Dental Fillings In Monroe, NC
When a cavity develops, prompt treatment is important to prevent further damage and discomfort. Dental fillings restore your child’s tooth by removing decay and sealing the affected area, helping to protect the tooth and maintain a healthy smile. Modern fillings are safe, durable, and designed to blend naturally with your child’s teeth.
At All Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Monroe, NC, we provide gentle dental fillings as part of our comprehensive pediatric care. We accept most insurance plans, including NC Medicaid, and offer a dental savings plan for families without insurance—making quality dental treatment accessible to families throughout the Monroe community.
- Most major insurance accepted
- NC Medicaid provider
- In-house dental savings plan
- All major credit cards
If your child mentions discomfort while eating or you notice changes in their teeth during brushing, it might be time to check for cavities. Cavities happen, even to kids who brush regularly, but the good news is that modern dental fillings can restore your child’s tooth quickly and comfortably, getting them back to eating, playing, and smiling without discomfort.
At All Kids Pediatric Dentistry, our team provides gentle dental care for children throughout Monroe, Indian Trail, and the surrounding communities. We use tooth-colored materials that blend naturally with your child’s smile while removing decay and protecting the tooth from further damage. Our pediatric dentists create a welcoming environment where kids feel safe and cared for, making your visit a positive experience.
Gentle, comprehensive dental care for children with flexible payment options for growing families.
What Are Dental Fillings for Kids?
Dental fillings repair teeth damaged by cavities, which develop when bacteria produce acids that wear away tooth enamel. Once our pediatric dentists remove the decayed portion of the tooth, they fill the space with a biocompatible material that restores the tooth’s shape and function. This prevents further decay and allows your child to eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
Composite fillings match the color of your child’s natural teeth, making them virtually invisible. Unlike older silver amalgam fillings, these tooth-colored restorations blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth and contain no mercury, offering a safe and aesthetic solution for young smiles. For cavities that are too large for a filling, dental crowns may be necessary. In these cases, stainless steel crowns are used on posterior teeth, while zirconia (tooth-colored) crowns are used on anterior teeth.
Why Does My Child Need a Filling?
Cavities are one of the most common childhood health conditions. According to the American Dental Association, plaque constantly forms on teeth. When children eat or drink anything with sugar, the bacteria present in plaque produce acids that attack enamel and can cause cavities over time.
Several factors increase cavity risk in children:
- Frequent snacking or sipping on sugary drinks throughout the day
- Inadequate brushing and flossing habits
- Deep grooves in molars that trap food particles
- Not enough fluoride exposure to strengthen enamel
- Going to bed with a bottle containing milk or juice
Baby teeth serve essential functions beyond chewing. They hold space for permanent teeth and guide their proper eruption. When cavities go untreated in baby teeth, they can cause discomfort, infection, and problems with speech development and nutrition.
How Do Fillings Work?
The filling process takes only one appointment and typically causes minimal discomfort. We begin by numbing the area around the affected tooth to ensure your child feels comfortable throughout the procedure. For children who experience dental anxiety, we offer nitrous oxide, which helps them relax while remaining awake and responsive.
Once the area is numb, our team gently removes the decayed portion of the tooth and thoroughly cleans the cavity. We then place the composite resin in layers, using a special light to harden each layer. This bonding process creates a strong, durable restoration that withstands regular chewing forces.
After shaping and polishing the filling to match the contours of your child’s tooth, we check their bite to ensure proper alignment. The entire process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cavity.
What Happens After My Child Gets a Filling?
The numbing sensation typically wears off within a few hours. Until then, your child should avoid eating on the treated side to prevent accidental bites to the cheek or tongue. Soft foods work best immediately after the appointment, though composite fillings harden completely during the procedure, so your child can resume normal eating once the numbness fades.
Some children experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures for a few days following treatment. This usually resolves on its own, but if sensitivity persists for more than a week or becomes severe, please contact our office.
How to Prevent Future Cavities
While fillings effectively treat existing cavities, establishing strong oral hygiene habits prevents new ones from forming. Brush your child’s teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily to remove plaque from between teeth that toothbrush bristles can’t reach.
Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals. When your child does enjoy treats, serving them with meals rather than as standalone snacks reduces acid attacks on tooth enamel. Water remains the best beverage choice throughout the day, and it helps rinse away food particles and bacteria.
Regular dental exams and cleanings every six months allow our team to spot cavities in their earliest stages, when treatment is simplest. Dental sealants provide extra protection for molars, and fluoride treatments strengthen enamel to resist decay.
Schedule Your Child's Filling Appointment at All Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Our team at All Kids Pediatric Dentistry serves families in Monroe, Indian Trail, and throughout the Charlotte area with comprehensive pediatric dental care. We accept most major insurance plans and NC Medicaid. For families without insurance coverage, we offer an in-house dental savings plan that makes quality care affordable. Spanish and Russian language services are available to ensure clear communication with every family we serve.
If you think your child may have a cavity, schedule an appointment today at one of our three convenient locations serving the Charlotte area. All Kids. All Smiles.
If it’s been six months or more since your child’s last dental checkup, then it’s time to contact our practice and schedule an appointment!
Our Convenient Locations
Our Convenient Locations
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Please use the form below to schedule your appointment with us. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can schedule through our online chat or by calling or texting the office.
Please use the form below to schedule your appointment with us. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can schedule through our online chat or by calling or texting the office.
