Gentle Children's Tooth Fillings near Finchley Central

A filling is needed when decay makes a small hole in a tooth. Treating early stops decay from reaching nerves. Book a check-up if you notice signs such as a dark spot or hole on a tooth, toothache or sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold foods, or pain when biting. At times decay is not visible, so regular dental exams help find problems before your child feels pain.

We aim for a calm, reassuring experience. First, we discuss the plan. The treatment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. We apply a numbing gel to the gum so the injection is barely felt. The dentist then removes the decay and cleans the area. The tooth coloured composite filling is placed in layers and hardened with a light, restoring the tooth. For a 7-year-old from Finchley Central who was nervous, we used the tell show do method. She felt no pain and the visit finished in 30 minutes, leaving her confident about dental visits.

After the appointment the lip and cheek feel numb for 1 to 2 hours. They should not chew on this side until the feeling returns to avoid biting. Stick to soft foods for the rest of the day, such as yogurt or soup. The tooth may be sensitive for a day or two; this is normal and can be managed with children's paracetamol if needed. Continue brushing and flossing to keep the filling and surrounding teeth clean. Red flags call during office hours: Pain that worsens after 24 hours, the filling feels high when biting, or sensitivity lasts longer than a week.

If a cavity has formed a filling is typically the best option. There are other approaches depending on the case. For very small spots of decay a fluoride varnish can help remineralise the tooth. If decay is extensive in a baby tooth, a pre-formed stainless steel crown may be used to protect the tooth. When the tooth cannot be saved, extraction is the last resort; we aim to keep natural teeth whenever possible.

As a fully private practice, we do not offer NHS services. The price for a private child filling starts from £120. This covers the consultation, local anaesthetic, and the tooth coloured filling. Final cost depends on cavity size and location. We are transparent with no hidden fees. Private dental insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna is accepted. A recent 11-year-old needed a premolar filling; the total was £140. Using a white filling kept the tooth visible for the child and protected it for years.

To choose what fits your child, consider these questions whether you see us or another practice in the Finchley area. Ask what filling material you recommend and why, how much experience the dentist has with nervous children, what steps ensure a painless procedure, how long the filling should last, the total cost and what it includes, and what preventative advice can help avoid future cavities.