Tooth-Colored “White” Fillings?

What are Tooth-Colored “White” Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings are made out of a composite resin material that replaces decay found in one or more of your child’s teeth. Decay can develop because of poor dental hygiene or because of the types of foods that your child eats. Unfortunately, some children are more prone to developing cavities than others. If your child has a cavity, we are able to place a tooth-colored white filling in that specific tooth.

Why would your child need Tooth-Colored “White” Fillings?

The most common reason for your child needing a tooth-colored filling is because they have a cavity. Cavities can be found with the help of a routine dental exam or with an x-ray. If your child has a cavity, we will schedule a second appointment for them to come in and have a filling placed. Fillings save the overall strength and integrity of the tooth, which helps your child to still function normally when eating or chewing.

What makes your child a good candidate for Tooth-Colored “White” Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings are ideal for most children who have one or more cavities. These fillings are natural-looking and are chosen specifically to match the color of your child’s surrounding teeth. With a dental checkup, Dr. Mina can determine if your child has decay and if the area requires a filling or other procedure. Most children who need a filling are able to have them placed easily and quickly.

What can you expect during the appointment for Tooth-Colored “White” Fillings?

Your child will first receive local anesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable. A drill is used to remove the decay from the child’s tooth. The filling is then placed into the hole and smoothed out to create a seamless, finished look. The filling is cured into place using a bright light and your child is ready to go home. If more than one filling is needed, these can be done at the same appointment if they’re on the same side of the mouth to prevent the need for additional local anesthetic. The procedure is done quickly for your child and we use kid-friendly terminology so that it’s comfortable for them to have done.

If you think your child may need a filling or you want to inquire more about this procedure, call our office and we’ll be more than happy to answer your questions.