Tooth Colored Fillings | Resin Infiltration

Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases, so many of our patients are likely to need to have cavities filled at some point while they are in our care. We offer durable tooth-colored fillings without negatively affecting the appearance of your child’s smile.

Because the idea of getting a filling can feel scary and overwhelming to a child, we want to work with you to make sure that you thoroughly understand our treatment process and can reassure your child that there is nothing to fear about fillings.

In addition to treating cavities with tooth-colored fillings, we can also use resin infiltration as a cavity prevention tool or to address small cavities in certain circumstances. If this treatment would be beneficial, we can make recommendations after evaluating your child.

If you have any questions about tooth-colored fillings or resin infiltration, feel free to call our office and speak with one of our friendly, knowledgeable staff members.

Tooth-Colored Fillings: An Overview

Tooth-colored fillings are made of composite resin materials, and they can be tailored to match the shade of your child’s tooth as closely as possible.

Patients who receive tooth-colored fillings, rather than amalgam (metal) ones, gain many benefits, including:

Additionally, these tooth-colored fillings are quite durable. They can be used for cavities in a variety of locations, including on the large chewing surfaces of the molars, as needed.

Treatment Process For Tooth-Colored Fillings

The process of getting a filling is no different for pediatric patients as it is for adult ones. The dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the treated tooth and then remove any decayed material from the tooth. The resin used for the filling is prepared and placed in the space left behind after decayed enamel is removed. It is then cured using a special light.

We do offer several sedation options that may be beneficial for children who are particularly fearful about the treatment or those who are more fidgety. We are happy to discuss these options with you in greater detail if you feel that sedation might benefit your child.

Preparing Your Child To Get A Filling

We recognize that having a cavity filled can be a daunting prospect for an adult, let alone a child. However, giving your child an appropriate amount of information in advance of the treatment can go a long way toward easing that fear.

If your child prefers to hear about the treatment from us directly, we are happy to talk to them about it and answer any questions they may have. You may prefer that we discuss the details with you instead, and that is fine, too. Just let us know what will work best for your family.

As is the case with all dental treatments, if you have any reservations, your child will pick up on it. If there’s any information that you need to calm your fears about your child getting a filling, please don’t hesitate to ask us.

Resin Infiltration For Cavity Prevention

Resin infiltration is a minimally invasive treatment in which white spots that indicate hypoplastic enamel can be reversed. This is most often an issue for patients who previously wore orthodontic appliances that limited their ability to clear acids from their teeth.

The resin is applied to the “hypo” spots and then cured, as a filling is. However, this process requires no drilling or anesthetic. It is completed in approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

Not only does resin infiltration eliminate unsightly white spots, but it can also delay or prevent the development of cavities. Resin infiltration also can be used for small cavities in areas between the teeth that would be difficult to address with a conventional filling.

Common Questions about Tooth Colored Fillings