Children's Fillings in Larkfield, Kent
Finding out your child needs a filling can feel worrying as a parent — but the good news is that treating decay early, while it's still small, is quick, straightforward, and far better than leaving it to develop into something bigger. We do everything we can to make the experience as easy as possible for your child.
Understanding decay
What is a filling?
A filling is a material used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay. When bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and produce acid, it gradually erodes tooth enamel — creating a hole called a cavity. Left untreated, the cavity deepens, eventually reaching the nerve of the tooth and causing pain, infection, and potential tooth loss.
Filling a cavity removes the decay and seals the tooth, stopping the process in its tracks. We use tooth-coloured composite resin for children's fillings, so they blend naturally with the tooth and are far less noticeable than older silver fillings.
Children can develop decay in both baby teeth and adult teeth. Both are worth treating — baby teeth hold the space for adult teeth and play an important role in eating and speech, while adult teeth need to last a lifetime.
When might your child need one? →
Spotting the signs
When might your child need a filling?
Your child may need a filling if:
- ! Their dentist finds decay at a routine check-up — this is the most common way fillings are identified, often before any symptoms appear
- ! Your child mentions tooth pain or sensitivity, particularly to sweet, cold, or hot food and drinks
- ! You can see a visible dark spot or rough patch on a tooth
- ! Your child has a chipped or broken tooth that needs repair
- ! A previous filling has come loose or cracked
Early decay often has no symptoms at all — which is why regular check-ups are the best way to catch it. A small filling is always much simpler than treating an advanced cavity or infected tooth.
What to expect
The appointment, step by step
A children's filling appointment usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes. We take our time with children and always explain what we're doing in simple, reassuring language before we do it.
We start by numbing the area with a local anaesthetic — we use a topical numbing gel first so your child barely feels the injection. Once the tooth is completely numb, your child won't feel anything during the procedure itself, just a little pressure and some vibration.
Your dentist then removes the decay, cleans the tooth, and places the filling. The whole process is calm and methodical. Your child can raise their hand at any time if they need a break, and we'll stop immediately.
Afterwards, we'll give you simple aftercare advice and let you know when your child can eat and drink normally again — usually within an hour or two once the anaesthetic wears off.
Preventing decay
Helping your child avoid fillings
The best filling is the one that never needs to happen. Here's how to reduce your child's risk of decay.
Fees & finance
How much do children's fillings cost?
NHS dental treatment, including fillings, is free for children under 18. Please contact us to discuss NHS registration for your child.
Private children's fillings are also available. Please see our Fees & Finance page or call us on 01732 521123 for current pricing.
Children's dentistry
Related treatments
Questions
Frequently asked
Will a filling hurt my child? +
No. We numb the area thoroughly before starting, using a topical gel first to take the edge off the injection. Your child should feel no pain during the procedure — just pressure and a little vibration. If they feel anything sharp at any point, they know to raise their hand and we'll stop.
Do baby teeth need filling if they're going to fall out anyway? +
In most cases, yes. Leaving decay in a baby tooth untreated can lead to pain, infection, and early tooth loss — which can disrupt the development of the adult tooth underneath. A small filling now prevents a much bigger problem later.
My child is very nervous about having a filling — what can you do? +
We're very experienced with nervous children and know that going slowly, explaining everything clearly, and never pressuring a child makes a huge difference. We use a show-tell-do technique and always respect your child's pace. In rare cases where anxiety is severe, we can discuss other options — please talk to us.
What is a fissure sealant? +
A fissure sealant is a thin, protective coating applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth, filling in the deep grooves where decay most commonly starts. It's quick, painless, and very effective at reducing decay risk. We can discuss whether your child might benefit from sealants at their next check-up.
Ready to book?
Let's fix that, gently
Call us on 01732 521123 or email hello@larkfielddentalcare.co.uk — we'd love to help.