Cavities are one of the most common dental issues in children—but the good news is they can be treated quickly and effectively with a dental filling. At Destination Pediatric Dentistry in Round Rock, we use only tooth-colored composite fillings to restore teeth safely, beautifully, and with long-lasting results.
Here’s what parents need to know about dental fillings for kids.
When Does a Child Need a Dental Filling?
A filling is recommended when a child has a cavity or a small area of tooth decay that has not yet progressed to the nerve of the tooth. Indications for a filling include:
- Visible or diagnosed cavities found during an exam or on X-rays.
- Small to medium decay that hasn’t reached the pulp (nerve).
- Chipped or fractured teeth that need repair.
- Prevention of further damage—restoring the tooth before decay spreads deeper.
By placing a filling early, we preserve more of the natural tooth structure, relieve sensitivity, and stop cavities from turning into larger problems that may require crowns, nerve treatments, or even extractions.
What Does the Filling Process Look Like?
The process for a pediatric dental filling is simple and typically completed in one visit:
- Comfort comes first – We begin by ensuring your child is comfortable, often using local anesthetic and gentle techniques to make the procedure stress-free.
- Removing decay – The dentist carefully removes the decayed portion of the tooth while preserving as much healthy structure as possible.
- Placing the composite filling – A tooth-colored composite resin is applied in layers, shaped to fit naturally, and hardened with a special curing light.
- Final adjustments – The filling is polished and adjusted so that your child’s bite feels normal.
Most fillings take less than 30 minutes, depending on the size and number of cavities.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last in Children?
With good oral hygiene, composite fillings can last many years. While no dental restoration lasts forever, tooth-colored fillings are durable enough to withstand daily chewing and protect the tooth until it naturally falls out (in the case of baby teeth) or well beyond in permanent teeth.
Parents can help fillings last longer by encouraging:
- Twice-daily brushing and daily flossing.
- A diet low in sugary snacks and drinks.
- Regular dental checkups every six months.
Why We Choose Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings
At Destination Pediatric Dentistry, we use only composite resin fillings for our patients. Here’s why:
- Safe and metal-free – Unlike older materials such as amalgam (silver fillings), composite does not contain mercury.
- Aesthetic – Composite fillings are tooth-colored and blend seamlessly with your child’s smile.
- Strong and conservative – Composite bonds directly to the tooth, requiring less drilling than metal fillings.
- Versatile – They can be used on both front and back teeth for natural-looking results.
We believe that composite fillings are the safest, healthiest, and most effective choice for restoring children’s teeth.
Protecting Your Child’s Smile with Fillings
A filling is more than just a patch for a cavity—it’s a way to restore your child’s tooth so it can continue to function, support proper chewing, and maintain space for permanent teeth.
By treating cavities early with safe, tooth-colored composite fillings, we help children avoid pain, preserve their natural teeth, and enjoy confident, healthy smiles.
If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in Round Rock who provides only tooth-colored dental fillings for children, contact us to get your child started with their journey at Destination Pediatric Dentistry.