03
Oct
5 Commonly Asked Questions About Pediatric Dental Fillings
Cavities are one of the most common issues in children. Fortunately, they are easily treatable with dental fillings. At Groat Pediatric Dentistry, our board-certified dentist, Dr. Christopher Groat, uses composite fillings renowned for their aesthetics and durability. Visit our San Pedro, California office and discover how dental fillings can restore your child’s smile.Â
1. How are pediatric dental fillings placed?
The process isn’t different from that of adults. It takes a single appointment and minimal removal of the tooth structure. First, the dentist removes the decayed/damaged portions before filling the area with composite filling. Once sculpted into the desired shape, the dentist uses a special curing light to harden the filling into a durable restoration. The final step is to polish the filling to achieve a smooth, life-like appearance.Â
2. Is it painful to place dental fillings?
We understand dental procedures for your little one can make you stressed. However, rest assured that our highly-trained team knows how to make this an easy and comfortable experience. Dr. Groat may recommend using Nitrous Oxide, sometimes called “Happy Air”, to help your child remain relaxed throughout their visit. However, if your little one has dental anxiety or a low pain threshold, sedation dentistry is available for a stress-free dental experience.Â
3. Will the filling be visible?
We use life-like composites to ensure your child’s filling blends seamlessly with the entire smile. Unlike silver-colored (amalgam) fillings of the past, our composite fillings are hardly visible when in the mouth. This way, your child can show off their beautiful, natural-looking smile without feeling insecure.Â
4. Why fill the tooth instead of extracting it?
Many parents are surprised to discover their children need dental fillings. Many ask, why repair a baby tooth, yet it will fall anyway? While it’s true baby teeth will fall out to pave the way for adult teeth, they must be preserved as long as possible for several reasons.Â
Baby teeth help your child chew and speak properly. In addition, deciduous teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth. When baby teeth are lost prematurely because of decay, the nearby teeth can drift into the empty space. This can lead to crowding or misalignment when the permanent teeth start to come in, increasing the need for orthodontic treatment later on. A dental filling repairs the damage and helps the tooth remain intact until it falls out naturally.
5. Are pediatric dental fillings costly?
Pediatric dental fillings are generally affordable, especially when compared to the cost of treating serious dental issues that can result from untreated cavities. Better yet, many dental insurance plans cover much of the cost for basic restorative procedures like fillings.
Don’t have insurance? No problem! Your child can still receive top-notch dental care with our in-house membership plan. With a one-off fee, your child will enjoy necessary preventive care and a 15% discount on additional treatments. Unlike insurance, our membership plan has no waiting periods, deductibles, co-pays, or exclusions—just affordable, stress-free dental care. Join today and give your child the gift of a healthy, happy smile—without the hassle!
Pediatric dental fillings near me in San Pedro, CA
Groat Pediatric Dentistry emphasizes cavity prevention, but we understand tooth decay can still occur. Protect your child’s smile with our tooth-colored dental fillings. Call (310) 832-5133 and book an appointment with our office, which proudly serves patients from San Pedro, Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Lomita, Harbor City, and beyond.Â
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Christopher A. Groat, DDS
Dr. Christopher Groat is a board-certified pediatric dentist with an impressive 16 years of clinical experience, including 12 years as a specialist. An Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry graduate, Dr. Groat completed his pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital Colorado, gaining expertise in treating children with unique needs. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, California Dental Association, and more. Dr. Groat has volunteered at various free dental clinics, committed to giving back, providing compassionate care to underserved communities.
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