Pediatric Dental Treatments
Dental Fillings & Cavities
Fillings & Cavities in Wichita Falls: Restoring Your Child's Smile with Gentle Care
Why Do Children Get Cavities Despite Good Oral Hygiene?
Children can develop cavities for various reasons, even with diligent brushing and flossing. Factors such as deep grooves in teeth, frequent snacking on carbohydrate-rich foods, drinking sugary beverages, developmental enamel defects, and even genetic predisposition can contribute to cavity formation. As specialists who exclusively cater to children from 6 months to 18 years, we understand the unique challenges of maintaining pediatric oral health and preventing tooth decay.
Our approach begins with Dr. Iyer’s philosophy of “First Dental Visit by the First Birthday,” allowing us to establish preventive measures early. This proactive stance helps many families avoid cavities altogether through early education and preventive treatments like fluoride applications and dental sealants.
What Preventive Measures Can Help Avoid Fillings?
- Professional fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and prevent decay
- Dental sealants to protect vulnerable chewing surfaces of back teeth
- Innovative treatments like Curodont application and resin infiltration
- Silver Diamond Fluoride application to arrest early decay
- Customized home care instructions based on your child's specific needs
- Dietary recommendations to reduce cavity risk
Our fluoride treatments provide significant protection against tooth decay by strengthening enamel and making teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugary foods. These quick, painless applications are one of the most effective tools we have for preventing cavities, reducing decay by up to 30% in primary teeth.
Advanced Preventive Technologies
For children at higher risk for cavities, we offer innovative preventive measures like Curodont application, which helps remineralize early decay spots without drilling, and Silver Diamond Fluoride, which can arrest active decay while preventing new cavities from forming. These advanced options reflect our commitment to minimal intervention and prevention-focused care.
How Is the Filling Process Different for Children?
At Dentistry 4 Kidz, our approach to filling cavities is uniquely tailored to pediatric patients. With our bilingual staff who can communicate effectively in both English and Spanish, we ensure that all procedures are explained clearly to both parents and children.
The filling process typically involves:
- Gentle numbing of the area (using child-friendly techniques)
- Careful removal of decayed tooth structure
- Preparation of the tooth surface
- Placement of the mercury-free filling material
- Shaping and polishing for comfort and function
Our child-friendly environment featuring colorful artwork with elephants, butterflies, and giraffes helps create a positive atmosphere that reduces anxiety during restorative procedures. This thoughtful design element, combined with our team’s specialized pediatric training, helps transform cavity treatment into a manageable experience for children.
How Long Do Pediatric Fillings Last?
The longevity of dental fillings in children depends on several factors, including the size and location of the filling, the material used, and your child’s oral hygiene habits. Mercury-free composite fillings typically last 5-7 years in primary teeth, often sufficient to maintain the tooth until it naturally exfoliates.
For permanent teeth, our mercury-free fillings can last many years with proper care. Regular checkups at our Wichita Falls office allow Dr. Iyer to monitor the condition of fillings and ensure they continue to protect your child’s dental health. Our convenient hours (Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 4 PM and Fridays from 8 AM to noon) make it easy for families to maintain these important follow-up visits.
Have Questions?
Pediatric Fillings FAQ's
We’re here to help with our most frequently asked questions about pediatric dentistry.