Dental Fillings for Children in Indianapolis, IN

Enjoy a More Natural Smile with Composite Dental Fillings

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic health conditions. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent it, and in cases where decay is unavoidable, a dental filling is an affordable, natural-looking, and safe solution. Not only are our fillings at Prime Smile some of the most aesthetic restorations available today, but they are strong and long-lasting as well.

Dental Fillings—The Best Solution for Tooth Restoration

At Prime Smile, we rely on high-quality materials, latest technology, and advanced techniques to create restorations for our patients that last a lifetime. Our goal is to create results that are designed to be virtually undetectable. We use tooth-colored fillings as restorations when our patients have:

• Tooth decay
• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth

How do I know if I need a filling?

If you are experiencing discomfort in your teeth, you may be a good candidate for a filling. Teeth sensitivity is an effective indicator of decay or fracture. When you come in for an evaluation, you to the appropriate dental treatment for your situation. We typically recommend fillings as the best solution for restoring teeth that have severe tooth decay, cracks, chips and cavities.

Dental Fillings—The Process

The procedure for placing a composite resin dental filling is a routine treatment that we do every day at Prime Smile. Here’s how it works:

1. the tooth from saliva to keep it dry.
2. Any dental decay is removed.
3. An etchant and a bonding agent are applied, followed by the composite resin.
4. A special light is used to harden each layer of composite resin material.
5. After the tooth is filled, the composite resin is shaped to resemble a real tooth.
6. Finally, the restoration is smoothed and polished to accommodate your bite.

When Does a Baby Tooth Need a Crown?

When a baby tooth has extensive decay or damage, a filling may not provide enough support. A dental crown covers and protects the tooth, helping your child chew comfortably and preserving space for the permanent tooth. At Prime Smile, we’ll recommend the restoration that best fits your child’s needs.

What Are Silver Fillings?

Silver fillings, also called amalgam fillings, are made from a mixture of metals and have been used for many years to repair cavities. Unlike tooth-colored composite fillings, amalgam fillings have a silver appearance. Your child’s dentist can explain the differences and recommend a filling material based on your child’s individual needs.

What Are Space Maintainers?

If your child loses a baby tooth too early, a space maintainer may help keep nearby teeth from shifting into the empty space. This helps preserve room for the permanent tooth to come in. At Prime Smile, we’ll evaluate your child’s smile to determine whether a space maintainer is needed.

What’s the Difference Between a Filling and a Crown?

A filling repairs a small area of decay or damage, restoring the tooth’s shape and function. At Prime Smile, we use tooth-colored composite fillings that blend naturally with your child’s smile.

A crown covers the entire tooth and may be recommended when decay or damage is too extensive for a filling. Crowns protect and strengthen weakened baby teeth, helping preserve them until they are ready to fall out naturally. We’ll recommend the best option based on your child’s needs.

What are composite resin fillings and restorations?

Composite resin fillings are the most common alternative to dental amalgam. They are sometimes called “tooth-colored” or “white” fillings because of their color. Composite resin fillings are made of a type of plastic (an acrylic resin) reinforced with powdered glass filler. Composite resin is often placed in layers to build up the final restoration, then cured with an “ultra-violet light.” This light energy speeds up the chemical reaction of the components causing the soft material to harden and bond to the tooth. This material is considered safe. The color (shade) of composite resins can be customized to closely match surrounding teeth. This plastic and glass mixture contains no metal and can be shaped to resemble a real tooth. It is usually hard to tell if a tooth has even been filled!