5 Unexpected Benefits of Dental Sealants
Dental sealants can be a valuable tool in protecting your children’s teeth from cavities. Here’s what you need to know about how they work, and the benefits of investing in sealants for your children.
The Advantages of White Composite Fillings for Your Child
Young children are especially vulnerable to cavities. Nearly half of children under age 11 have at least one cavity in their baby teeth, and 21% have a cavity in their permanent teeth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
White composite fillings are a safe and effective option for childhood cavities. Nathalie Phaeton, DDS, Ki Youn Kil, DDS, and our team at Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics offer a range of pediatric dentistry services at our office in Falls Church, Virginia.
What are white composite fillings?
Also known as tooth colored fillings, white composite fillings work just like amalgam fillings, but they’re made from resin materials that match your child’s tooth color. Furthermore, white composite fillings bond to the tooth to strengthen and support it.
Once we remove the cavity and clean your child’s tooth, we fill the space with the white composite filling and harden it with a laser light. If your child has dental anxiety, a very low pain threshold, or any sensory issues, we can provide nitrous oxide or another form of sedation.
The advantages of white composite fillings for your child
One of the most obvious advantages of white composite fillings is that they’re discreet and look just like tooth enamel, so your child won’t have to worry about a mouthful of silver fillings.
But that’s just one of the benefits of choosing white composite fillings. Other advantages include:
Less drilling
Less drilling is usually required if a white composite filling is used as opposed to a metallic filling. This allows our dentists to preserve more of your child’s tooth when removing a cavity.
Furthermore, less drilling is usually a big win for children, especially if they’re nervous or have difficulty sitting still for longer periods of time.
No mercury
Tooth colored fillings are made from a combination of plastic and resin materials. These materials bond safely to teeth and help protect them. Furthermore, they don’t contain mercury, which is in some metallic fillings. The use of mercury in fillings has generated some debate as to its safety.
Versatile
No matter where your child has a cavity, whether it’s a tooth in the back or a tooth in the front, white composite fillings can be used. This discreet option can make the treated tooth blend in with all the rest.
More stable
Metallic fillings can expand and come loose over time. Furthermore, bacteria can get under the filling and lead to new cavities. Composite fillings are bonded to the tooth, so they’re more secure. They can protect the tooth from decay as well as from fractures, chips, and cracks.
If your child needs treatment for a cavity, or if they need any of our other pediatric dentistry services, call 703-483-9933 or book an appointment online with Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Bruxism in Children: What to Look for and How to Treat It
Many children grind their teeth while they sleep, which is also known as bruxism. Bruxism can cause a number of symptoms and potentially cause damage to your child’s teeth. Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms and treatment options.
5 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Child's Cavity Risk
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Children are especially vulnerable to developing cavities. Here are a few tips and tricks to improve your child’s oral health and reduce their cavity risk.
Your Child's Complete Guide to Good Oral Care with Braces
Brushing and flossing while wearing braces can be challenging, especially for children. Here are some tips and tricks to help your child keep up with their oral health and hygiene while wearing braces.
4 Ways to Start Taking Care of Your Baby's Oral Health
It’s never too early to prioritize and focus on your baby’s oral health. Here’s what you need to know about when to take your baby to the dentist for the first time, and how to take care of their oral health as they get older.
Sealants: Why Every Child Should get Them
Prevention is the best protection, especially when it comes to your child’s oral health. Here’s what you need to know about dental sealants, and whether they’re a good option for your child.