Dental Fillings

What are Pediatric Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are one of the most common treatments for children’s teeth. They are used to repair cavities and other damage, such as broken teeth, which can occur due to poor oral hygiene, poor diet, and other factors. Fillings help restore the strength, function, and appearance of the tooth and prevent further damage.   

Types of Dental Fillings

When a cavity is identified in your child’s tooth, Dr. Alfred Burns, Dr. Anas Hakimeh, Dr. Dorothy Causey, Dr. Hennah Shamji, and Dr. Israel Saintil will typically fill the cavity with a filling material. The most common material used for dental fillings is composite resin, a mixture of glass and plastic particles. Composite resin fillings are strong and durable and can be matched to the exact color of the child’s teeth, making them virtually invisible. Composite resin fillings are also safe for children because they contain no metal or mercury.   

In addition to composite resin fillings, we may also use other materials, such as gold, porcelain, stainless steel, or amalgam. Gold fillings are strong and offer a good aesthetic result, but they are generally more expensive than other materials. Porcelain fillings are also strong and attractive but may require more frequent replacement than other materials. Stainless steel fillings are often used in molars because they are strong and durable. Amalgam fillings are made of a mixture of metals, including silver, zinc, and tin, and are known for their durability. Still, they are not considered as aesthetically pleasing as composite resin or porcelain fillings.   

Process of Dental Fillings

Placing a filling in your child’s tooth involves numbing the area with a local anesthetic and then drilling out the decay. The filling material is then placed in the drilled area and shaped to fit the cavity. Once the filling is in place, Dr. Alfred Burns, Dr. Anas Hakimeh, Dr. Dorothy Causey, Dr. Hennah Shamji, and Dr. Israel Saintil may use a light to harden the material. After the filling is hardened, we may polish the tooth to make it look and feel smooth.   

Aftercare

Children need to take good care of their teeth after having a pediatric dental filling in Cibolo, Gonzales, San Marcos, and Seguin, Texas. Good care includes brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding certain foods that can cause damage to the filling, such as hard candy or sticky foods. If a filling becomes damaged or loosened, it is essential to come back to Alligator Dental as soon as possible to address the problem. It is necessary for children to take good care of their teeth after having a filling and to see the dentist if any issues arise.

Comfort With You and Your Child in Mind

At Alligator Dental, we understand that fillings can be a scary prospect for children and their parents. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure the best outcome for your child’s teeth. Our dentists take the time to explain the process, answer questions, and create a comfortable atmosphere for your child during the procedure. We strive to make the process as painless and stress-free as possible.

Pediatric Dental Fillings in Cibolo, Gonzales, San Marcos, and Seguin, TX

Children’s dental fillings are vital to maintaining their oral health, and it is essential to find the right dentist to perform the procedure. Alligator Dental, Dr. Alfred Burns, Dr. Anas Hakimeh, Dr. Dorothy Causey, Dr. Hennah Shamji, and Dr. Israel Saintil are all highly experienced and certified dentists in Cibolo, Gonzales, San Marcos, or Seguin. Each of our dentists is passionate about providing their patients with the best care and treatment possible. They are committed to creating a comfortable and stress-free atmosphere for children to get the care they need. Schedule an appointment today!