Kids Fillings
In Modesto

Dental Fillings For Children

Tooth decay can be prevented with proper oral hygiene. But even if you do your best to care for your little one’s teeth, they may end up with a cavity. If you think your child has a cavity, a dental filling from First Smiles Children’s Dentistry is the best way to protect their oral health. Contact us now for a consultation with Dr. Chris Ha, and get the care they need.

Modesto pediatric fillings

Did you know…

42% of kids from the age of 2-11 have had at least one cavity in a baby tooth, and 21% of kids from the age of 6-11 have had at least one cavity in an adult tooth.

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What To Expect From The Pediatric Filling Process

Cleaning and numbing

To begin the process, Dr. Ha will clean the area and numb your child’s mouth to keep them comfortable throughout their filling. We’re specialists at caring for kids, so we’ll keep your little one feeling great during their appointment.

Removing damaged enamel

Once their mouth is numb, Dr. Ha will gently remove enamel from the damaged tooth. He will clean away any damaged or decayed material to prepare the tooth for a filling.

Placing the filling

We use composite (tooth-colored) fillings at your children's dentist in Modesto, CA. Dr. Ha will choose a resin material that matches your child’s teeth perfectly. Then, he will apply it to the tooth, reshaping it and restoring its appearance and strength.

Final adjustments

Once the overall shape of the filling is right, Dr. Ha will check your child’s bite a couple of times using special paper. Then, he’ll make any necessary adjustments so that their new filling fits into their bite perfectly. After that, you and your little one will be sent home by your Modesto kids dentist.

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Common Causes Of Tooth Decay In Kids

Poor oral hygiene is a common cause, especially in older kids who have started brushing on their own. Without proper brushing and flossing, bacteria-filled plaque will build up on their teeth, causing cavities.

A high-sugar diet is also a major contributing factor, especially if your child drinks lots of juice, sports drinks, soda, and other sugary drinks. You should definitely consider changing your child’s diet if they're prone to cavities.

Improper hydration can be a factor, too. Proper hydration increases saliva flow, which helps prevent tooth decay. Tap water has fluoride in it, which also helps prevent cavities. 

Top Tips For Preventing Cavities

First, make sure your child is brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and flosses once per day. Proper oral hygiene is the #1 best way to prevent cavities. 

You also should consider eliminating sugary drinks from their diet, and minimize processed snacks like chips and candy. Feed them a diet high in healthy dairy, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean meats. They should drink only water and milk.

Speaking of water, give your child plenty of water to keep them hydrated. And avoid bottled water. Despite what some misinformed people would have you believe, tap water is perfectly healthy, and has fluoride that helps keep their teeth strong.

Have questions about sedation options for your child? Find answers here.

Why is sedation used in dentistry?

Sedation is most often used to treat dental anxiety and keep children at ease during their treatment. Fear of the dentist is very common, and sedation can keep your child calm during their appointments. 

Additionally, sedation helps with pain and discomfort during more invasive procedures, such as tooth extractions. It also helps young patients feel more comfortable if they need to sit still for longer treatment times.

Is sedation dentistry right for my child?

As long as your child is healthy and is not taking any medications that may interfere with the sedation, your child should be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Contact us to learn more about sedation options for your child. We can discuss any concerns you may have during a consultation.

What does sedation dentistry feel like for my child?

This depends on the method of sedation. With laughing gas, your child will feel light-headed, giggly, and relaxed, but will be fully conscious and aware of their surroundings. They will also feel less discomfort during treatment.

Oral conscious sedation and IV sedation will usually make patients feel groggy or sleepy. Your child will likely fall asleep, and probably won’t remember much about the procedure. However, they will not be unconscious, and can still be woken and respond to commands.

General anesthesia is the deepest level of sedation. Your child will be completely unconscious and will not feel anything or remember anything from the procedure.

Is sedation dentistry safe for toddlers?

When done correctly, sedation dentistry for children, even toddlers, is completely safe. Several precautions are taken to ensure a seamless experience. First, we’ll take a detailed health history to make sure we recommend the right sedation option. We’ll then discuss options with the parent or guardian so that you understand the effects and are prepared to care for your child after their procedure. All methods of sedation dentistry are provided by professional and skilled team members, so you rest assured that your child's well-being is of the utmost importance.

Did you know…

All the 20 baby teeth will fall out before your child becomes an adult.

Is your child ready for their dental appointment?