How common are cavities in children?
Dental cavities are one of the most common oral health problems among children, developing when bacteria erode the tooth enamel. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA, board-certified pediatric dentists Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim provide gentle, effective treatment for cavities using tooth-colored fillings. These composite resin fillings not only repair and protect damaged teeth but also blend seamlessly with your child’s natural smile.
What are the Benefits of Children's Fillings?
There are many reasons why composite tooth-colored fillings are beneficial for children. Fillings are an important part of preventing further decay and protecting a child’s oral health. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim use these natural-looking restorations to repair cavities while preserving the beauty of your child’s smile. Additional benefits include:
Preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible
Strengthen and protect teeth from further damage
Reducing the risk of toothaches, infection, and other problems caused by decay
Providing a seamless, natural-looking result without the use of silver or metal fillings
Does My Child Need a Dental Filling?
Tooth-colored fillings are a versatile solution for cavities and other dental issues. Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim often recommend composite resin fillings when decay has compromised tooth structure, but they may also use them to repair chips, breaks, or enamel worn down by grinding. Since the material can be color-matched, fillings may be placed on both front and back teeth for a natural result.
How Does a Dentist Perform a Filling on a Child?
Getting a filling at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry is usually a quick and comfortable process. The treatment area will be numbed, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may be offered to help children relax. For kids with dental anxiety, additional sedation options may be considered. Once your child is comfortable, Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim removes the decayed enamel using specialized tools, disinfects the area, and fills the tooth with composite resin. The filling is then hardened with a curing light, polished smooth, and adjusted for comfort and bite alignment.
How to Care for Your Child’s Fillings
After the procedure, children can resume normal activities, though they may feel temporary sensitivity to hot and cold foods. Over-the-counter pain relief can help with any mild discomfort. If the filling feels uneven, parents should contact the office so Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim can make adjustments. Daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits are key to maintaining fillings, and both doctors will check their condition during every exam to determine if repairs or replacements are needed.
Does Insurance Cover Children’s Fillings?
Composite resin fillings are considered standard preventive care and are usually covered, at least in part, by dental insurance. Our team will work with your insurance company to confirm coverage and explain any out-of-pocket expenses. For patients without insurance, we offer a variety of payment methods and financing options to make treatment affordable.
Can Children Get Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Yes. Small cavities can be successfully treated with tooth-colored fillings, which restore strength while preserving the look of your child’s smile. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA, Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim are committed to providing personalized, compassionate care that helps children feel confident and comfortable. If you suspect your child may have tooth decay, contact our office today to schedule an exam with Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim.
Children’s Fillings FAQ
Dr. Jeni takes special care to make sure your child feels safe and comfortable without pain during the entire procedure. Using topical and local anesthetic with nitrous oxide sedation helps to make the experience as stress-free as possible.
While still considered safe and effective, traditional fillings are made with a mix of silver and mercury, which may be hazardous to your health. Composite, or tooth-colored, fillings are made with a composite resin and are considered to be generally safer than traditional fillings.
How long the procedure takes depends on the size and location of the cavity. In general, it typically takes about 30 – 45 minutes to place a children’s filling. This time frame allows the dentist to carefully remove decay and securely place the filling material. Additionally, the duration may vary if the child requires extra care or if multiple fillings are needed.
Yes, it does. One of the major advantages of a composite filling is that it doesn’t change the color of your tooth. The material can be closely matched to the natural shade of your teeth, allowing it to blend seamlessly. This makes the filling virtually undetectable, preserving the appearance of your smile.
Some key tips on having a comfortable, stress-free dental experience for your child include:
- Keep calm, stay composed — your child will key in on your state of mind. If you are nervous, they will be nervous.
- Talk to them — talk to your child and answer questions about the dental visit and what to expect so they won’t be surprised
- Be careful with words — avoid talking about needles, drills, etc. by using kid-friendly terms
- Share — tell your child about times you went to the dentist
- Bring a toy or comfort item — whether it’s a teddy bear or a blanket, a comfort item can make all the difference to keep your child calm
You can help your child prevent cavities by encouraging regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. Additionally, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and schedule regular dental checkups to monitor their oral health.