I don’t know what’s going on. My son needed a filling. I told my dentist I wanted him to have a white filling. He said children can’t get white fillings. I told him that’s all my nephews have and he relented. The filling fell out two weeks later and all he said is, “I told you children can’t have white fillings and you wouldn’t listen.” So, is he right? If so, how do my nephews have them?
Anna B.
Dear Anna,
Here’s the situation. The bonding procedure for the amalgam (silver) fillings is completely different from the procedure for the composite (white) fillings. If he doesn’t place many composite fillings he’s likely not as skilled in getting them secure.
The only real problem in placing them on children is the fact that they have to remain completely dry during the bonding procedure. Children are naturally wiggly and their tongues can get in the way. If any moisture sneaks in it will break the bond.
That doesn’t mean that your son has to get the amalgam fillings. He just needs to see a dentist who is skilled at placing them and also treats children. In all honesty, that’s not nearly as hard as it sounds.
The first thing I’d look for is a mercury-free dentist. These dentists only place white composite fillings and are therefore skilled in the procedure to place them. Then, you just need to know if they treat children.
Must Children See a Pediatric Dentist?
General Dentists are qualified to treat children, so your son doesn’t have to see a pediatric dentist. They’ve all done a pediatric rotation. However, if you want your son to have a good experience, you need to be certain the dentist actually enjoys treating children.
One way to do that is to ask what age they first like to see them. If they say around 8 or 9 years old they don’t really enjoy children. However, if they say 2 or 3 then you can be sure they like taking care of children.
Though, do check their reviews. It’s important children have positive experiences with the dentist. Most people who avoid the dentist as an adult, do so because of traumatic experiences in their childhood. If they love the dentist while their children, they’re much more likely to keep going in adulthood.
This blog is brought to you by Auburn Dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.