Dental filling at the paediatric dentist

Even today, tooth decay remains a widespread problem. Dental fillings are a standard treatment method for addressing tooth decay in children and maintaining the health of their teeth in the long term. Here's how a dental filling procedure works at the paediatric dentist and what symptoms to watch out for to recognise tooth decay.

Why is a dental filling necessary?

Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases, leading to pain, infections, and complications. The filling helps to repair the damaged tooth and restore the normal function of the chewing apparatus. Timely dental filling can stop decay and restore and protect the affected tooth. Some signs may indicate your child needs a filling. Look out for the following symptoms:

Pain or sensitivity

If your child complains of sensitivity when chewing, drinking hot or cold beverages, or brushing their teeth, this could be a sign of a defect that requires a filling.

Gum inflammation

Inflamed gums around one or more teeth may indicate decay that needs treatment. In case of gum inflammation, it's vital to have a dentist diagnose it as soon as possible.

Visible holes or discoloration

It could be a sign of advanced decay if you notice visible holes or discolouration in your child's teeth. A filling is usually necessary in such cases and effectively addresses the issue.

Tooth loss

If your child has lost a tooth due to decay, you should visit a paediatric dentist to check if filling is needed on adjacent teeth to prevent further damage. If a milk tooth is lost prematurely, we collaborate with orthodontists to ensure the resulting gap is not constricted. Sometimes, spacers are required for this purpose. In addition to spacers, we manufacture children's prosthetics for our young patients in our in-house dental laboratory.

The procedure of dental filling at the paediatric dentist

In our practice, we have opted for fillings with high-quality composite material, a modern white plastic that is very durable and long-lasting. The costs for this are partially covered by statutory health insurance.

The examination

Before a dental filling is performed, we conduct a thorough examination of the affected tooth. The condition of the tooth is assessed visually and with LED light. Low-radiation X-rays may be necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

Anaesthesia: Local anaesthetic

To ensure that your child doesn't feel any pain during the treatment, a local anaesthetic is usually applied. This is done with a special anaesthetic syringe that numbs the affected area of the mouth. We explain this to your child in a child-friendly manner and avoid using the word "syringe".

Removal of decay

After the anaesthesia, the children's dentist carefully removes the decay from the affected tooth. The diseased tissue is thoroughly cleaned to ensure optimal adhesion of the filling.

The filling

Once the tooth is cleaned, the dentist will apply a suitable dental filling. There are various types of filling materials, such as composite or compomers. The dentist will choose the best option for your child based on the tooth's condition and other factors.

Aftercare

After the filling, the dentist will give your child instructions on oral hygiene. Your child needs to brush their teeth regularly, use dental floss, and keep regular dental check-ups to ensure the long-term health of their teeth.

Aftercare tips

If your child's tooth is severely damaged or if there's an increased risk of future decay, children's crowns can help preserve the tooth in the long term. Bring your child for regular check-ups at the paediatric dentist to detect any possible problems early on. Feel free to approach us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's dental health.