At Parkway Pediatric Dentistry, we offer fillings and restorative treatment options for teeth that have small cavities.
What are tooth fillings?
After the tooth decay and cavity is removed, the pediatric dentist places a “filling” where the cavity was so that the original shape and function of the tooth are restored. A filling is necessary to help prevent the tooth from trapping food and bacteria where the cavity once was. It is important that the filling is smooth and that there are no gaps between the filling and the tooth, as this helps reduce future cavities.
White Fillings or Composite Resins
At Parkway Pediatric Dentistry our Pediatric dentist in Roanoke use high-quality esthetic tooth-colored filling material, also known as composite resin. The color and shade of the filling match the color of your front or back tooth so that the fillings are not noticeable. Composite resins are used for small to medium-sized fillings. One of the reasons that Dr. Anderson and Dr. Ryan use white fillings is that they are a more conservative treatment option and require the removal of less tooth structure.
Composite resins can have a long life expectancy. It is important to maintain a healthy diet, excellent hygiene habits, and preventative dental cleanings and exams in order for these fillings to last as long as possible.
What is the process of getting a filling?
At Parkway Pediatric Dentistry, we pride ourselves on making you and your child’s experience comfortable and informative. We explain, show, and teach your child every step of the way to help alleviate any anxiety or worries that he or she may have. Listed are the three easy steps involved in getting a tooth-colored filling by a pediatric dentist.
1) Local Anesthesia: Dr. Anderson and Dr. Ryan, as pediatric dentists, have perfected their method of painlessly delivering local anesthetics to children and teenagers. Local anesthesia puts the tooth asleep so your child does not feel anything. Smaller cavities that need tooth-colored fillings may not need local anesthetic in some instances.
2) Remove the Tooth Decay: After the tooth is asleep, Dr. Anderson and Dr. Ryan will remove the tooth decay and prepare the tooth to receive the tooth-colored filling.
3) Placing the Filling: This is the artistic side of pediatric dentistry where Dr. Anderson and Dr. Ryan restore the tooth to its original shape and function. After the filling is hardened by a special LED light, it is polished and is as strong as ever.
We understand that this may be a new experience for your child and some patients will be nervous. Our team at Parkway Pediatric Dentistry understands this, and we will walk your child through the visit by showing them the instruments we use and explaining the steps involved. This helps your child develop trust with Dr. Anderson and Dr. Ryan and allows your child to know what to expect. Many children become confident and relaxed by the end of their visit.
If your child is anxious, we offer different options to help alleviate anxiety. Frequently, nitrous oxide or laughing gas, is enough to calm nervous patients. As board-certified pediatric dentists, Dr. Anderson and Dr. Ryan also offer other sedation options if needed.
If you are concerned about your child having a cavity or a toothache, please call us at Parkway Pediatric Dentistry to meet our kid-friendly team and Dr. Anderson and Dr. Ryan. We specialized in treating children and can schedule a consultation for you and your child. Please call us at 540-989-3639.
FAQ
Is a filling a restoration?
Restorative dentistry procedures aim to reinforce weakened teeth. Such is the case of dental fillings. Make sure you ask a trusted professional about the best filling and restoration service in Roanoke, Virginia.
How long does it take to recover from a cavity filling?
Sensitivity from a tooth filling or restoration service in Roanoke should go away within two to four weeks. If it doesn’t, contact your your child’s pediatric dentist.
Does it hurt to get a filling replaced?
Although it’s common to feel anxiety or stress when getting a filling or restoration in Roanoke, there is usually little to no discomfort.
How long does tooth restoration last?
Filling and Restoration treatments last depending on the type of filling used. Composite resin fillings have a lifespan of about five to seven years. And amalgam fillings last ten to fifteen years. These are just averages and also depend on proper care of your fillings. If you have any questions, contact your kid’s pediatric dentist.
