Your child may be nervous about getting a filling for the first time. While everything is sure to go smoothly and peacefully throughout the procedure, taking steps to prepare for the aftercare ahead of time can be beneficial. That way, once the cavity is filled, you can simply take your little one home to rest. 

 

Of course, knowing how long the procedure is going to last will help you clear up any other obligations, too. 

 

What is a Cavity? 

A cavity is a hole in a tooth that results from tooth decay. When all the bacteria and acids in the mouth sit along the surface of the tooth, they can begin to wear down the enamel. Over time, this outer layer gets weaker and weaker as decay begins to set in. 

 

With time, toothaches and discolorations can signal that a tooth may be ailing and in need of some attention. But, with routine dental visits, your child’s dentist will be able to catch issues early - including cavities. 

 

In fact, the best way to avoid cavities altogether is to make sure that your child is brushing well at least twice per day, flossing, and making it to the dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and examination. 

 

What to Expect with a Cavity Filling

A cavity filling is an in-office procedure that uses local anesthesia to numb the area around your child’s teeth and gums. Keep in mind that whether or not sedation is used will depend greatly on the patient and the extent of the procedure needed. 

 

Once it is numb, the dentist will begin using a tooth washer (dental handpiece) and spin brush (slower dental handpiece) to remove decay from the tooth. The open area will then be filled.

 

There are different types of materials used for the filling. One of the most common options used today includes a combination of ceramic and plastic known as composite resin. This material will leave the tooth appearing like the others, looking natural and healthy. It will also have a lot of strength and durability, too. So whether it is a front tooth or a back tooth, it can handle the bite force.

 

Ultraviolet light is held over the tooth and is used to cure the filling material. 

 

Throughout the entire procedure, you can rest easy knowing that your child’s dental team will age-appropriately explain what is happening as they move through the steps. 

 

How Long Does a Cavity Filling Take?

You can expect a cavity filling appointment to last about 45 min (this does not include sedation if needed). However, if there is a significant amount of decay or if multiple fillings are needed, then this could take a little longer. 

 

Dental Fillings at Pediatric Dental Care

If your child has a cavity that needs a filling, find comfort in the high-quality treatment and skills they will encounter at Pediatric Dental Care. We provide the most personalized treatment so that your child gets the best filling - and long-lasting results. 

 

To learn more, contact us today at 901-363-8192. Or, request an appointment online. 

In pediatric dentistry, patients and parents are equally important. While your child is always the primary focus, we include parents in every aspect of their dental care. When parents play an active role in their child’s dental care, it promotes healthy habits and increases the chances that children will develop and maintain lifelong dental and oral health. 

We carry out our philosophy of partnering with parents in a variety of ways. 

 

Parents Stay With Their Children at All Times 

We believe it is in the best interest of the child and the parent for you to stay together throughout the dental appointment. You’ll never have to sit nervously in the waiting room while we lead your child off to receive dental care in a separate room. This helps both children and parents feel more comfortable, especially for our youngest patients. A parent can offer reassurance to an anxious child while they receive dental care. Babies and toddlers often sit on a parent's lap while receiving care. We even invite parents into the operatory during dental procedures like fillings, extractions, and all other types of treatment. 

 

Parents Teach Good Oral Hygiene Habits 

Parents are a child’s first teachers in all things, including dental self-care. By teaching and modeling proper brushing and flossing habits, your child will learn the importance of taking care of their teeth and how to do so correctly. We partner with parents to educate you and your children on good oral hygiene techniques and how to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. You only get one set of permanent teeth to last for your lifetime. It's up to you to take care of them so that they last. The responsibility of dental hygiene starts with parents and gradually transfers to the child as they grow and mature, eventually taking ownership of their own dental health. 

 

Providing a Better Understanding of Dental Care 

One of the biggest benefits of partnering with parents is that we can better explain dental problems and the procedures required to correct them. We can use X-rays and other images to show cavities, places where plaque forms, and spots that are getting missed by brushing and flossing. We can point out orthodontic issues that may need to be addressed or other potential dental or oral health concerns. Any treatment or procedure we recommend can be carefully explained to both children and parents so that everyone understands what needs to be done. 

 

Establishing a Positive View of Dentistry 

Parents play an important role in helping children establish a positive view of going to the dentist. We have seen both positive and negative effects of parents’ influence on children’s opinions regarding dental care, and those opinions can become ingrained. If parents have a good attitude, children are more likely to develop the same good attitude. If parents are negative or use the dentist as a threat to get them to brush their teeth, it can have the opposite effect. When you talk to your child about going to the dentist, don’t talk about pain or anything that conjures fear. Use positive words to reassure your child that the dentist is there to help. 

 

Why Choose Pediatric Dental Care?

If the way we partner with parents sounds good to you, we welcome your children as new patients to our practice. Our doctors and staff establish a good rapport with children and their parents in order to build a solid foundation for a lifetime of dental health. 

 

To learn more, call 901-363-8192 today to schedule or request an appointment.