As a parent, you do your best to get your children the best care possible, including regular visits to a pediatric dentist. However, cavities can still occur when kids sip sugary drinks, eat snacks, and don't brush their teeth well enough. Luckily, routine checkups can spot this tooth decay early and treat it with a dental filling. If your child is experiencing their first cavity, you may wonder which type of filling material to choose. Here's a closer look at the two most common filling choices, composite and amalgam.

Composite

Composite material is made of acrylic resin and powdered quartz particles. It's frequently used for filling in cavities in front teeth that are visible when smiling because it looks natural and will stay intact for years. Another reason it's used in front teeth is that it's not as strong as metal-based amalgam, so it's best suited in teeth that don't use a lot of force for chewing.

This resin comes in a wide range of off-white shades that can be matched to a child’s enamel color, making the filling nearly impossible to see. UV light is used to bond the material firmly to the tooth, creating a seal that will reduce the chances of future decay.

Amalgam

Amalgam is popular in back teeth, or molars, because it's strong enough to stand up to chewing while being self-sealed and resistant to leaks. This material is made from liquid mercury, copper, tin, and silver. 

In past years, there were concerns about mercury poisoning from these fillings. However, research has shown that the material is not dangerous to children's or adult's health. Since amalgam is less expensive than the composite option, parents often choose this material for children who still have their baby teeth, which will be replaced by permanent teeth within a few years.

If your child needs a filling, trust the pediatric dentists at Kid Smiles in High Point, NC. This compassionate, kid-friendly team offers a wide range of first-rate services, from regular checkups to fillings, at affordable prices. Their flexible schedule, Saturday office hours, and ability to work with all insurance providers make them the premier choice for families throughout the Winston-Salem and Asheboro communities. Call (336) 885-5437 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about the practice.