Tooth decay is never fun, especially for kids. As a parent, learning your child has a cavity might strike fear in your heart — but Kids Dental Center, board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Bosede Adeniji wants to put your worries at rest.
Dr. Adeniji and our team emphasize keeping children safe and providing great dental care experiences. Composite restorations, or tooth-colored fillings, offer a great alternative to traditional metal fillings.
We welcome all children and work closely with parents to create a stress-free experience, especially for those with dental anxiety or special needs. This month, our blog covers three reasons tooth-colored fillings are a great choice for children.
Half of all kids aged 6-9 have already experienced cavities in one or more teeth. Removing that decay is crucial, and so is preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Children need to retain that tooth structure because their baby teeth are placeholders for permanent teeth. Losing too much of a tooth too soon can impact alignment, leading to orthodontic concerns later.
Composite fillings preserve more of your child’s tooth and help maintain its natural strength, reducing the risk of future fractures and dental problems.
Tooth-colored fillings bond directly to the tooth. This means we only need to remove the decayed part of the tooth, leaving the surrounding healthy structure intact.
To make the process even easier for children, Dr. Adeniji uses air abrasion instead of a traditional drill. Air abrasion provides several benefits, including a painless experience, no high-pitched drilling noises, and no uncomfortable vibrations.
Tooth-colored fillings match the shade of your child’s natural teeth, making them virtually invisible. In contrast, silver fillings can stand out — and not in a good way. Silver fillings can also darken over time, while composite fillings maintain a bright, natural look.
For kids, appearance matters — especially as they reach school age. Previous studies show that children as young as 6 can feel embarrassed about their teeth, and noticeable dental work can impact their confidence.
With tooth-colored fillings, they can laugh, talk, and smile freely without worrying about their fillings standing out.
Traditional silver amalgam fillings contain metals, including small amounts of mercury. Tooth-colored fillings are made from a composite resin material completely free of metals like mercury.
Amalgam fillings have been used for over a century, but many parents still have concerns about mercury exposure. While the FDA considers silver fillings safe for children over 6, it’s still worth noting that composite fillings expose children to no mercury vapor.
Additionally, metal fillings can expand and contract with temperature changes, which may lead to cracks in the tooth over time. Tooth-colored fillings remain stable, helping prevent fractures and ensuring long-term durability.
Does your child need a filling? Don’t worry: Kids Dental Center is ready to put you and your child at ease. Call us at 301-345-2881 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Adeniji in our Greenbelt, Maryland, office.
