Cavities and Fillings in Stanley, WI
Cavities are common in children, but they do not have to be scary. At Stanley Hometown Dentistry, we use gentle, kid-friendly care to treat cavities and broken teeth with natural-looking fillings that keep your child’s smile healthy and strong.
Why Children Get Cavities
Cavities are one of the most common childhood health problems. They form when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and produce acids that wear away tooth enamel. Frequent snacking, sugary drinks, bedtime bottles, and difficulty brushing thoroughly all increase a child’s risk.
Signs Your Child May Have a Cavity
- White, brown, or black spots on the teeth
- Sensitivity to sweets, hot, or cold
- Complaints of tooth pain or discomfort when chewing
- Avoiding certain foods
Gentle, Tooth-Colored Fillings for Kids
Dental fillings treat cavities and broken teeth. We usually fill children’s teeth with composite resin, a tooth-colored material designed to look like natural teeth. The tooth is numbed, the decay is gently removed, and the filling is placed and hardened with a special light. Our team explains each step in kid-friendly terms to help your child feel comfortable.
Why Treat Cavities in Baby Teeth?
Baby teeth help children chew, speak, and hold space for permanent teeth. Untreated cavities can cause pain, infection, and early tooth loss. For very early or hard-to-treat cavities, silver diamine fluoride may be an option.
Preventing Future Cavities
Regular oral health exams, dental sealants, fluoride, and good habits at home help protect your child’s smile. Learn more on our pediatric preventative dentistry page.
Cavities and Fillings FAQs
Do baby teeth with cavities need fillings?
Yes. Treating cavities in baby teeth prevents pain and infection and protects the permanent teeth developing underneath.
Are fillings safe for children?
Yes. Composite resin fillings are safe, durable, and tooth colored.
Will my child feel pain during a filling?
We numb the tooth first, so most children feel little to no discomfort.
How can I tell if my child has a cavity?
Look for spots on the teeth, sensitivity, or complaints of tooth pain. Regular checkups catch cavities early.
What is an alternative to drilling for cavities?
Silver diamine fluoride can stop some early cavities without drilling.
How can I prevent cavities in my child’s teeth?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and schedule regular dental visits.
Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy
Call Stanley Hometown Dentistry at (715) 644-3601 or request an appointment online to schedule your visit with Dr. James Gunelson in Stanley, WI .