Why Children Might Need Fillings
Cavities are common in children, and untreated decay can lead to pain, infection, or problems with the developing adult teeth. A filling removes the decay and stops it from spreading, restores comfortable eating and speaking, and protects the tooth until it naturally falls out or is replaced by a permanent tooth.
Baby teeth matter more than people think — they guide the permanent teeth into place, and losing them prematurely can cause crowding or bite problems.
The Fillings We Use (and the One We Don’t)
- Composite (tooth-colored) — a durable resin blend that matches natural teeth, bonds well, and lasts for years; ideal for visible teeth
- Glass ionomer — great for younger children and smaller cavities; it releases fluoride over time to protect surrounding teeth, and works well on baby teeth and low-pressure areas
- Amalgam (silver) — we don’t do it. Kids Rock uses exclusively resin-based, tooth-colored restorations for a healthier, more natural-looking result
What to Expect
- 1. Numbing with local anesthetic — nitrous oxide is available for anxious kiddos
- 2. The decay is gently removed
- 3. The filling is placed, shaped to match the natural tooth, and hardened with a special light
- 4. Polished and smoothed — quick and safe
Preventing the Next One
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially juice and sticky treats
- See us every six months
- Ask about fluoride treatments if your child is cavity-prone, and sealants for hard-to-reach molars
