It is common for children to need fillings, but it is also reasonable for parents to wonder whether dental fillings for kids are safe. These replace decayed tooth material to keep the teeth strong, and they are an essential part of oral healthcare, even though the child will eventually lose their milk teeth.
The good news is that dental fillings are safer than ever before. Even if you have heard that amalgam fillings might be a problem, studies gathered by the FDA show that they are viable options. Still, each type of filling is unique, and each has its own pros and cons.
The purpose of a dental filling is to replace the strong enamel of a tooth that has been lost due to decay. Different types offer different benefits, ranging from affordability to resilience and how well they blend with the natural teeth. However, fillings are safe regardless of the type, and dentists only use materials that have been approved by the FDA or other research bodies.
Parents have the right to choose which type of filling their child receives. The most common options are as follows.
Composite
Composite fillings make up the bulk of what dentists install today. They are in the mid-range for affordability but blend seamlessly with the existing teeth, so children do not need to worry about having their fillings prominently on display. Made of a mixture of plastic and resin, composite fillings are not associated with health complications and are tolerated well by most patients.
Amalgam
Amalgam or silver fillings used to be popular due to their low-end pricing and general accessibility. However, due to their metallic color, many patients avoid them, especially when they are not placed in the back of the mouth.
Concern has been noted about mercury exposure from amalgam fillings, but FDA studies indicate that such fillings are inert in the mouth and do not leach mercury. That said, amalgam fillings that are correctly in place should be left rather than replaced with other types, at least until their natural life expires.
Ceramic
Ceramic fillings are made from porcelain. They mimic the translucence and color of natural teeth, so they fit seamlessly into the smile. Since porcelain is a biocompatible material, most patients respond favorably to this type of filling.
As decay from bacteria and acids eat away at the strong exterior of the tooth, the bacteria can gain access to the soft interior, potentially causing infection and pain. Without treatment, a root canal or even an extraction may be necessary. Therefore, a filling is a first-line defense against decay to prevent further tooth degradation so it does not crack or break apart.
In addition to the materials used to make dental fillings for kids, many parents wonder if the process used to install them is safe. Fortunately, a dental filling is a simple outpatient procedure that can be completed in less than an hour. It does not require invasive incisions; the dentist only needs a drill to remove the enamel around the decayed area.
After the decay has been removed, the child will be left with a hole or gap in the tooth. The dentist will fill this gap with the filling material of choice. What happens next depends on the type of filling selected, but generally speaking, the dentist will cure the filling material with a specialized light so it hardens and binds to the tooth. They will then ask the child how the filling feels and smooth any rough edges that may be uncomfortable.
Overall, the filling installation process is simple and does not pose health risks to a child. In fact, by addressing an underlying problem, they are healthier for having gotten a dental filling.
It is a parent’s job to look out for their children, and ensuring that they are safe at the dentist’s office is a smart thing to do. If you have been wondering whether your child needs a filling at all or if it is a safe option, you do not need to worry. Dental fillings for kids are a vital part of good oral care and can set your child up for success in the future! Contact us to schedule your child’s filling as soon as possible so their tooth decay does not worsen.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings in Richmond, TX.
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