Will my child feel pain during the filling process?

No. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area completely before the procedure begins, so your child should not feel any pain — only mild pressure as the tooth is prepared. Nitrous oxide is also available for added comfort. After the anesthesia wears off, some mild sensitivity is normal and can be managed with children's over-the-counter pain relievers.

Should baby teeth be filled if they're just going to fall out?

Yes, in most cases. Baby teeth serve important functions — they allow your child to chew comfortably, support speech development, and hold space for incoming permanent teeth. A cavity left untreated in a baby tooth can spread quickly, cause significant pain, and lead to premature tooth loss, which can disrupt the alignment of permanent teeth. Filling cavities in primary teeth protects your child's health and development until the tooth is naturally ready to come out.

How long do fillings last in children's teeth?

It depends on the filling material and the tooth. Composite fillings typically last five to 10 years with proper care, while amalgam fillings can last longer. Baby teeth with fillings will eventually fall out naturally. For permanent teeth, regular dental check-ups allow our team to monitor the condition of fillings and address any wear or damage early.

What happens if a cavity is left untreated?

Without treatment, decay will continue to spread deeper into the tooth. If it reaches the pulp — the inner tissue containing nerves and blood vessels — your child may need a pulpotomy or root canal treatment. In severe cases, the tooth may need to be extracted entirely. Treating a cavity early with a simple filling is always the simpler, less costly option.

Does my child need a crown after a filling?

Not always. A filling is appropriate when there is enough healthy tooth structure remaining to support it. However, if decay is extensive or a baby tooth has had a pulpotomy, a crown may be recommended to protect and strengthen the tooth. Your child's dentist will advise you on what's needed.

Kids’ Dental Fillings | Pembroke Pines, FL, Dentist Near You

Don’t Let Cavities Go Untreated — Gentle Fillings for Kids Near You

Cavities are one of the most common childhood dental issues — but left untreated, they’re far more than a minor inconvenience. Decay that isn’t addressed can spread to surrounding teeth, reach the inner pulp, cause pain and infection, and ultimately threaten your child’s oral health and development. Dental fillings offer a simple, effective solution that stops decay in its tracks and restores the tooth before more serious problems develop.

At Dental Care Group Kids, our pediatric dentists in Aventura and Pembroke Pines provide gentle, comfortable dental fillings for children of all ages. Whether your child has a small cavity in a baby tooth or decay in a developing permanent tooth, we’ll choose the right filling material for their specific needs and make the experience as easy as possible.

To schedule an appointment at our Aventura dental office, call (305) 935-1613. For our Pembroke Pines dental office, call (954) 430-2300.

Trusted Pediatric Care for Over 25 Years

For more than 25 years, Dental Care Group Kids has been the go-to destination for gentle, specialized pediatric dentistry in Aventura and Pembroke Pines. From a child’s very first dental visit through every stage of growth and development, our dedicated team delivers high-quality, personalized care tailored to each young patient.

As part of the larger Dental Care Group family (serving the community since 1970), we proudly offer comprehensive dental services for your entire family under one trusted name—making it easy and convenient to keep everyone’s smiles healthy. We treat every child as an individual, always considering your family’s feelings, needs, and special requests to create a positive, enjoyable experience every time.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Close-up of a dental mirror reflecting a filled tooth in a child's mouth, illustrating the dental filling process for cavity treatment in pediatric dentistry. A dental filling restores a tooth that has been damaged by decay, trauma, or wear. When bacteria break down the enamel and create a cavity — a small hole in the tooth — a filling is used to clean out the decayed material, seal the tooth, and prevent further damage or infection.

For children, prompt treatment is especially important. Because kids’ teeth have thinner enamel and nerves that sit closer to the surface, cavities can progress more quickly than in adult teeth. Catching and filling them early protects the tooth, relieves any discomfort, and reduces the likelihood of needing more involved treatment like a pulpotomy or tooth extraction later on.

