When you come to our office for a check-up with your child, the last thing you probably want to hear is that they need a filling. Although fillings can be a daunting experience the first time you need one, we’re here to make this procedure as pain-free as possible. Keep reading as we discover the different types of dental fillings and how to select the right one for your child.
3 Types of Dental Fillings
1. Composite Fillings
The most popular modern filling option for both parents and children is a tooth-colored composite filling. As the name suggests, these match the color of your child’s tooth, so you won’t have to worry about them having a noticeable filling. Our team will closely match the color of the filling to their teeth, so you’ll barely notice they are there. This puts both parents and children at ease.
Composite fillings bond to your tooth’s structure, which offers additional support for weaker teeth. It’s a really versatile material, which we also use to help repair chipped or broken teeth, but it can be used anywhere in the mouth for your child’s filling. On top of that, the preparation for the filling is usually quicker and less painful, as minimal work is needed to add this type of filling when compared to metal fillings. Of course, there are some drawbacks to this type of filling. They generally wear out quicker than amalgam fillings, but this is less of an issue if your child is still awaiting their adult teeth. Keep in mind that these fillings can cost more than amalgam fillings, so you’ll need to double-check if they are covered by your insurance.
2. Silver Amalgam Fillings
If you had a filling in the past, you might be very familiar with silver amalgam fillings. These fillings have received a lot of attention in the past years, and we are aware that many people are turning away from this solution for fear of mercury in the filling. The FDA considers amalgam fillings to be safe for adults and children over the age of six, so it’s still one option for you to consider if your little one needs a filling. However, most parents we speak to opt away from this choice, as they don’t want their child to have a mouth full of metal and noticeable fillings at a young age.
These are one of the most affordable types of fillings and will be easier to receive coverage for on your insurance. We recommend that they are only used on teeth that are quite far back in the mouth, as further forward, they may distort your child’s beautiful smile. Amalgam fillings are incredibly durable and strong, lasting between ten and fifteen years on average. There is a risk that they could crack or fracture your teeth, so you’ll want to work with our team to check if this is the best option for your child.
3. Other Filling Options
There are a few other filling options to consider, which are less popular than the two we shared so far. Gold fillings are the most expensive option generally and require more work than amalgam and composite fillings. If you like the aesthetic of gold fillings, this may be an option for you, but most parents tend to shy away from this solution. Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain and are less likely to stain; however, they also come with a high price tag. For younger children, we may suggest glass ionomer fillings, which are used for fillings that sit below the gum line.
Choosing the Right Filling Option for Your Child
As you can see, there are a lot of options to choose from. We’ll be here to support you with this big decision and ensure your child’s teeth remain healthy and protected for many years to come. The location of the cavity will play a huge part in the type of filling that we use, but generally, we find most parents opt for composite fillings at the current time. We know that it can be a shock at any time for your child to hear they need their first filling. We’ll try to make the procedure as pain-free and smooth as possible so that their filling is fitted in no time at all, and we will work to protect their teeth in the future.
Keep Your Family’s Teeth Healthy with the Help of Florida Children’s Dentistry
Going to the dentist can be scary — we get it. But it should be fun! Whether it’s care for baby teeth, big kid teeth, oral surgery, or orthodontics, our team of specialized pediatric dentists make the experience memorable while teaching you how to encourage healthy habits and good hygiene for lifelong smiles. Call us today or request an appointment online. We can’t wait to meet you!