Restorative Care · Arlington, VA
Pediatric Dental Fillings in Arlington, VA
Cavities happen — even in kids who brush regularly. Dr. O treats them gently and quickly using laser dentistry, with tooth-colored fillings that look completely natural.
My Child Has a Cavity — Now What?
Finding out your child has a cavity can be stressful — especially if they’re already anxious about the dentist. The good news is that at Children’s Dentistry of Arlington, getting a filling is very different from what most parents remember from their own childhood.
Dr. O uses advanced laser dentistry technology to remove decay and place fillings with minimal discomfort — no loud drill, no vibration, and often no needle. Most kids are genuinely surprised by how easy it is.
And yes — baby teeth with cavities still need treatment. Untreated cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and problems with the permanent teeth developing underneath.
Yes. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, help your child chew and speak properly, and affect the development of the jaw. An untreated cavity in a baby tooth can spread, cause infection, require extraction, and disrupt the alignment of permanent teeth. Treating it early is always the better option.
Signs Your Child May Have a Cavity
Children don’t always complain about tooth pain — especially with early-stage cavities. Watch for these warning signs:
Wincing or complaining when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Spontaneous pain or aching in a tooth, especially at night.
White, brown, or black spots or pits visible on the tooth surface.
Avoiding chewing on one side, or refusing certain foods.
Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing.
Early cavities often have no symptoms at all — only caught at a checkup.
Tooth-Colored Fillings vs. Silver Amalgam
At Children’s Dentistry of Arlington we use tooth-colored composite fillings — not silver amalgam. Here’s why:
- ✓ Matches the natural color of your child’s tooth
- ✓ Bonds directly to tooth — preserves more structure
- ✓ No mercury — completely safe
- ✓ Less sensitivity after placement
- ✓ Virtually invisible in the mouth
- ✓ Sets quickly with curing light
- ✗ Silver color — visible when child laughs or speaks
- ✗ Requires more healthy tooth to be removed
- ✗ Contains mercury (though considered safe by FDA)
- ✗ Can cause temperature sensitivity
- ✗ Can crack teeth over time due to expansion
- ✗ Longer setting time
What to Expect During a Filling at Our Office
Here’s exactly what happens when your child comes in for a filling at Children’s Dentistry of Arlington:
Dr. O Explains Everything First
Before anything happens, Dr. O uses simple, kid-friendly language to explain what he’s going to do. No surprises — your child knows every step before it happens.
Numbing (If Needed)
For many cavities, Dr. O’s laser approach means no anesthesia is needed at all. If numbing is necessary, a gentle topical gel is applied first so your child barely feels the injection.
Decay Removal with Laser
Dr. O uses a dental laser to remove the decayed portion of the tooth — silently and precisely. No loud drilling, no vibration. Most kids are amazed by how different it feels.
Tooth-Colored Filling Placed
The composite resin filling material is placed in layers, shaped to match the tooth’s natural contours, and hardened with a curing light in seconds.
Bite Check & Polish
Dr. O checks the bite to make sure everything feels comfortable, makes any adjustments, and polishes the filling so it blends seamlessly with the natural tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. O’s laser approach significantly reduces or eliminates discomfort during most filling procedures. For cavities that do require anesthesia, a numbing gel is applied first to minimize any sensation from the injection. Most children at our practice report that the experience was much easier than they expected.
Most fillings at our office take between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the size and location of the cavity. Laser-assisted fillings are typically faster than traditional drill-based ones. We’ll give you a time estimate when you book the appointment.
Yes — dental fillings are covered by most insurance plans and Medicaid. Coverage varies by plan and by the type of filling (tooth-colored vs. silver). Our team will verify your child’s benefits before the appointment so there are no surprises. Call us at (703) 634-9450 to check coverage.
Tooth-colored composite fillings in children typically last 5-10 years with proper care. Baby tooth fillings may not need to last as long since the tooth will eventually fall out naturally. Dr. O will check existing fillings at every regular visit and recommend replacement if wear is detected.
With composite fillings, your child can eat normally as soon as the numbness wears off — usually within 1-2 hours. We recommend avoiding very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours. Dr. O will give you specific aftercare instructions based on your child’s filling.
This is one of the most common concerns we hear. The honest answer is that most children who are nervous about fillings leave our office saying it was nothing like they expected. Dr. O is exceptionally skilled at putting anxious kids at ease. Call us before the appointment to discuss your child’s specific fears — we can often adapt our approach to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Why Arlington Families Choose Us for Pediatric Fillings
At Children’s Dentistry of Arlington, we’ve transformed the filling experience for hundreds of kids who were terrified of the dentist. Dr. O’s combination of laser dentistry, genuine warmth with children, and specialized pediatric training means your child gets the most comfortable, effective treatment available.
We serve families from Arlington, Falls Church, McLean, Tysons Corner, and throughout Northern Virginia. We accept Medicaid and most insurance plans, and offer Saturday appointments for working families.
If your child has been told they need a filling, don’t wait — cavities grow over time and become more complex to treat. Book an appointment today and let Dr. O take care of it gently.