Family Dental Care Across the Denver Metro Area
At Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics, we provide composite dental fillings for children, teens and adults. Our team is experienced in helping young patients feel comfortable during restorative treatment while providing the same convenient care for parents and other family members.
We offer dental care at our Denver, Aurora, Thornton and Hampden locations, making it easier for families to receive preventive and restorative care from one familiar dental team.
Repairing Cavities With Composite Fillings
A cavity develops when tooth decay damages the enamel and creates an opening in the tooth. Once tooth structure has been lost to a cavity, it cannot grow back. A dental filling replaces the damaged portion of the tooth and helps restore its shape and function.
Composite fillings are made from a tooth-colored resin material that bonds directly to the tooth. The material can be closely matched to the natural tooth color so that it blends in with the surrounding tooth.
When Is a Dental Filling Needed?
A filling may be recommended when a cavity has progressed beyond the earliest stages of enamel damage but there is still enough healthy tooth structure to restore the tooth.
Signs of a cavity can include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pain when chewing
- Sensitivity to sweets, hot or cold foods
- A visible hole or dark area on a tooth
- Food frequently getting caught in one area
However, cavities do not always cause symptoms when they are small. Regular dental exams allow us to identify decay before it becomes painful or requires more extensive treatment.
💡 A cavity does not need to hurt to need treatment. Treating decay while it is still small can help preserve more of the natural tooth.
No-Drill Cavity Treatment
Not every area of tooth decay requires a traditional filling. When decay is caught early, we may be able to use a non-invasive treatment to slow or stop the cavity without removing tooth structure with a dental drill.
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is applied directly to a cavity to help stop the decay from progressing. It can be especially helpful for young children who may have difficulty completing restorative treatment. SDF does permanently darken the decayed area of the tooth, so we will discuss this with you before treatment.
Curodont
Curodont can be used to treat early tooth decay before the cavity has progressed too far. It helps minerals such as calcium and phosphate rebuild weakened enamel so that early damage can be repaired without drilling or placing a filling.
No-drill treatments are not appropriate for every cavity. We evaluate the location and extent of the decay to determine whether one of these treatments is an option or whether a composite filling is more appropriate.
How We Treat a Cavity With a Composite Filling
Before placing the filling, we numb the area around the tooth for comfort. We then remove the decayed portion of the tooth and clean the area before placing the composite material.
The composite is applied directly to the tooth and shaped to replace the missing tooth structure. A curing light hardens the material, and we polish the filling and check the bite before the appointment is complete.
Helping Kids Feel Comfortable During Treatment
Needing a filling can be a new experience for a child, especially if it is their first dental procedure beyond an exam or cleaning. Our team explains each step in simple, age-appropriate terms and adjusts the pace of the appointment based on your child’s comfort level.
Some children are comfortable moving through treatment quickly, while others benefit from extra explanation, reassurance or short breaks. If your child is anxious or has difficulty completing dental treatment, sedation options are also available when appropriate to help them feel more comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.
If your child is particularly anxious or has difficulty completing dental treatment, let us know so we can discuss ways to make the appointment more manageable.
Why Do Baby Teeth Need Fillings?
Many parents ask why we need to treat a cavity in a baby tooth when the tooth will eventually fall out. While baby teeth are temporary, some remain in place for years. They help children chew, speak clearly and hold space for the permanent teeth developing underneath them.
If a cavity is left untreated, the decay can continue to spread and may eventually cause pain, infection or difficulty eating. Treating the cavity can help keep the tooth healthy and comfortable until it is ready to fall out naturally.
Not every cavity in a baby tooth requires the same treatment. We consider the size of the cavity, which tooth is affected and how long it is expected to remain in place before recommending a filling.
Insurance
We gladly accept patients with Medicaid coverage. If you have questions about dental coverage under Colorado Health First or whether your child is eligible for Medicaid, our team can help you understand what may be covered. We work with most major insurance plans and offer payment options to help make dental care more accessible for families.
Helping Families Build Healthy Smiles
We are dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care for the whole family. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and give your child the gift of a healthy and beautiful smile.
Denver Youth Dental – 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204
Aurora Youth Dental – 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011
Thornton Youth Dental – 550 E. Thornton Parkway, Suite 240A, Thornton, CO 80229
Hampden Youth Dental – 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231
How long will my mouth be numb after a filling?
Numbness usually lasts for a few hours after a filling, although the exact timing can vary. Children should avoid chewing on their lip, cheek or tongue until normal feeling has returned.
Why does my tooth feel sensitive after a filling?
Some temporary sensitivity to cold, heat or pressure can occur after a filling. This usually improves as the tooth settles. If sensitivity is severe, gets worse or does not improve, contact our office so we can check the tooth and the filling.
Can my child go back to school after getting a filling?
Most children can return to school after a routine filling. However, the mouth may remain numb for a few hours, so your child will need to be careful when eating and avoid biting or chewing on the numb areas.
How many cavities can be filled at one appointment?
It depends on where the cavities are located, how much treatment is needed and how comfortable the patient is during the appointment. For children, we also consider their age and ability to tolerate a longer visit when deciding how much treatment to complete at one time.
Can a filling fall out?
Yes. Although fillings are designed to stay securely in place, they can loosen, chip or fall out over time. If this happens, avoid chewing on the affected tooth and contact our office so we can evaluate it.
Can you replace a silver filling with a tooth-colored filling?
Yes, an amalgam filling can be replaced with composite in some cases. However, an existing filling does not necessarily need to be replaced simply because it is silver. We can evaluate the filling and remaining tooth structure to determine whether replacement is appropriate.
