Types of Filling Materials for Your Child’s Dental Cavity

Once your child’s dental cavity has been located, the decayed area has been removed, and the tooth has been thoroughly cleaned and prepped, it’s time for the dental filling. There are a few types of dental fillings in our Firestone, Colorado pediatric dental office, each with some pros and cons to consider.

Each type of dental filling has its own durability, aesthetic, and price considerations, so it’s important to talk to your child’s dentist about your options and what is right for your child.

Types of Dental Fillings

Below are the types of dental fillings offered in our office and a few things to consider about each option:

• Gold – Gold is a durable filling and lasts longer than other materials. However, because it is crafted from precious metal, a gold filling will be more expensive, and the color is more noticeable in the mouth.
• Metal Amalgam – Metal amalgam filling is made up of several metallic elements including silver, tin, mercury, and copper. This is also a durable option but much more noticeable. If your child has a metal allergy, please let us know.
• Composite Resin – These fillings are both durable and subtle, as they are color-matched to the tooth. Composite resin fillings are made of powdered glass and acrylic resin. They can be more expensive than metal amalgam, but less noticeable.
• Ceramic – Lastly, ceramic fillings have the benefit of being almost unnoticeable, but are a more expensive option. Ceramic fillings also have a decreased chance of stains than composite resin fillings.

Here at Firestone Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re happy to discuss your child’s dental filling options with you. Molars will require more durable fillings than front teeth and front teeth will require more aesthetic considerations than molars. In addition, some insurances will only cover certain filling types, so it’s important to know this information beforehand as well.

For more information, or to make an appointment for your child at our Firestone, Colorado children’s dental office, please give us a call today!