Tooth-Colored Fillings
for Children Cavity in
Washington D.C. and McLean VA
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Did you know that tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease affecting kids in America? At Beverly Pediatric Dentistry, we are proud to offer tooth-colored fillings for cavity repair with incredibly natural-looking results. Experience restorative dentistry at its best!
When Are Dental Fillings Necessary?
Kids of all ages, whether toddlers, teens, or adolescents, can develop tooth decay. During your child's dental exam, we will conduct a visual examination and may use digital x-rays to uncover any underlying problems. If we detect areas of decay, the cavity will need repairing using tooth fillings to prevent infection, pain, or even tooth loss. We recommend scheduling your child's dental visit twice a year to allow us to catch tooth decay in the early stages while it's easiest to address!
Why Choose Tooth-Colored Fillings?
Tooth-colored fillings, also known as white fillings, are made from a composite resin material that can be matched to the color and physical appearance of your child's teeth for aesthetic results. These natural-looking fillings are especially recommended for tooth repair in visible areas but can also be used on molars, as long as the fillings are relatively small. Tooth-colored fillings are durable and have the potential to last many years with proper care.
How Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Placed in Teeth?
Before placing fillings, we will ensure that your child is comfortable, which may, at times, require the use of dental sedation. We will numb the area using a local anesthetic, then remove the decay and clean the site. Next, we will place the tooth-colored filling and use a curing light to bond it to the tooth surface. The last step is adjusting the restoration to allow your child to bite comfortably.
Caring for Teeth with Dental Fillings
After having the tooth-colored fillings placed, kids need to maintain proper oral hygiene practices by brushing and flossing twice a day. This way, After having tooth-colored fillings placed, kids need to maintain proper oral hygiene practices by brushing and flossing twice a day. This helps prevent decay from recurring and keeps their restorations in good shape for years to come they can prevent decay from recurring and can keep their restorations in good shape.
After Your Child's Tooth-Colored Filling: What to Expect
Tooth-colored composite fillings bond directly to the tooth and harden immediately after placement. While your child can usually return to normal activities the same day, here are a few important things to know for the hours and days after the appointment.
Numbness After the Procedure
If local anesthetic was used, your child’s lips, cheeks, tongue, or teeth may remain numb for 2–3 hours after the visit.
During this time, please watch carefully to ensure your child does not accidentally bite or chew on their lip, cheek, or tongue. This is one of the most common causes of discomfort after dental treatment in children and can sometimes lead to painful sores or swelling.
We recommend offering only cool liquids and soft foods until the numbness has completely worn off.t.
Sensitivity After a Filling
It is normal for the treated tooth to feel sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure for a few days after the filling. In some cases, especially with deeper cavities, mild sensitivity may last several weeks as the tooth heals and settles.
This sensitivity is usually temporary and does not mean anything is wrong with the filling.
Children’s Tylenol® or Motrin®, given according to your child’s age and weight recommendations, may help relieve discomfort if needed.
Eating After the Appointment
Your child may return to normal eating once the numbness wears off completely.
For the first 24 hours, avoid very hard foods, sticky candies or gum, ice chewing, and crunchy snacks that could irritate the tooth.
Encouraging softer foods for the remainder of the day can help your child stay comfortable.
When to Call Our Office
Please contact us if your child experiences:
• A bite that still feels uneven after several days
• Sensitivity that worsens instead of improves after 2 weeks
• Sharp, spontaneous, or severe pain
• Swelling or signs of infection
• Difficulty chewing that does not improve
Our team is always available to answer questions and ensure your child is healing comfortably after treatment.
Tooth-Colored Fillings for Children in McLean VA or Washington DC
Beverly Pediatric Dentistry provides natural-looking tooth-colored fillings at both of our convenient locations. Our McLean office is located at 1363 Beverly Road Suite 250, McLean, VA 22101—call us at 703-752-2200 to book your appointment on Mondays (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM) or Tuesdays (11:30 AM - 6:00 PM). We proudly serve families in McLean, Reston, Vienna, Arlington, Great Falls, Falls Church, and Tysons Corner.
Our Washington DC office is at 1426 21st NW, 2nd floor, Washington, DC 20036 (Dupont Circle area)—reach us at 202-331-3474 for appointments on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). We serve families throughout Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, Kalorama Heights, West End, Logan Circle, and Woodley Park.
Contact Beverly Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about tooth-colored fillings and how they can restore your child's damaged teeth. Dr. M and our team are committed to providing quality, gentle care at our kid-friendly facility. Call us and schedule your child's appointment today!