When caring for your child’s teeth, it is part of a dentist’s priority to give parents a wide range of options to choose from, with one of those options being the dental fillings. It is somewhat similar to dental sealants and dental fillings are a mixture of materials made to adhere to your child’s teeth and fill in a cleaned-out cavity to protect the tooth from further decaying. Dental fillings may also sound expensive, but experts of Dentistry For Children, Alpharetta are here to help guide you through your choices and provide you with the most information about what dental fillings are best for your child’s teeth.
What Do You Mean By Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings, also known as dental restoration or simply fillings are treatments used to restore the function, integrity and morphology of a missing tooth structure that have developed as a result from caries or external trauma as well as to the replacement of such structure that can be supported by dental implants. Dental fillings are of two broad types known as direct and indirect. This is not the only factor but they are further classified by location and size. A root canal filling, for example, is a restorative kind of technique that is used to fill the space where the dental pulp normally resides.
Types of Children’s Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are mostly given to adults who have developed cavities and did not receive a dental sealant as a form of preventative measure or protection against it. For children’s teeth that have grown into their adulthood, dental fillings provide a permanent form of protection for your child’s cavity and have a rigid bond with the tooth’s enamel so that it doesn’t break away when chewing or grinding. An expert Baby Dentist From Alpharetta reported that there are multiple types of dental fillings to choose from, all with their prominence of advantages and disadvantages. Here is a basic summary of what types of dental fillings your child can receive:
- Amalgam Dental Fillings:
It is known as the most traditional form of filling as these fillings contain mixtures of tin, copper, silver and zinc to create a robust and durable bond. Amalgam fillings are the least expensive, may last over ten years and are considered as an excellent choice for children who are prone to huge bite pressures. Amalgam fillings, depending on their manufacturer’s brand, may contain small amounts of mercury, but the amount is less enough not to cause side effects.
- Composite Resin Dental Fillings:
Composite Resin fillings are made with acrylic powders and resins. These can be colored to match your child’s teeth and offer an attractive finish that leaves them undetectable as a prevalent choice. Some dentists may also offer more colorful varieties for children such as choosing red and blue colors to give their teeth more of a happy and fun loving experience while also continuing receiving their oral care.
- Ceramic Dental Fillings:
Ceramic, porcelain dental fillings are an extremely low-profile option that are usually stain-resistant and have high aesthetics. These dental fillings are an expensive option for children and do not last as long as composite resin fillings.
- Glass Ionomer Dental Fillings:
It bears resemblance to composite fillings, hence, glass ionomer dental fillings have glass components that act as a great filler for a child’s teeth. Health stated that these fillings last around five years, making them an excellent choice for temporary filling for children. As their teeth transition to adult stages, the fillings will be able to protect their teeth from further decay.
How To Prepare Your Child For Fillings?
Kids are usually sedated before the procedure starts. This is done so that they can feel less pain when receiving a dental filling and also during preparation for these fillings. It is obvious that they still may feel a strange sensation when water is sprayed inside their mouth and all over their teeth. The overall process of dental filling is quick and mostly painless and it takes about two weeks for sensitivity to go off, but it will gradually fade over time.
Bottomline:
The best option for your child’s teeth is highly engrossed around how you communicate with your pediatric dentists and what they suitably recommend for your child’s teeth. If you are wondering whether or not fillings are safe for your child, then be rest assured that dental fillings are a safe and effective way of preventing cavities. Furthermore, it is also very essential to have them see their primary or pediatric dentist for treatment because untreated cavities can cause long-term consequences.
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