Dental Fillings | Cavity Treatment For Kids

Nearly all kids will receive a cavity at some point in their youth. To treat a cavity, our pediatric dentist uses a procedure called a dental filling. Generally, it is a painless and quick procedure. Your child's filling works to prevent additional tooth decay and allows the affected tooth to function as it normally would.


Children commonly experience cavities, even if they have great oral hygiene and a healthy diet. Dental fillings for children are often completed as quickly as they are for adults, although there are a few additional factors to consider. For example, children under the age of five might need anesthesia if they are unable to sit still for the duration of the treatment. Due to this, your child's appointment might be longer, especially if they need to recover afterward from the anesthesia. You can discuss your child's necessary accommodations with our pediatric dentist and also confirm how long the filling process will take.

Types Of Dental Fillings 

Here are some of the more common options for dental fillings:


  • White Fillings (Composites) | A mix of glass or quartz particles and acrylic resin, these have a color that resembles your child's natural teeth.
  • Glass Ionomer Fillings | Another tooth colored-filling, this option is less sturdy than composites. These are made of acrylic and a specific glass that contains fluoride, an ingredient in toothpaste that helps prevent cavities. Glass ionomer fillings are frequently utilized for children's teeth.

How Quickly Can A Filling Be Completed? 

Most children will have their dental filling applied in an hour or less and a simple filling can be completed in 20-minutes. Larger fillings, or several fillings, can require more time. It will also be determined by what materials you decide to use for your child's dental filling, as some options will demand additional time or a second appointment.

  • Recovering After A Dental Filling

    Most children will notice that their dental fillings heal swiftly and without complications. As the anesthetic effect lessens, your child's tooth might experience sensitivity for a day or two. You can limit tooth sensitivity by following these steps:


    • having your child chew on the other side of their mouth for two days
    • gently brushing and flossing around the filling
    • avoiding hot or cold foods and beverages
    • avoiding acidic foods
    • brushing with a desensitizing toothpaste
    • asking your child's dentist about a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory prescription

    Inform our pediatric dentist if your child's bite feels misaligned or if they experience any extensive pain or sensitivity. Your child's dentist can modify the filling surface to correct their bite.

  • Pain Following A Dental Filling

    When the filling is completed, your child may experience slight discomfort in the area near their dental work for a few hours. If they are highly uncomfortable, you can have them take an over-the-counter pain reliever or apply a small amount of heat or an ice pack to their jaw.


    Anesthesia wears off completely in two to seven hours, so your child might feel slight discomfort as their nerves regain their normal function.


    Your child is encouraged to avoid acidic foods, sticky foods, and cold foods for a day or two to ensure that the cavity is completely sealed and that they do not experience further discomfort.

  • How To Know If You Need A Dental Filling

    Routine dental checkups allow your child's pedatric dentist to identify a cavity early and offer immediate treatment, which will provide your child with a superior and more comfortable outcome (treatment will be less invasive than if you were to bring your child to visit our pediatric dentist less regularly and the issue is discovered at a more advanced stage). Symptoms of a possible cavity include:


    • tooth sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages
    • sensitivity to sugary foods and beverages
    • extensive discomfort in a tooth
    • a hole or pit within a tooth
    • a significant tooth stain, whether it is white or a darker color

    If you believe that your child has a cavity, schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentist immediately. They will confirm whether your child requires a filling or another form of treatment.