Why Choose Woodland Pediatric Dentistry for White Fillings?
- Skilled and Experienced Pediatric Dentist
- Compassionate, Dedicated Staff
- Preserve Healthy Tooth Structure with Composite Resin
Kids White Fillings – Marietta, GA
Repair Teeth While Preserving Their Beauty
It takes a while for children to learn how to properly take care of their teeth, and cavities can unfortunately sometimes set in before they have it figured out. While many people think fillings look like conspicuous metal spots in teeth, our talented team here at Woodland Pediatric Dentistry can restore your child’s tooth with a white filling that blends in perfectly with their natural tooth structure. Contact our office if you are concerned that your child might have tooth decay.
What Are White Fillings?
For a long time, dental fillings were made from a blend of metals called amalgam. While this substance is effective at resolving tooth decay and restoring teeth, it can be quite visible in a smile because of its dark, metallic color. Thankfully, our team can resolve your child’s cavities with white fillings made from bio-friendly materials that bond directly to the tooth. This creates a lifelike, tooth-colored restoration with a stronger bond and longer-lasting results.
The Process of Getting a White Filling
It usually takes just one appointment to place a white filling in your child’s smile. First, our team will numb the area with a local anesthetic or provide a sedation treatment to keep your child comfortable. We will then remove the decayed tissue from the tooth and apply a small amount of tooth-colored composite resin to the treated area. We will clean and prepare the tooth, place the filling, and polish the putty-like material so it matches the shape of the tooth before hardening the bond with a special light. The result is a restored tooth with a completely natural appearance!
The Benefits of White Fillings
White fillings deliver several benefits that traditional tooth decay treatments cannot. A few of these include:
- Composite resin can be precisely shaded to match your child’s smile and forms a direct bond with your child’s enamel, allowing it to provide superior support.
- Unlike amalgam fillings, white fillings do not expand or contract due to temperature shifts. This makes them more comfortable while preventing cracks from forming in the tooth.
White fillings blend in seamlessly with your child’s existing tooth structure, creating a lifelike restoration that can last for up to ten years with proper care.
Kids White Fillings FAQs
How long will a white filling last?
Since our dental team at Woodland Pediatric Dentistry uses composite resin to fill in cavities, you can expect your child’s white filling to last an estimated 10 years. However, the lifespan of the filling ultimately depends on how well your child takes care of their smile. Practicing good oral hygiene, continuing to see us for regular checkups and cleanings, and eating a diet full of healthy, nutrient-rich foods will ensure that it remains in place for as long as possible.
Can white fillings stain?
It is possible for your child’s white filling to become stained. Although the resin is designed to match the tooth enamel, it can discolor over time. This typically happens when the material is exposed to dark-colored foods and beverages such as soda, fruit juice, etc. Your child will need to be mindful of what they consume so that they do not have a tooth that is easily noticeable to others. If they want a soda, it’s best to let them use a straw so that the liquid does not sit in the mouth as long.
What is the most effective way to maintain white fillings?
To ensure that your little one’s smile looks beautifully blended after receiving a white filling, it’s important that you help them to:
- Brush their teeth twice each day for two minutes. They’ll need to use fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss at least once a day before bed to remove plaque and bacteria from between teeth.
- Use an ADA-approved mouthwash (if old enough) to rinse away any remaining food particles.
- Keep their regularly scheduled six-month dental checkups and teeth cleanings with our dental team.
- Have them eat healthy foods that consist of fruits and vegetables as well as calcium-enriched options like yogurt, cheese, and milk.
- Limit their consumption of dark-colored foods and beverages to avoid staining.
- Have them wear a mouthguard to protect against a sudden hit or teeth grinding.
Why are white fillings better than those made of traditional amalgam?
When it comes to dental fillings, traditional amalgam has been around for a long time. However, researchers have discovered that the metal used was not only unsightly, as it began to show over time, but it also expanded when exposed to hot and cold temperatures. This caused the natural tooth to become further damaged, leading to an individual needing a dental crown.
With white fillings, though, the resin will not expand, so your child can keep more of their natural teeth and avoid additional harm in the future. Also, these fillings are non-toxic, so they are suitable for children with metal allergies and are safer and healthier for the mouth and body.
Will my insurance cover the cost of white fillings?
There is a good chance that your dental insurance will cover the cost of white fillings for your child. Most dental insurance companies recognize them as restorative treatments that are necessary to improve the health of your little one’s smile. The amount they choose to cover, though, is dependent on whether you’ve met your deductible. Typically, this type of treatment can have your insurer paying up to 80% of the total cost. It’s important, though, to review your policy as well as have a member of our dental team work on your behalf so that you can get the most out of your dental benefits.