Tooth-Colored Fillings For Cavities

Treat Decayed Teeth With Lifelike Restorations

Even if they take great care of their teeth, your child still may develop a cavity. And if they do, Dr. Michelle Vo and the team at Duck Duck Tooth Pediatric Dentistry are here to help with tooth-colored fillings in Lexington, MA. 

‍

We offer expert care in a welcoming, child-friendly environment. And with nitrous oxide sedation available for kids of all ages, we can help your little one if they need a little bit of help feeling comfortable during their treatment.

What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings use a material called dental composite to restore teeth, so they're also often called “composite fillings.” Dental composite is a very strong and durable material that’s made from a mixture of crushed glass and dental resin.

‍

As the name suggests, dental composite is available in many different colors so that it can be matched to the color of your child’s tooth. Once their tooth has been restored, it will be nearly impossible to tell where the natural tooth structure ends and where the filling begins!

The Benefits Of Tooth-Colored Fillings

‍

• Looks completely natural – Unlike metal amalgam fillings which are silver and discolor your child’s teeth, tooth-colored fillings offer completely seamless cosmetic results. Whether it’s for a baby tooth or an adult tooth, your child’s new filling will look completely natural when they smile and laugh!
• Requires less enamel removal – During the preparation process, composite fillings require less removal of natural tooth material compared to metal fillings. This means that Dr. Vo can preserve more of your child’s natural tooth structure, which is always a good thing!
  
  
• No toxic metals – Composite tooth-colored fillings are completely metal-free! While metal amalgam fillings are accepted as safe by the FDA and other regulatory bodies, many parents are uncomfortable with the idea of their child getting a filling that contains mercury, which is a toxic metal.

‍

Understanding The Filling Placement Process

Diagnosis and treatment planning

First, you and your child will meet with Dr. Vo. She will perform an oral exam and take X-rays to determine the extent of their tooth decay. Fillings are a good option for most cases of minor to moderate decay, but an alternative treatment like a dental crown may be recommended for severely damaged teeth.

Tooth preparation and numbing

Once your child is approved for a filling, they will come in for a separate visit to have their tooth restored. Dr. Vo will begin by cleaning their teeth and numbing their mouth to ensure your little one’s comfort. We also offer minimal nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for kids who need a little more help being brave during their visit to Duck Duck Tooth Pediatric Dentistry!

Sedation if chosen

Removing decayed tooth material

Once your child’s numbing and sedation have taken effect, Dr. Vo will gently remove any decayed or damaged material from their tooth using a dental drill. As a conservative dentist, she will do her best to keep as much of their tooth intact as possible.

Filling the cavity

After preparing the tooth, Dr. Vo will select a dental composite material that matches your child’s smile perfectly. Then, she will apply it to the tooth, shaping it and sculpting it to restore the cavity. Once everything looks good, she will harden the resin with a UV light to strengthen the filling and bond it to the tooth.

Final touches and finishing up

Finally, Dr. Vo will clean up the treatment area and check your child’s bite to make sure that their new filling fits into their smile perfectly. She will make any last-minute adjustments if needed. Then, that’s all there is to it! Your little one can get back to their normal routine, and you can get peace of mind knowing that their oral health is back on track.

Get Help With Cavities And Restore Your Child’s Smile

If you think that your child has a cavity and may need a dental filling in Lexington, MA, Duck Duck Tooth Pediatric Dentistry is where you want to be. We love working with kids of all ages, and always pledge to treat your child with the patience, gentleness, and respect they deserve.

‍

So don’t wait, and don’t let their tooth decay get any worse. If your little one needs a tooth-colored filling, give our team a call at (339) 970-2014 or contact us online to book their first visit with Dr. Michelle Vo. We look forward to meeting you soon!