Dental fillings are used to treat different dental problems like cavities and broken teeth. Teeth are usually filled with a material called composite resin, which is designed to resemble natural tooth structure. Fillings out our office can also be done with glass ionomer or silver amalgam. Most people choose composite resin because it is the most esthetic option.
Composite resin placement can be challenging in a pediatric population specifically because its placement requires a very dry environment and it is very technique sensitive. In certain scenarios, before your child gets a filling, your child will receive a local anesthetic to numb the gums around the tooth. Once the tooth is adequately numbed, we will then brush away the decayed part of the tooth and fill it with an appropriate material. Once the tooth is filled in, we will smooth down any rough edges and polish it. This will allow us to achieve an acceptable esthetic outcome. The amount of time it takes to fill a tooth varies based on the extent of the damage the tooth has suffered. The cost of a filling will increase as well dependent on the amount of surfaces the cavity involves. If you have any questions about fillings or think your child may need one, please contact us today at (615) 614-2424.
