Fillings
A filling is used to restore a tooth affected by decay, weakened enamel, a break or chip, or the need to replace an older filling. During the procedure, dental decay is removed, and a white filling is placed to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
Why we do fillings on baby teeth
Baby teeth play a crucial role in keeping the space for adult teeth, as well as aiding in eating and speaking.
Baby molars do not usually get wiggly until around 10 to 12 years old. There are various types of fillings and techniques. Your dental or oral health therapist will explain the best option for your child’s needs.
What to expect during a filling
Numbing the area
The area around the tooth is numbed using a gel, followed by local anaesthetic given with a small needle. This puts the tooth and surrounding area to sleep, which may feel like a scratch and then pins and needles around the lip.
Sometimes a filling may not be painful, so it will not require an injection.
Numbing the area
The area around the tooth is numbed using a gel, followed by local anaesthetic given with a small needle. This puts the tooth and surrounding area to sleep, which may feel like a scratch and then pins and needles around the lip.
Sometimes a filling may not be painful, so it will not require an injection.
Cleaning the tooth
Once numb, the dental decay is carefully removed using specialised instruments. This process may be noisy and involves water to wash away the decay.
Cleaning the tooth
Once numb, the dental decay is carefully removed using specialised instruments. This process may be noisy and involves water to wash away the decay.
Preparing the tooth
The prepared tooth is ready for the filling. Sometimes, a small band is placed around the tooth to hold the filling in place, which might feel tight around the tooth.
Preparing the tooth
The prepared tooth is ready for the filling. Sometimes, a small band is placed around the tooth to hold the filling in place, which might feel tight around the tooth.
Placing the filling
The tooth coloured filling material, resembling toothpaste, is applied to the tooth in layers and hardened using a blue UV light.
Placing the filling
The tooth coloured filling material, resembling toothpaste, is applied to the tooth in layers and hardened using a blue UV light.
Final check and polish
Once the filling is in place, it is just a final check and polish of the tooth before it is finished.
Final check and polish
Once the filling is in place, it is just a final check and polish of the tooth before it is finished.
After a filling
If the tooth was numbed, remind your child to be careful not to bite, suck or poke the area until the numbness wears off. This can take a few hours.
Initially, the filled tooth may feel different, but it should feel normal by the end of the day.
Fillings may need to be replaced over time. They will be checked at your child's yearly dental exam to make sure they are still intact and functional.