Mercury-Free White Cavity Fillings for Kids

At Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry, we exclusively offer white fillings rather than traditional silver fillings.

We believe in providing your child with the safest, most advanced and aesthetic dental treatments available, using materials that both look natural and support optimal dental health.

Benefits of White Fillings

Natural, Tooth-Colored Appearance

We color-match white fillings to match your child's natural tooth color, making them virtually invisible when your child talks, laughs, or smiles.

Less Drilling & Stronger Teeth

White fillings require less removal of healthy tooth structure than silver fillings. This approach preserves more of your child's natural tooth, which is especially important for developing teeth. The composite material bonds directly to the tooth, providing support to the remaining tooth structure.

Safe, Mercury-Free Material

White fillings are made from a mixture of safe, tooth-colored plastic and glass particles. We do not use silver (amalgam) fillings, which are a mixture of metals and can include mercury.

Temperature Stability

White fillings maintain their size and shape regardless of temperature, reducing this risk. Silver fillings can expand and contract with temperature changes from hot and cold foods or drinks, which can create small cracks over time.

Reduced Tooth Sensitivity

Many children experience less post-treatment sensitivity with white fillings compared to silver fillings, making the overall experience more comfortable.

How Can I Tell if My Child Has a Cavity?

Many cavities have no symptoms in early stages, which is why regular dental check-ups are essential.

If cavities are more developed, you may notice:

tooth sensitivity or pain
visible holes or pits in teeth
white, brown, or black spots on teeth

Treating Cavities in Baby Teeth Is Essential

Some parents wonder why it's necessary to treat cavities in baby teeth since they will eventually fall out. Here's why prompt treatment is crucial:

Pain and Infection Prevention

Untreated cavities can cause pain, difficulty eating and sleeping, and can lead to infections that affect your child's overall health and development.

Speech Development

Baby teeth play an important role in proper speech development. Missing or damaged teeth can impact your child's ability to form certain sounds correctly.

Space Maintenance

Primary teeth hold space for permanent teeth. Early loss can lead to shifting of adjacent teeth, causing alignment problems when permanent teeth erupt.

Eating and Nutrition

Healthy teeth are necessary for proper chewing and nutrition. Painful cavities may cause children to avoid certain healthy foods.

Self-Esteem and Social Development

Visible dental decay can affect your child's self-confidence and social interactions. Maintaining a healthy smile supports a positive self-image.

Establishing Positive Dental Habits

Addressing cavities early teaches children the importance of dental health and helps establish lifelong positive attitudes toward dental care.

What to Expect During a Filling Appointment

We understand that dental procedures can sometimes cause anxiety, especially for children. Here's what you and your child can expect when getting a filling at Mini Miners:

1. Comfortable Environment

Your child will pick a movie to watch on our ceiling-mounted TVs during the procedure
Our kid-friendly office creates a relaxing atmosphere
We use gentle, reassuring language throughout the procedure

2. Gentle Numbing

Your child will be given laughing gas to help them relax before we apply local anesthesia to numb the area
Our "no scary words" policy makes this step less anxiety-producing
We take our time to ensure your child is completely comfortable before proceeding

3. Efficient Removal of Decay

We use specialized instruments to gently remove only the decayed portion of the tooth
Our techniques are designed to be quick and comfortable
We preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible

4. Placement of White Filling

The tooth-colored filling material is carefully placed in layers
A special light hardens each layer
We shape and polish the filling to match your child's natural bite

5. Celebration of Success

Kids get to pick a prize from the prize tower after their treatment
We always tell kids what a great job they did and provide positive reinforcement of their experience

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

If you've noticed signs of a cavity or it's time for your child's regular check-up, contact Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry today. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing gentle, effective care in a fun, comfortable environment where children actually look forward to dental visits!

FAQS: CAVITY FILLINGS

How long does a filling appointment take? Most filling appointments take between 30-45 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cavity.

How long do white fillings last? White fillings typically last 5-7 years in children, which is often sufficient for primary teeth that will eventually fall out. With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, white fillings can last even longer in permanent teeth.

Are white fillings more expensive than silver fillings? White fillings may have a slightly higher initial cost, but we believe the aesthetic, health, and structural benefits make them the superior choice for your child. We work with various insurance providers and offer payment options to make this quality care accessible.

My child is anxious about getting a filling. How do you handle this? At Mini Miners, we specialize in helping anxious children feel comfortable. We use positive language, offer distractions like ceiling TVs, take things at your child's pace, and celebrate every success. Many children who were initially nervous end up enjoying their visits to our office! Learn more about how we help kids with dental anxiety.