Fillings

Fillings

There are many types of dental fillings; at Just for Kids Dental we do not do any silver fillings. The fillings completed in our office are matched as close as possible to the child's natural tooth color.

These are known as tooth-colored composite fillings. Aesthetically, composite fillings are ideal because they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth. Composite fillings are also a versatile material to not only fill decay/cavities but to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth. Often times less tooth structure needs to be removed to prepare for the filling compared to silver (amalgam) fillings. Composite fillings also chemically bond to the tooth structure to provide further support.

What to expect when your child has a filling.

Local anesthesia will be used to complete your child's treatment. The lips and tongue may be affected, which may be a new and sometimes alarming sensation. Gentle reassurance may be necessary to convince your child that the feeling it temporary and the teeth will "wake back up" in approximately 1 - 2 hours.
Avoid sticky foods for 24 hours for the filling to adhere properly. Wait until the anesthetic wears off before chewing foods. This will reduce your chances of injuring yourself from biting your tongue, lip or cheeks.

If your child experiences minimal discomfort following the procedure, Motrin/Ibuprofen is the pain reliever of choice for dental discomfort and can be taken every 8 hours. If relief is needed more frequently, Tylenol may be alternated every 4 hours. If your child is a patient with our office, please contact us if any issues or questions arise. Always confirm your child's weight to ensure the proper dose is administered.

Preparing for your child's visit.

It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as "needle", "shot", "pull", "drill" or "hurt". The office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child. 

Instead of saying this = Please use this
Needle = Bubble
Anesthetic = Sleepy Juice 
Numb = Asleep
Hole in Tooth = Sick tooth because of sugar bugs 
Filling = Clean out the sugar bugs 
Bite Block = Tooth Pillow
Nitrous, Gas = Special Air, Loopy Gas, Happy Gas
Nitrous/Gas = Mask Clown Nose, Special Nose 
Drug, Medicine = Silly Pill, Special Juice
Drill, Cut = Mr. Whistle, Super-Fast Toothbrush
Instrument = Pick Tooth Counter
Scraper = Tooth Cleaner