Westgate SmilesPediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dental Fillings

Many parents may not understand why they should have a tooth filling performed on their child’s teeth, especially if they are primary teeth that are going to fall out naturally over time. Whether it is on a child’s primary or secondary teeth, it is important to have fillings done in instances where children have cavities in their teeth or where there is some form of dental trauma that requires a filling.

Why Should You Opt For A Pediatric Dental Filling?

It is important to understand that the health of a child’s primary teeth is just as important as the health of their adult teeth once they grow in. Not filling cavities in a child’s primary teeth can lead to infections, which can pose a serious medical risk to children, including brain infection. Primary teeth also serve as placeholders for adult teeth, which means that preserving their health leads to healthier adult teeth in later life. Finally, it is important to remember that children are as affected by the appearance of their teeth as adults. Healthy and attractive teeth can do much to boost a child’s self-confidence.

Options For Dental Fillings And Costs

Parents have many different options available to them when it comes to choosing the dental fillings that the Westgate Smiles staff will use on their child’s teeth. The two primary options are:

  • Amalgam Fillings – These metallic, silver fillings are stronger, often more affordable, and can be a great option for primary teeth as they are a temporary option until the tooth falls out. They are often recommended for fillings in between teeth.

  • White Fillings – White dental fillings are a more aesthetically pleasing choice, as they mimic the color of a child’s natural teeth and are less noticeable. They may be recommended for more visible fillings and for smaller fillings.

Both are great options for ensuring the health of your child’s teeth. Your dentist will discuss these options to decide which is best. Typically, the dental fillings cost of silver fillings over white fillings is negligible, though in some cases amalgam fillings may be a more affordable option. This is especially true if the filling is only temporary and will be replaced with a permanent filling once the child reaches maturity.