The days of unsightly and obvious metal-colored fillings are a thing of the past. New, composite fillings perform the same function as traditional fillings while blending in with your child’s natural teeth. The dentists at Perfect Dental Care in New York, New York offer customizable fillings for children of all ages. If you’re in the Manhattan area, call or book an appointment online to find out how your child can benefit from composite fillings.
A composite filling is a tooth-colored filling made from a glass and plastic mixture that’s designed to blend in with your child’s natural teeth. The filling performs the traditional function of restoring decayed or damaged teeth, while also improving your child’s smile by changing the color of the tooth or reshaping a disfigured tooth.
The process for a composite filling is the same as a traditional filling. During the procedure, the dentist:
Numbs the area around the tooth that needs the treatment
Cleans and prepares your child’s tooth
Removes any decay
Places the composite onto your child’s tooth
Using a special light to harden the composite, helps it to bond to your child’s tooth
Once the composite has hardened, the dentist files and buffs the filling to smooth the edges and to make sure your child’s upper and lower teeth come together properly.
Many patients prefer composite fillings because of their natural appearance. The color of the filling is customizable, allowing the dentist to color match your child’s teeth. Composite fillings also bond securely to the tooth, which provides extra support while reducing the risk of losing the filling.
There are several things you can do to prevent tooth decay and avoid fillings, such as:
Ensure dental hygiene by having your child brush twice daily and floss once
Avoid providing sugary snacks throughout the day
See the dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning