What is a Dental Filling?

We understand that sometimes those sugar bugs (aka dental decay) can burrow their way into your child’s tooth. When that happens, Dr. Bingham might use a composite filling to fix a cavity in the tooth. It’s made up of a special material that helps your child’s tooth stay healthy and strong. The composite material looks and feels like your natural tooth, so your child’s smile stays as beautiful as ever! It’s a great way to keep your kid’s teeth healthy and their smile looking awesome! Dr. Bingham will also ensure the composite filling fits perfectly and is comfortable for your child.

Benefits of White Fillings 

White fillings offer many advantages when compared to metal fillings. The most obvious benefit is their cosmetic appeal. White fillings are tooth-colored and can be matched to the color of the child’s natural teeth, making them nearly invisible. Matching your child’s other teeth means they can smile confidently, knowing their teeth look natural and healthy.   

White fillings are also more durable than metal fillings. They can withstand the pressures of chewing and biting and can last for many years. Furthermore, white fillings can bond directly to the tooth, providing a more secure and seamless fit. This bond also helps to protect the tooth from further decay.   

White fillings are also a safe choice. They are composed of non-toxic materials and do not contain any mercury or other dangerous metals. Being non-toxic makes them a safe and effective option for restoring your child’s teeth.   

How White Fillings are Applied   

First, the pediatric dentist, Dr. Bingham, will numb the area around the tooth to ensure your child’s comfort during the procedure. We will then scrub the sugar bugs from the tooth (remove the affected tooth decay), preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. We similarly apply white fillings to traditional metal fillings. Dr. Bingham will also talk to your child through the process, so they know what is going on and can participate and hopefully alleviate any anxiety they may have. 

Once the area has been cleaned and prepared, Dr. Bingham will place the white filling material. This material is a composite resin that we can match to the color of the natural tooth. We will shape and polish the filling to ensure a seamless fit. 

How to Prevent Future Sugar Bugs From Forming in the Future

Preventative care for your child to help stop cavities from forming is critical. We recommend that your child brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once a day, and see Dr. Bingham regularly for checkups and cleanings. You should also limit the sugar your child consumes and ensure they drink plenty of water throughout the day. Additionally, it is essential to monitor the amount of time your child spends snacking and eating sugary foods and the types of food they consume. By taking these steps and being proactive in your child’s oral health, you can help to prevent cavities from forming.

White Fillings in Rigby, ID

White fillings are a safe, durable, and aesthetically-pleasing choice for restoring teeth affected by decay. Your pediatric dentist will be able to discuss the advantages of white fillings with you and your child and help you decide if they are the best choice for your child’s dental health.   

Contact your pediatric dentist in Rigby, Dr. Bingham, today to learn more about children’s white fillings. We will be happy to answer any questions and provide the information you need to make the best decision for your child’s dental health.