Fillings: Repair Your Child’s Teeth at Bird Pediatric Dentistry

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are materials used to restore the function and integrity of a tooth that has been damaged by decay.

Why Fill Baby (Primary) Teeth?

Yes, of course, baby teeth eventually fall out. But, before that, they serve many important purposes! Not only do baby teeth have an esthetic and functional use, they also hold the space for the developing permanent teeth, in an attempt to prevent severely crowded teeth. It is super important to have the dentists at Bird Pediatric Dentistry assess your child’s cavity and make the right recommendation based on your child’s age and size of the cavity.

Types of Fillings

At Bird Pediatric Dentistry, we offer various types of fillings, including tooth-colored composite resin, which blends seamlessly with your child’s natural teeth for a strong, esthetically pleasing result. For larger cavities, the recommended treatment maybe a stainless steel crown to cover the entire tooth. Bird Pediatric Dentistry also offers a newer alternative to the stainless steel crown – the revolutionary Bio Flx ‘white’ crown by NuSmile that is flexible, durable, biocompatible and esthetic!

The Filling Process

During the filling procedure at Bird Pediatric Dentistry, our dentist will first numb the area to ensure your child’s comfort. We offer state-of-the-art compounded topical anesthetics and the Onset® Buffering system to minimize pain felt with the dental injection!

Once numb, we use the IsoDry® dental isolation system – a ‘squishy fishy’ that slurps up the water and the cavity bugs and keeps your child’s tongue and cheeks out of the way! This state-of-the-art device allows for efficient removal of the decayed portion of the tooth and the placement of the restoration.

Signs Your Child Might Need a Filling

Common signs that your child may need a filling include toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, visible holes or dark spots on teeth, and discomfort when biting down. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings help detect cavities early, allowing for prompt treatment.

Addressing cavities early prevents more extensive damage and reduces the need for more complex treatments. Regular dental visits and proper oral hygiene at home are crucial in maintaining your child’s dental health.

But, if the cavity sneaks up on you, have no fear! Our dentists at Bird Pediatric Dentistry offer emergency dental services and will restore the tooth with a pulpotomy and a stainless steel or white crown or extract the tooth and replace it with a space maintainer!