Filling Treatment of Deciduous and Permanent Teeth

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Tooth decay in children is a common condition. Fortunately, thanks to modern dentistry, this problem can be easily solved. Filling treatment is the process of cleaning the decayed tooth tissue and placing a suitable filling material in its place. Fillings, which can be applied to both deciduous and permanent teeth, play an important role in protecting children’s oral health.

Why Is Filling Necessary in Children?

Caries: Caries can occur in teeth due to frequent consumption of acidic and sugary foods and drinks, and insufficient oral care.
Dental Traumas: Fractures or cracks may occur in the teeth as a result of impacts. Especially as a result of trauma to the teeth as a result of pool accidents, impacts, falls, and sports activities, cracks, crown and root fractures may occur in the teeth.
Disorders in Tooth Development: In some cases, developmental disorders may be seen in the teeth and this situation can be corrected with filling.

How Is the Filling Procedure Performed?

Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to prevent the child from feeling pain. This procedure should be done carefully in children. It is applied very slowly by diverting the child’s attention with remarkable stories.
Cleaning of Caries: The decayed part is cleaned with special tools. Since the organic structure is more common in deciduous teeth than in permanent teeth, caries will progress rapidly. When mothers and fathers check the teeth by looking into the mouth in between, the caries, which appears as a small black dot, may have progressed more widely on the inner surface of the tooth. Therefore, children should definitely be taken to the dentist for regular check-ups.
Application of Filling Material: A filling material suitable for the color of the tooth is placed in the cleaned area and shaped.
Hardening of the Filling: The filling material is hardened by light or a chemical process.

Filling Materials

In children, materials called composite resin and compomer are generally preferred for filling. These materials have advantages such as matching the natural color of the tooth, being durable, and being easily shaped.

Composite Fillings: These tooth-colored fillings stand out with their aesthetic appearance.
Glass Ionomer Fillings: These fluoride-containing fillings are known for their protective effect against caries.

The Importance of Filling Deciduous and Permanent Teeth

Deciduous Teeth: Decay of deciduous teeth can also affect permanent teeth. By treating caries with fillings, healthy eruption of permanent teeth is ensured. Fillings are applied to decayed deciduous teeth and kept in the mouth until it is time for them to fall out.
Permanent Teeth: Filling in permanent teeth prolongs the life of the tooth, reduces pain, and maintains aesthetic appearance.

Benefits of Filling

Reduces pain: Caries can cause pain if left untreated. This pain is eliminated with filling.
Prevents the progression of caries: Filling prevents the caries from progressing deeper.
Preserves tooth function: Filling allows the tooth to perform its functions such as chewing.
Aesthetic appearance: The filling material provides an aesthetic appearance as it matches the natural color of the tooth.

Is the Filling Process Painful?

Thanks to modern dentistry, filling procedures in children are generally painless. Thanks to local anesthesia, children do not feel any pain during treatment. It is normal to have mild sensitivity after treatment and it usually goes away in a short time.

How Long Does the Filling Last?

The durability of the filling varies depending on the child’s oral hygiene, eating habits, and the quality of the filling material. With good oral care and regular dental check-ups, the life of the fillings can be extended. A well-made filling can usually last for several years.

What Should Be Considered After Filling?

Oral Hygiene: Care should be taken to brush the filled tooth and other teeth. The use of dental floss is also important.
Avoiding Hard Foods: Care should be taken not to break hard foods with the filled tooth. Hot and cold food should be avoided for the first 24 hours after filling. The numb area should be protected during chewing, and parents should be careful. Because children will not be able to fully feel where is numb and where is not, they should eat under supervision until the numbness wears off.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Regular dental check-ups should be performed for the condition of the filling and dental health.
Eating Habits: Consumption of sugary and acidic foods should be reduced. Such foods can accelerate tooth decay.
Protection from Trauma: Care should be taken to prevent the filled tooth from being impacted.

In conclusion, the filling procedure in children is performed painlessly and safely thanks to modern methods. Good oral care and regular dental check-ups are very important to extend the life of the filling. Dental health in children is a part of general health. You can protect your children’s dental health with regular check-ups and proper care.