Medical articles
Everything you want to know about dental fillings for children
Medical articles
Reviewed by: Dr. Ahmed Al Tawileb is a general dentist

Many parents are concerned about dental fillings for children, due to the crying and screaming caused by their children's fear of visiting the dentist.

What are children's dental fillings?

Dental fillings for children are a standard and effective treatment for repairing damage to baby or permanent teeth resulting from decay, in order to enhance your child’s oral health and improve his smile.

  • Toothache, especially when eating cold or hot foods, or sweets.
  • Discoloration, as some tooth stains may appear, such as white or dark spots.
  • Holes or cracks in the surface of the tooth.

So if your child suffers from tooth decay, and some holes appear on the surface of the tooth, dental fillings for children may be the best treatment for your child.

Also learn about the benefits Mouth toothpick

Which children need dental fillings?

These fillings can be used for children who suffer from tooth decay, which are essential for the child’s mouth, as they affect the way the child speaks and eats.

You can also read:

At what age can children have dental fillings?

Dental fillings can be performed on children between the ages of six to ten years, but some children may need fillings as early as two to three years of age, in cases of severe tooth decay.

Are there any risks associated with dental fillings for children at an early age?

There are no risks associated with getting dental fillings for children at an early age, because children are more susceptible to tooth decay. 

Why do children need dental fillings?

The most common cause of dental fillings in children is tooth decay, which occurs as a result of a diet high in sugars and not maintaining good oral hygiene.

Other reasons why your child may need dental fillings include: –

  • Poor tooth growth, or incorrect growth.
  • Root canal treatment.
  • Damage caused by an accident or shock.

Why are dental fillings for children necessary?

Dental fillings for children may be necessary for the following reasons: –

  • For chewing and speaking: –

If there is tooth decay and it is not treated, it may get worse, and you may need to have the tooth extracted, and this will affect chewing and speech development.

  • To help keep teeth in place: –

Having a tooth removed due to decay can create an empty space in the mouth, and other teeth can move in to fill that space, and this can lead to the child having problems with the alignment of the teeth.

  • Preventing the spread of caries to permanent teeth: –

Since the permanent teeth are located below the baby teeth, if the baby tooth has decay and is not treated, it is possible for the decay to spread to the gums and then to the permanent tooth.

  • Getting rid of caries pain: –

If your child has untreated tooth decay, he or she may feel pain as a result of the tooth decay.

You may also be interested in the top 5 reasons لتأخر النطق In children

What are the types of dental fillings for children?

There are different types of dental fillings that can be used on your child, including the following: –

Amalgam fillings are dental fillings for children

  • These fillings contain a mixture of tin, copper, silver, and zinc to create a strong, permanent bond.
  • Lasts for more than ten years.
  • They are an excellent choice for children who are exposed to extreme biting pressure.

Composite resin fillings

  • These fillings are made from acrylic powders and resins.
  • Tooth-colored filling materials are used.
  • The features of this material include the following: –
  • More stronger and more durable.
  • Teeth sparkle and look healthier, thanks to the translucent appearance of the composite resin.
  • It can be used as a crack preventer in children's permanent molars.
  • They do not require as much tooth preparation as amalgam fillings.
  • It is as close as possible to the color and transparency of natural teeth.

Ceramic fillings are dental fillings for children

Dentists do not prefer these fillings for the following reasons: -

  • Very expensive.
  • They do not last as long as composite resin fillings.

Glass ionomer gaskets

These fillings contain glass components and work as a great filling for baby teeth.

These fillings last for approximately five years.

How are dental fillings placed for children?

The doctor must contain the child and help calm him down in many ways, before the child undergoes the filling procedure, and then begins the procedure according to the following steps: -

  • Oral anesthesia: The doctor will begin by numbing the area around the tooth with an anesthetic.
  • Removal of tooth decay.
  • Tooth cleaning.
  • Place the filling in the cavity.
  • Put a blue light over the filling to make it firmer in just a few seconds.
  • Additional adjustments can be made if the child feels that the tooth is not in the correct shape, or is having difficulty biting.
  • This procedure does not require a recovery period, and the child can practice all his activities after the procedure is completed.

Does superficial cavities require treatment with fillings?

Yes, superficial decay requires treatment with fillings, even if it appears as just superficial decay, because they protect the teeth from this type of decay, which begins superficially and then quickly develops into deeper layers of the tooth if left untreated. Fillings not only replace the missing part, but also protect the rest of the tooth from the spread of decay and maintain its function until it is replaced naturally.

احجز استشارتك الأن فى Dental center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital

Why is Al Mousa Hospital the best choice for dental fillings for children?

Many children suffer from fear and anxiety about visiting the dentist, which is why they are distinguished Al Mousa Specialist Hospital Doctors are able to contain children, help calm them down, and get rid of fear and anxiety, by using laughing gas technology for dental treatments.

Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is a gaseous chemical mixture, and is given during simple dental treatments, in order to help calm and comfort the child.

This is done through the following: -

  •  Gently fit a comfortable mask over the child's nose.
  • Oxygen begins to flow through the mask, directing the child to breathe through his or her nose.
  • The doctor begins by introducing nitrous oxide gas into the airflow of the mask.
  • The child will continue to breathe through his nose without noticing any change, because the gas has no smell.
  • Gas affects the brain and contributes to the child's feeling of comfort and relaxation.

