Pediatric Dental Filling

Dental fillings for children are among the leading treatments most frequently applied in the field of pediatric dentistry, also known as pedodontics. They are applied to prevent the progression of cavities occurring in children's teeth. Dental cavities, which we frequently encounter in babies and children, can bring along very serious health problems if neglected. After the decay is cleaned, the damaged tooth is filled with a filling. This procedure not only stops the progression of the decay but also eliminates the sensitivity problem occurring in the tooth. It allows the child to maintain chewing and speaking functions without problems. The fact that primary (milk) teeth will fall out on their own over time does not mean that the health of primary teeth is unimportant. On the contrary, it is necessary to pay attention to the health of primary teeth so that the permanent teeth that will erupt in the future can come out correctly and healthily. Specialist Dentist Emin Serhat Arıkan, serving patients in Adana, explained for you what dental fillings in children are, and why and how they are applied.

Why Are Dental Fillings Necessary for Children?

It is necessary to intervene in dental cavities in children as early as possible. Fillings applied to children's teeth prevent the progression of decay and ensure the protection of the tooth's aesthetic form and function. Thanks to pediatric dental fillings, chewing and speaking functions continue without problems. Saving primary teeth ensures that the permanent teeth coming from below erupt in the correct place, at the right angle, and healthily. With pediatric dental fillings, the child's oral and dental health is supported.

It is necessary to know that children's teeth are less resistant to cavities compared to adults. Tooth enamel can be damaged much more easily. Unhealthy eating habits can result in cavity formation. It can leave permanent damage on the tooth surface.

Dental fillings in children prevent the spread of decay and ensure the tooth can perform its functions. If we need to list the reasons for resorting to dental fillings in children:

• To stop the progression of cavities
• To protect the form and function of the tooth
• To prevent more serious oral and dental problems
• To ensure the protection of other healthy teeth
• To repair the damage caused by teeth grinding and clenching habits

What Is a Dental Filling in Children?

First, the child's oral and dental health is evaluated with a holistic approach. If there is destruction caused by decay in the child's teeth or if there is a fracture resulting from trauma, the amount of healthy tissue is examined. Treatment planning is carried out in this direction. Where the decay is located on the tooth and whether it reaches the gum line affects the filling application. Cavities reaching under the gum line may necessitate weaker fillings.

The dental filling application in children can be completed in a time frame of approximately half an hour to one hour. However, this duration may vary according to the condition of the child's tooth and the procedures to be applied. Dental fillings in children ensure the regaining of the function of decayed or damaged teeth.

How Are Fillings Done on Teeth in Children?

Permanent teeth start to erupt as of age six. This process continues until the age of 12. While performing fillings on permanent teeth:

• First, the child is put through a comprehensive examination. In necessary cases, X-rays may be taken, or digital scanning can be performed. The location and size of the cavity are determined.
• Then, anesthesia is administered to the child, ensuring they do not feel any pain or discomfort during the filling.
• The decay is cleaned using special tools. During this, it is necessary not to damage the healthy tooth tissue.
• After the cleaning of the decay, the tooth surface is made ready for the filling.
• Filling material is applied to the place of the cleaned decay. Composite and porcelain fillings can be preferred. Since composite resins are compatible with tooth color, they are preferred more in terms of aesthetics.
• After composite fillings are applied, ultraviolet light is applied to harden the filling material. In this way, the filling material experiences a solid integration with the tooth structure.
• After the hardening of the filling, the dentist corrects the filling surface and applies polishing. In this way, the filling becomes compatible with the rest of the tooth, and the chewing function is improved.

What Should Be Considered After Dental Fillings in Children?

There are some issues that both the child and the family need to pay attention to after a dental filling is applied to children. Primarily, it should not be forgotten that the child's mouth may still be numb in the first few hours after the filling. During this period, the child needs to stay away from extremely cold or extremely hot foods and beverages. Along with this, the filled tooth should not be bitten, and solid foods should not be consumed so that the filling is not damaged.

The region where the filling is applied in children may be in a sensitive state for a few days. This is a quite normal situation. If the toothache lasts longer than a few days and gradually increases its severity, you need to apply to your dentist in such cases. Paying attention to the child's oral care and hygiene and ensuring they gain the habit of brushing teeth ensure the protection of the filled tooth for a long time.

Going to dentist check-ups regularly is important both in terms of monitoring the condition of the filling and protecting oral and dental health.

As a result, dental fillings in children do not only improve oral and dental health momentarily. They also ensure the prevention of potential health problems that may occur in adulthood.