I was wondering if children can have white fillings. I go to a general dentist and he said that it isn’t possible for children to have it.  I don’t know why, but I find that hard to believe.  I’d really rather not put mercury into my daughter’s mouth.  Would a pediatric dentist feel the same way?

Judy W. – Ft. Smith, AR

Judy,

It’s not as much the difference between a general or pediatric dentist in this case. It is a combination of their comfort level with children and their comfort level with composite (white) fillings.

Composite fillings require the patient to sit very, very still.  Even their tongue has to be still. Most children find that challenging. That doesn’t mean it couldn’t be done or even if there was a fidgety child, sedation couldn’t be used.

You’d have to be confident your child could handle the procedure and find a dentist skilled in white fillings that enjoys working with children, which could either be a general dentist who treats children or a pediatric dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.