatment options available to help restore their comfort and dental health. A dental filling is one approach that might be recommended, depending on your child's specific situation. Every child and every cavity is different, which is why Dr. Greg takes time to evaluate what treatment approach will work best for your individual child.
Why should my child get a dental filling?
Dental fillings are one of several treatment options Dr. Greg may recommend for addressing cavities in children's teeth. Not every cavity requires the same approach - factors like the size and location of the cavity, your child's age, and their comfort level all play a role in determining the most appropriate treatment. During your consultation, Dr. Greg will thoroughly examine your child's teeth and discuss all suitable options with you.
Baby teeth play an important role in your child's development, helping to maintain proper spacing for permanent teeth and supporting normal speech and eating patterns. That's why Dr. Greg believes in preserving these teeth whenever possible. If a filling is determined to be the right choice for your child's situation, he'll explain the process and ensure you feel confident about the treatment plan before moving forward.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Composite fillings are matched to the color of your child’s tooth so it can blend in with the rest of their smile. Fillings allow your child’s tooth to stay healthy and strong by preserving as much natural enamel as possible.
The Benefits of Dental Fillings For Kids
Addresses Discomfort Effectively
Small cavities can cause tooth sensitivity and tenderness to heat, cold, and the pressure of chewing, while bigger cavities could even cause a serious toothache. Dr. Greg will discuss whether a filling might help eliminate your child's pain and discomfort, as each child's experience with cavities can be quite different.
Helps Preserve Natural Teeth
If left untreated, a cavity will only get worse. Dr. Greg evaluates each situation individually to determine if a filling is the right approach to help preserve your child's natural tooth, as every cavity presents unique circumstances that require personalized treatment decisions.
Conservative Treatment Approach
Pediatric dental fillings are often a straightforward, conservative option that many dental insurance plans cover. Dr. Greg will discuss whether this approach makes sense for your child's specific needs, especially when compared to more extensive treatments that might be necessary if cavities are left unaddressed.
The Dental Filling Treatment Process
Initial Evaluation
First, Dr. Greg will thoroughly examine your child's mouth during their visit. This might happen during a routine checkup or when you bring your child in because they're experiencing discomfort. If your child is complaining of pain or tenderness in one of their teeth, you need to get them evaluated to determine the best course of action.
Tooth Preparation
After confirming that a filling is appropriate for your child's specific situation, Dr. Greg will schedule a treatment appointment. He'll ensure your child is completely comfortable by numbing the area, then carefully remove only the damaged portion of the tooth using specialized pediatric dental instruments.
Filling Placement
Once your child's tooth is properly prepared, Dr. Greg will restore it using high-quality, tooth-colored composite material. This material is carefully shaped and hardened to match your child's natural tooth structure. He'll check the fit and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your child's bite feels comfortable before completing the treatment.
Remember, not every child or every cavity requires the same approach, and Dr. Greg will always explain why he's recommending this particular treatment for your child's unique situation.
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Your child receives specialized care from Dr. Greg, our Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. This certification requires extensive additional training beyond dental school, specifically focused on treating children's unique dental needs. Dr. Greg's expertise ensures that every treatment recommendation is tailored to your child's individual development and comfort level.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
Your child may report feelings of sensitivity or discomfort when chewing, eating hot or cold foods, or eating very sugary foods. This is a common sign of a cavity. More advanced decay may result in intermittent toothaches and pain. However, it's important to know that sometimes cavities don't cause any symptoms at all - your child might feel perfectly fine even when decay is present.
You may also be able to spot visual signs of tooth decay. If you look inside your child's mouth and see a dark brown or black stain on their tooth, or you notice what looks like visible pits or holes in your child's tooth, it may be a cavity or tooth decay. Since cavities can sometimes be "silent" and not cause pain, regular dental checkups are essential for catching decay early. If you suspect that your child has a cavity or if it's been a while since their last visit, contact Dr. Greg right away for an evaluation.
Cavities aren’t always deep enough to cause pain or discomfort, but this doesn’t mean they can be ignored. Over time, cavities will always become more serious and could even result in an infected tooth if left untreated. We highly recommend contacting Dr. Mertes if you suspect your child has a cavity, even if they aren’t feeling any discomfort.
Fillings are used to replace decayed tooth structure, which will continue to degrade if it's left untreated. Dr. Greg prepares the tooth by removing any remaining unhealthy tooth structure, and then it's replaced with the filling material. This stops the progression of the cavity by eliminating all damaged tooth material, as well as the bacteria that contributes to decay. In turn, this keeps your child's smile bright and healthy.
Yes. Dental fillings for kids are usually covered in some way by most insurance policies, though you may be subject to a deductible or yearly maximum coverage for your child, depending on your insurance plan. As always, we recommend contacting your insurer directly if you have any questions about your child’s coverage and want to make sure that their fillings will be covered.