The gas is a safe and highly effective option for anesthesia for pediatric dental procedures, and within minutes of stopping the flow of gas your child will feel back to normal, with no side effects.

  •  Apply fluoride, which increases the teeth's immunity to decay.
  • Applying a sealant to protect permanent teeth from decay

Why does the dentist place temporary fillings?

One of the best solutions followed by the dentist when treating cavities in children and adults is to place temporary fillings for several reasons, the most important of which are:

  • Protect the tooth until complete treatment is completed and decay is removed.
  • It reduces tooth pain after treatment because it contains a substance that prevents irritation of the gums and thus reduces pain.
  • Cases of root canal treatment or cases that require several visits before installing a permanent filling.
  • Temporary fillings help protect the tooth from infections and bacteria and also prevent food from entering the treated part.
  • It maintains the natural shape of the tooth throughout the treatment stages until dental fillings for children are prepared and installed to achieve the best result.

Can children's teeth be treated with fillings?

Yes, of course, children's teeth can be treated with fillings. Indeed, they are one of the most common treatment options in the children's dental clinic in order to protect the baby teeth from decay and breakage until the time for permanent teeth to appear. Doctors at Al-Mousa Specialized Dental Center use the best and finest dental fillings for children, such as white or glass fillings that contain materials that are safe for your child.

Are children's dental fillings safe?

نعم، حشوات أسنان الأطفال آمنة تمامًا في حالة الذهاب إلى مكان موثوق مثل عيادات الاسنان في مستشفى الموسى التخصصي فيتم استخدام حشوات الأسنان الطبية المعتمدة لأنها مخصصة للأطفال ولا تحتوي على مادة الزئبق ولا تسبب تهيجًا للثة أو ضررًا للأسنان، كما أنها تساعد في حماية الأسنان من التسوس مما يجعلها تجربة مريحة وآمنة تمامًا للطفل.

How can I take care of my child's teeth after filling?

Your child can take care of his teeth immediately after placing the filling by doing the following: –

  • Eat soft foods, especially in the first few hours, such as yogurt or apple sauce, to prevent any pressure on the filling while it hardens.
  • Give your child pain relievers if he experiences discomfort.

Oral hygiene routine after dental fillings for children

  • Gently brush your teeth, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, at least twice a day, for two minutes.
  • Use dental floss before bed.
  • Avoid mouthwash or other harsh oral products for a few days to prevent irritation.
  • Limit your intake of sugary foods to prevent tooth decay.
  • Regular dental examinations, in order to prevent tooth decay and ensure that the filling remains intact.

Also learn why Sleep disorders In children and how to treat it

Frequently asked questions about dental fillings for children

If your child suffers from tooth decay, you may have many questions about dental fillings, such as: –

When does my child need dental fillings?

Your child may need these fillings if he suffers from tooth decay, as tooth decay is the second most common disease after the common cold.

  • Persistent toothache.
  • Excessive sensitivity when eating or drinking.
  • Dark spots appear on the teeth.
  • It forms a hole in the teeth, where food particles stick.
  • The presence of a visible crack or crack in the tooth.
  • Damage to the previous filling.

How long does the filling last?

The duration of dental fillings depends on the following: –

  • Size and location of the cavity.
  • The amount of pressure on the tooth.
  • Oral hygiene habits.

Accordingly, white dental fillings (composite resin) can last from 5 to 10 years in children.

Are dental fillings for children painful?

These fillings do not cause any pain to children, as the doctor places a local anesthetic on the child before starting the procedure, and this results in the child not feeling any discomfort.

What are the potential risks of dental fillings for children?

After dental fillings, your child may suffer from some mild side effects, such as: –

  • Minor pain.
  • التورم.
  • الحساسية.

But these side effects go away within a few days after the procedure.

What are the types of nerve fillings for children?

Types of nerve fillings for children are divided into temporary nerve fillings used in simple cases or until the next visit, and permanent nerve fillings that contain zinc oxide with eugenol or other medical rubber materials.

Does nerve filler for children require a fez?

Yes, of course a nerve filling for children requires a crown because the tooth becomes weak after the nerve is removed during treatment, making it susceptible to damage or breakage easily. Therefore, the child needs to have a crown fitted that maintains the function of the tooth until it is replaced naturally.

In the end, you now understand, dear reader, what are dental fillings for children? What are the steps of this procedure? And do they have side effects or not?

Share the article
Read more
The best psychological rehabilitation programs in the world
Symptoms of diabetes in children: urination, thirst, hunger, emaciation and serious symptoms
Reasons from daily habits to diseases: causes of high blood pressure
Is it really possible to treat cumulative diabetes permanently?
Symptoms of the seventh nerve... How to detect signs of facial paralysis and deal with them
Psychological rehabilitation services: regain your activity and normal life
Subscribe now to the mailing list
Get the latest news, articles and events on your mailing list on a weekly basis
Concerned about your health?
Follow the latest articles. This is a medical article and does not replace the need to consult a doctor. You can book with the best doctors
🍀 Don't miss your reservation with our medical offers
Your health is our priority... and our offers are designed for you
00Days
:
00Hrs
:
00Min
:
00Sec