4 Types of Dental Fillings for Your Child’s Oral Health in 2024

Packaging your children’s teeth with health materials is essential to preventative dentistry. Without cavities being taken care of, kids can experience intense toothache and gum pain that might lead to more serious dental problems.

To ensure this doesn’t happen to your child, they must receive proper dental filling care tailored just for kids. In this post, we will discuss the options so you can make the best decision about protecting your child’s oral health in the future!

Read: Tooth-Colored Filling: Types, Benefits, Lifespan And Safety

4 Different Types of Pediatric Dental Filling

1- Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

Amalgam (Silver) fillings are an effective treatment. This filling is made from a combination of metals, including copper, zinc, and tin.

It is typically used to repair a tooth after decay has been removed. Amalgam fillings are durable and can last many years with proper care and maintenance.

Additionally, amalgam fillings are cost-effective compared to other filling options, making them attractive for parents. 

The FDA recently warned about using amalgam (silver) fillings for children. While amalgams are often considered economical, their content or composition can harm children’s health.

Despite its low cost, amalgam is composed of approximately 50% mercury.

Therefore, the FDA urges caution in using these fillings on children and recommends other viable alternatives like composite filling materials. 

2- Porcelain

Porcelain fillings have become popular for filling cavities in children’s teeth. They are strong and durable and protect the tooth against re-infection.

Compared to metal fillings, porcelain fillings are more aesthetically pleasing and can be tinted to match the enamel of teeth.

They also bond well with the existing tooth structure, providing additional strength and minimizing the loss of healthy tooth material.

Porcelain fillings are not recommended for large cavities due to their delicate nature, but they may be suitable for minor repairs. 

3- Composite Resins

Composite resin fillings are an increasingly popular choice for treating cavities in children’s teeth.

The acrylic resins used in these filling materials contain finely ground glasslike particles that provide a strong and durable foundation for restoring the damaged areas of the tooth.

In addition to strengthening the affected area, composite resin fillings also carry aesthetic benefits due to their ability to blend in with the color of natural teeth, making them a great choice for kids who want their smile to remain unaffected by necessary dental work. 

4- Cast Gold

When placed properly, cast gold fillings will last many years without replacement and can even outlast a child’s adult teeth if they do not experience an accident or injury.

Cast gold fillings also create a more natural-looking restoration when compared to composite resin filling materials.

On average, cast gold is the most cost-effective choice in the long run, simultaneously insulated from financial or health risks.

To Sum Up

At Palm Valley Pediatric, we are committed to providing a comfortable and comprehensive Dental Fillings For Kids of all ages.

Our experienced pediatric dentists specialize in taking care of the oral health needs of your little ones, and we strive to give them the best care possible.

We use the latest technologies to ensure your child receives the highest quality treatments tailored to their needs.

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will ensure that every visit with us is as pleasant as possible. From preventive measures to fillings, our practice is here to provide your child with excellent care.