Protecting Your Child’s Smile: When and Why Fillings Are Needed
When your child says their tooth “just hurts a bit,” or you notice a dark spot on a molar, a filling may be what keeps that little problem from turning into something much worse. At Balanced Smiles in Dandenong North, we know fillings are more than just “fixing holes” they’re about protecting your kid’s comfort, preventing pain, and preserving your whole family’s smiles.
When Is a Filling Needed?
Here are common signs that a fill might be required:
- Tooth sensitivity (hot, cold, or sweet)
- Visible discoloration or “little pits” forming
- Pain when biting or chewing
- A cavity discovered during a check-up
Mums often put off these small concerns because there’s no big pain yet but early action can avoid more serious fixes down the line.
Types of Fillings: What We Use at Balanced Smiles
Tooth repair isn’t one-size-fits-all. In our clinic, we offer tooth-coloured fillings designed to blend naturally and feel comfortable. Here’s what to know:
- Composite / tooth-coloured fillings — looks like natural tooth colour, great for visible teeth and more conservative removal of tooth structure.
- Other materials (used in some cases elsewhere) include glass-ionomer cement or, less commonly, amalgam. Your dentist will help decide what’s best for the tooth’s position, function, and appearance.
What to Expect During & After a Filling
For mums who worry about how their child will feel during a filling:
- Local anaesthetic is used so the area feels numb; most kids barely feel anything after that.
- We use gentle techniques and try to make the experience as calm as possible.
After the filling is done:
- You (or your child) might feel a bit sensitive to hot or cold or when biting for a few days. That’s normal.
- Good habits like soft foods for a little while, careful brushing, and avoiding sticky sweets help the filling last longer.
How to Keep Fillings From Being Needed in the First Place
Prevention is powerful. Here’s what helps:
- Regular dental check-ups (every 6-12 months) to catch decay early.
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Limiting sugary drinks and snacks.
- Drinking water, especially if your area has fluoridated water supply.
- Teaching kids good dental hygiene habits early.
Why Balanced Smiles Is Different
At Balanced Smiles, we do fillings with more than just repair in mind. We also consider:
- Aesthetic look — we want your smile to look natural, even after repair.
- Long-term durability — filling material, placement, and your home care all matter.
- Comfort and trust — especially for little ones who might be nervous.
We treat each patient as family, and making experiences stress-free is part of our promise.
Ready to Take Action?
If you’ve been putting off a filling because you’re worried about pain, cost, or appearance, let’s talk. Balanced Smiles in Dandenong North offers consultations to discuss your options, how fillings work, and what’s best for your child or family.
Because every day you wait can risk more tooth damage, more discomfort and a bigger bill. Let’s keep small problems small, together.
