Kids Dental Fillings in Oakland, CA
Montclair Pediatric Dentistry is a boutique pediatric practice that offers tooth fillings for kids in Oakland, CA. Founded by board-certified pediatric dentists Dr. Lina Paek and Dr. Rebecca Hsieh, the practice draws on 20 years of their combined clinical experience.
When your child has a cavity, our team uses tooth-colored composite fillings that blend naturally with their teeth and stop decay from spreading.
- Blends naturally with your child’s tooth color
- Preserves more healthy tooth structure than older filling types
- Usually done in one comfortable visit
Does My Child Have a Cavity?
A few signs are worth mentioning at your child’s next visit, or sooner if they’re bothering your child:
- A visible dark spot or discoloration on a tooth
- Sensitivity to sweets, or to hot and cold foods and drinks
- Complaining when chewing on one side
Not every cavity causes obvious symptoms though, which is one more reason regular exams matter even when nothing seems wrong.
The Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Here’s what a tooth-colored filling actually does for your child’s tooth.
Natural Appearance
Composite fillings match your child’s natural tooth color, blending in rather than standing out.
Strong Protection
The filling material seals out bacteria and prevents further decay while strengthening the surrounding tooth.
Minimal Removal
Composite fillings preserve more of your child’s healthy tooth structure compared to older filling types, since less needs to be removed to place them.
Long-Lasting Results
A properly placed filling protects your child’s tooth through years of normal eating and brushing.
About Dental Fillings
Tooth-colored composite fillings bond directly to your child’s tooth, creating a strong seal that prevents bacteria from causing further decay. The process is comfortable and efficient. Our pediatric dentists gently remove the decayed portion of the tooth, carefully preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. We then place the tooth-colored filling material, shape it to match your child’s natural tooth contours, and harden it with a special light. The result is a restored tooth that looks and functions naturally.
Most fillings take about 20 to 45 minutes per tooth, depending on the cavity size. We numb the area with a topical gel before any injection, so your child feels pressure rather than a sharp pinch. Unlike metal fillings, composite sets right away, so your child can eat normally as soon as the numbness wears off.
Why We Use Tooth-Colored Fillings, Not Metal
Montclair Pediatric Dentistry doesn’t use metal amalgam fillings, so none of our fillings contain mercury. Every filling we place is tooth-colored. For most cavities, that means composite resin. Composite bonds directly to the tooth and is shaped to match its natural contours.
For some cavities, we use a glass ionomer material instead, such as EQUIA Forte or GC Fuji. These are also tooth-colored, and they release fluoride over time, which helps reduce the risk of new decay forming around the filling.
Why Choose Montclair for Dental Fillings
Dr. Paek and Dr. Hsieh are board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and we place every filling with materials chosen specifically for kids. Our composite resin is BPA-free, which matters to many parents beyond the tooth-colored appearance.
We also know cavities can cause real anxiety for both kids and parents. We’ll walk you through what we’re doing at each step, in language your child can actually follow.
My four year old son had his first appointment today with Montclair Pediatric after deciding to switch from his former office and we were super happy with everything. The waiting area is so intentional and thoughtful with Montessori type toys that encourage learning, tons of sweet books (including some about going to the dentist to help the nervous kiddos) and even coffee for the adults. Dr. Rebecca was very sweet and my son actually enjoyed his visit. The office is clean, calm, fun and inviting. Happy to have found our new pediatric dental office.
Dr. Lina is the best! We had a great experience at her new office. My kids had previously seen Dr. Lina at a different location, and they wanted to continue seeing her as their dentist. It is challenging to find a pediatric dentist that is a good match for my kids, so we were more than happy to follow her to her new location. ... I appreciate Dr. Lina's swift hand skills, her comprehensive approach towards treatments and prevention, and her ability to communicate effectively with both kids and parents. I also appreciate Dr. Lina's efforts to preserve the natural tooth as much as possible, with a focus on prevention and long-term health. ... Also, her office is beautiful and welcoming! My kids really enjoyed their visit. I cannot recommend Dr. Lina enough!
Other Treatments That May Fit Your Child's Needs
A couple of other services may be worth knowing about depending on how a cavity is treated.
Dental Crowns
When a tooth needs more protection than a filling can provide, a crown is often the next step.
Dental Sealants
A protective coating that can help prevent new cavities from forming on other teeth.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If your child has a cavity, or you’re not sure but something seems off, book a consultation, and we’ll take a look. Most fillings are quick, comfortable, and done in a single visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental fillings last?
With proper care, composite fillings can last for years, often until a baby tooth naturally falls out or well into adulthood for permanent teeth. Regular check-ups help us catch any wear early.
Is getting a filling painful?
No, we numb the area first, so your child shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Most kids report feeling pressure at most, not pain.
Why choose tooth-colored fillings over silver ones?
Tooth-colored fillings blend in, require less removal of healthy tooth structure, and bond directly to the tooth for added strength. They also don’t contain the mercury found in metal amalgam fillings, which we don’t use.
How should we care for a new filling?
Your child can eat normally once the numbness wears off. Regular brushing and flossing help the filling last and prevent new cavities from forming.