What are tooth-colored fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings are composite resin restorations that repair cavities while blending naturally with your child's existing tooth color. They restore strength and function without the noticeable appearance of traditional silver fillings.

Are tooth-colored fillings safe for children?

Yes. Composite tooth-colored fillings are widely used in pediatric dentistry and are considered a safe and effective treatment for cavities in children. They bond directly to the tooth and preserve more natural tooth structure.

How long do tooth-colored fillings last?

With proper oral hygiene, routine dental visits, and healthy habits, tooth-colored fillings can last for many years. Their longevity depends on the size and location of the filling and the child's oral care.

Does getting a tooth-colored filling hurt?

Most children experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. Local anesthetic is used when needed, and child-friendly techniques help make treatment comfortable.

Can tooth-colored fillings be used on baby teeth?

Yes. Tooth-colored fillings are commonly used to restore cavities in baby teeth, helping maintain proper chewing, speech development, and space for permanent teeth.

How should my child care for a tooth-colored filling after treatment?

Children should brush twice a day, floss regularly, limit sugary foods and drinks, and attend routine dental checkups to help keep their fillings and natural teeth healthy.

Tooth-Colored Fillings for Kids in Raleigh, NC

When a cavity needs filling, we keep it natural-looking and metal-free — and we have gentler, no-drill options too.

Mercury-Free, Tooth-Colored

No-Drill SDF Available

Medicaid & most insurance

Comfort Options Including Nitrous

THE SHORT VERSION

We fix cavities with tooth-colored composite fillings that bond right to the tooth and blend in — never silver amalgam. For some situations we also use glass ionomer, which releases fluoride, and silver diamine fluoride (SDF), a brush-on liquid that can stop a cavity without any drilling. Which one fits depends on the tooth, the size of the cavity, and how your child handles treatment.

Why We Don’t Use Silver Fillings

Every filling we place is mercury-free. The old silver amalgam fillings contain mercury and stand out dark against a tooth, and we simply don’t use them here. Instead we use composite, a tooth-colored material that bonds to the tooth and is shaped and hardened to match the natural surface. Most parents can’t pick out where the filling is once it’s done.

Beyond the look, bonding lets us remove less healthy tooth than older techniques required, which is always the goal in a child’s mouth.

The No-Drill Options

Not every cavity needs a drill, and for the right situation we reach for gentler tools. Silver diamine fluoride, or SDF, is a liquid we brush onto a cavity to harden it and stop it from growing. It’s wonderful for very young children, kids who can’t yet sit for a traditional filling, or to buy time on a baby tooth that’s close to falling out. The one trade-off is honest to mention: SDF turns the treated decay dark, so it’s used where appearance matters less or as a bridge to other care.

Glass ionomer is another option we use in certain spots. It bonds to the tooth and slowly releases fluoride into the surrounding enamel, which can be helpful for kids at higher cavity risk.

Will It Hurt?

We work hard to make sure it doesn’t. Small fillings sometimes need no numbing at all, and when we do use local anesthetic we apply a numbing gel first so your child barely notices. Nitrous oxide — laughing gas — is there for kids who feel anxious, and it clears within minutes of the visit ending. We explain each step in plain, kid-sized language so nothing comes as a surprise.

We accept Medicaid and most plans, with CareCredit and Sunbit available; see the Raleigh insurance page.

Dino Kids Dental of Raleigh

Address: 5321 Tin Roof Way, Suite 101 Raleigh, NC 27616

Phone: (919) 341-2257

Hours: Mon–Thu: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Select Fridays by availability — call to confirm

Questions Parents Ask Us

Are your fillings mercury-free?

Yes. We use only tooth-colored composite fillings and never silver amalgam, so there's no mercury and nothing dark showing in your child's smile.

What is SDF, and does it stain the tooth?

Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid we brush on to stop a cavity from growing, with no drilling required. It does darken the treated decay, so we use it where looks matter less or as a way to buy time, especially for very young kids.

Does my child need a shot for a filling?

Not always. Small fillings can sometimes be done without numbing, and when anesthetic is needed we use a numbing gel first. Nitrous oxide is available to help anxious children stay relaxed.

How is a tooth-colored filling different from silver?

A composite filling bonds to the tooth, matches its color, and lets us preserve more healthy tooth. Silver amalgam is dark, contains mercury, and isn't something we offer.

When would you use glass ionomer instead?

Glass ionomer bonds to the tooth and releases fluoride over time, which can help children at higher risk of cavities or work well in certain spots. We choose the material that fits the specific tooth and situation.

Does insurance cover fillings?

Fillings are routinely covered by Medicaid and most dental plans. We verify your coverage before treatment and offer CareCredit and Sunbit for anything that's left.

Cavities Happen — Let's Fix it Gently.

Tooth-colored fillings, SDF, and a calm, kid-friendly approach. Book a visit and we’ll take good care of your child’s smile.

Related: Dental Crowns — Dental Sealants — Emergency Care — Exams & Cleanings