Dental fillings can help your child by:

Restoring the structural integrity of the tooth and stopping decay from spreading
Relieving tooth sensitivity and pain associated with cavities
Preserving the tooth’s function so your child can chew and speak comfortably
Improving the appearance of the tooth, especially with tooth-colored materials
Protecting baby teeth long enough to guide permanent teeth into proper alignment

Types of Dental Fillings

There are several types of filling materials available, and the best choice for your child depends on factors like the location of the cavity, the extent of the decay, durability requirements, and aesthetics. Our pediatric dentists will walk you through the options and recommend what’s most appropriate for your child’s specific situation.

Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings

Composite resin fillings are made from a mixture of plastic and glass particles and are matched to the color of your child’s natural teeth, making them virtually invisible. They bond directly to the tooth structure, providing reliable support, and are a popular choice for both front and back teeth. Composite fillings are the most commonly used option in pediatric dentistry today due to their natural appearance and versatility.

Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. They are highly durable and have been used reliably in dentistry for many decades, making them well-suited for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces. Their silver color makes them more noticeable than composite fillings, which is a consideration for some families.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass ionomer fillings are a blend of acrylic and glass materials that release fluoride over time, providing an added protective benefit against further decay. They are commonly used in children, particularly for baby teeth or areas of the mouth that don’t bear as much chewing pressure. While not as durable as composite or amalgam in high-stress areas, they are a gentle, fluoride-releasing option well-suited to pediatric use.

Ceramic Fillings

Ceramic fillings are made from porcelain or ceramic materials that closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth and are highly resistant to staining. They offer excellent aesthetics and durability, making them a strong option when both strength and a natural look are priorities.

Direct vs. Indirect Fillings

Before treatment begins, your child’s dentist will discuss which type of restoration is most appropriate. It helps to understand the two basic categories:

Direct Fillings are placed directly into the prepared cavity in a single visit. Composite resin, amalgam, and glass ionomer fillings all fall into this category. The dentist prepares the tooth, places the filling, and adjusts it — all in one appointment. This is the most common approach for treating cavities in children.

Indirect Fillings are used when a tooth has sustained too much damage to support a standard filling but not enough to require a full crown. These restorations — including inlays and onlays — are custom-fabricated in a dental laboratory and typically require two visits. At the first appointment, the tooth is prepared, and an impression is taken. A temporary covering protects the tooth while the restoration is made. At the second appointment, the custom restoration is cemented into place and adjusted for proper fit and bite.

Child at dental check-up with dentist using dental tool, promoting pediatric dental care and comfort for kids.

Factors That Influence Filling Recommendations

Several factors shape which filling material and approach will work best for your child. When evaluating treatment options, our pediatric dentists consider:

The filling material’s properties — durability, appearance, fluoride release, and bonding strength
The amount of healthy tooth structure remaining after decay removal
The location of the cavity — front teeth, visible areas, or high-pressure chewing surfaces in the back
The chewing load the restored tooth will need to bear
The child’s age and whether the tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth
Aesthetic considerations and family preferences
Budget and insurance coverage

Before any treatment begins, your child’s dentist will explain all of your options clearly and help you choose the approach that’s best suited to your child’s needs.

The Dental Filling Process

Getting a filling at Dental Care Group Kids is a straightforward, comfortable procedure. Here’s what to expect:

Preparing the Area

Local anesthesia is applied to completely numb the tooth and surrounding tissue, ensuring your child feels no pain during the procedure. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is also available for children who feel anxious, helping them relax without putting them to sleep.

The dentist carefully removes all decayed tooth material using a dental drill or laser, leaving a clean surface ready to receive the filling. The prepared area is shaped to create the ideal space for the filling material to bond securely and hold its position over time.

Placing and Curing the Filling

The chosen filling material is placed into the cavity and carefully shaped to match the natural contours of the tooth. For composite and glass ionomer fillings, a curing light is used to harden the material quickly and bond it firmly to the tooth structure.

Checking the Bite and Polishing

The dentist checks that the filling fits properly and your child’s bite feels natural, making any needed adjustments. The filling is then polished for a smooth, comfortable finish.

The entire process is typically completed in a single visit for direct fillings.

How Much Do Dental Fillings Cost?

The cost of a dental filling generally ranges from $50 to $250, depending on the type of filling material, the size and location of the cavity, and the complexity of the procedure. Most dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of filling costs, particularly for children. Our team is happy to verify your child’s coverage and provide a personalized estimate before treatment begins — just ask when you call to schedule.