Tooth-Colored Fillings for Kids Hillsboro

Cavities are the most common oral health issue among children. After all, kids love sweets, and they are not always the most diligent when it comes to brushing and flossing. The good news is that if your child develops a cavity, our Hillsboro team can help! We can repair those spots of decay with tooth-colored fillings. This simple and fast treatment can prevent the need for more extensive care while allowing your child’s smile to retain its natural beauty.

What Are Tooth-Colored Fillings?

A filling is a small dental restoration that is placed into a cavity to protect the tooth’s interior and prevent the decay from spreading. In the past, dentists always used traditional amalgam fillings, which are very durable but also plagued by many downsides. For example, they have a dark color and are composed of around 50% mercury.

Tooth-colored fillings are made out of a metal-free composite resin that we can shade-match to blend in with the surrounding dentition. They prevent unsightly dark spots in the teeth and are durable enough to last for many years.

The Process of Getting a Tooth-Colored Filling

The process of placing a tooth-colored filling takes just one appointment and is surprisingly comfortable. We start by numbing the tooth. Your child might notice some pressure as we work, but they should not experience any real pain. We will remove decayed tissue from inside the tooth and then insert the filling material. We will then use a special curing light to harden fillings in a matter of seconds. To finish, we will shape the filling so it is flush with your child’s tooth and will not interfere with their bite. We may also polish it so it looks as good as possible.

The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

Tooth-colored fillings offer some big advantages compared to their old-fashioned metal counterparts:

• Beautiful aesthetics: We can shade-match the material so it blends in naturally with your child’s surrounding teeth.
• Biocompatibility: Composite resin is metal-free, making it a good option for families who prefer mercury-free dental materials.
• Reduced sensitivity: Tooth-colored fillings are less reactive to hot and cold temperatures, which may help your child stay comfortable.
• Conservative repair: The material bonds directly to the tooth, so we can preserve as much healthy enamel as possible.
• Strong support: Once hardened, the filling helps reinforce the treated tooth for everyday chewing.
• Gentle versatility: Tooth-colored fillings can repair cavities in both baby teeth and permanent teeth.
• Durability: Tooth-colored fillings can last for several years with proper care.