Dental fillings are rarely well-received by parents and children when they visit the dentist. But dental fillings for childhood cavities are one of the most common procedures your pediatric dentist likely performs. Most children need at least one dental filling before completing elementary school. That is of little comfort when you are the one getting the news. Most anxiety over dental fillings stems from the unknown. A child who has never had a filling doesn’t know what to expect, and neither do some parents. Dental terminology is complicated, and dental equipment looks intimidating. You can help support your child and ease anxiety if you know what to expect.
During the Appointment
The appointment itself goes faster than most anticipate. To begin, your dentist will numb the area with a topical gel before injecting the numbing agent. Most children fear the idea of a needle, but most pediatric dentists know how to do this without incident. Once the target area is numb, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth. Your child is likely to feel pressure but should not experience any real discomfort. Explaining the distinction between pressure and pain can go a long way in helping your child understand and ease anxiety. The affected tooth or teeth, now free of decay, are filled with a dental material. Overall, the whole procedure typically runs between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cavity.
Managing Anxiety
Most anxiety felt by parents and children begins long before the appointment time. How the appointment is discussed at home matters a great deal. Many parent make the well-intentioned mistake of telling their children it won’t hurt. Be honest and specific. Explain what is going to happen during the appointment, including the details of the procedure. Avoid extended conversations about reassurance; this signals that something worth worrying about is on its way. Your dentist and staff will do a great deal to manage anxiety. A good practice staffs employees who are experienced in pediatric dentistry and know how to manage children’s anxiety.
Types of Fillings
Childhood cavities are typically treated with one of two dental filling options. Composite and amalgam fillings are commonly used in children and differ in several ways. Composite fillings are tooth-colored resins that blend naturally with the tooth. They’ve become the most popular choice for visible teeth. Amalgam fillings are silver and have been used in dentistry for more than a century. They are durable, perform well under pressure, and are more affordable than composite. Many dentists use amalgam when treating molars and less visible teeth. The dentist’s recommended option will depend on the location and size of the cavity, as well as case-specific circumstances. It is a simple question that your dentist should be able to answer easily.
Prevention
Dental fillings are an effective way to treat childhood cavities, but pale in comparison to preventative measures. The basics of good dental hygiene still apply. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss, and avoid foods and drinks high in sugar and acid. This is not new information, but many parents struggle with consistent implementation. Regular dental visits are a significant resource for detecting problems earlier and more easily, and they help build a trusting relationship between your child and the dentist. Today, it is one or two cavities, but what happens at the next appointment largely depends on what changes in between.
If your child needs dental fillings, schedule a consultation with us today.