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If your child needs a filling, it’s completely normal to want to know what the appointment will actually involve — for their sake and for your own peace of mind. Many parents find that once they understand the steps, it’s much easier to explain the visit to their child in a calm, matter-of-fact way. Fillings are one of the most common treatments in paediatric dentistry, and most children manage them very well, especially when they know what to expect. Here’s a plain-English walkthrough of a typical filling appointment at Tooth Town.

Why a filling is needed

A filling is used when decay has created a small hole, or cavity, in the tooth. Once decay has broken through the outer surface of the tooth, it won’t repair itself, and the affected part needs to be cleaned out and sealed to stop it from progressing further and to protect the healthy tooth structure around it. Your child’s clinician will have already explained why a filling is the right next step for their tooth, and will talk you and your child through the plan again on the day.

Before we start: examination and explanation

Every filling appointment begins with a quick check of the tooth and a simple explanation of what’s about to happen. Our team uses a calm, child-friendly approach often called “tell-show-do” — we tell your child what we’re going to do, show them (using friendly, age-appropriate language and sometimes the instruments themselves), and only then do it. This helps children feel informed and involved, rather than surprised by each step. We’ll also check in with you about anything specific to your child, such as previous experiences, sensitivities or ways they like to be supported.

Making the area comfortable

Before working on the tooth, the area usually needs to be numbed so your child doesn’t feel the treatment. A numbing gel is often used first to make the injection more comfortable, and your child’s clinician will explain each step as they go, using gentle, honest language rather than surprising your child. Every child experiences this a little differently — some children barely notice, while others need a bit more reassurance and time. Our team is experienced in helping children through this part of the appointment at their own pace.

Removing the decay

Once the area is comfortably numb, the decayed part of the tooth is carefully removed. This is usually done with small, gentle instruments designed for this exact job. Your child won’t feel pain during this step, though they may notice some vibration, pressure, water, or sounds, which we’ll explain beforehand so nothing feels unexpected.

Cleaning and preparing the tooth

After the decay has been removed, the tooth is cleaned and prepared so the filling material can bond well and seal the tooth properly. This step helps make sure the filling lasts and the tooth is properly protected going forward.

Filling the tooth

The tooth is then filled using a tooth-coloured or other material appropriate for your child’s specific tooth and situation. Your child’s clinician will have already discussed which type of filling material is most suitable, based on the location and extent of the decay, when they explained the treatment plan.

Checking the bite

Once the filling is in place, your child’s clinician checks their bite to make sure the filling feels comfortable and sits at the right height when they close their teeth together. Your child may be asked to bite down gently on a small piece of paper a few times so this can be checked and adjusted if needed.

What your child might feel afterwards

It’s common for the numbness to last for a little while after the appointment, and your child may notice their lip, cheek or tongue feels strange or “puffy” until it wears off. Mild sensitivity around the filled tooth can also occur and is usually temporary. Every child recovers a little differently, and your child’s clinician will let you know if there’s anything specific to watch for based on their treatment.

Simple aftercare

While the numbness is still present, it’s best to avoid very hot food or drinks, and to keep an eye on your child so they don’t accidentally bite their cheek, lip or tongue without realising it — this is a common and easily avoidable mishap while the area is still numb. Once the numbness has fully worn off, your child can generally go back to eating and drinking normally, unless you’ve been given different instructions for their specific treatment. For more general guidance on the days that follow treatment, see our guide on looking after your child after dental treatment.

A note on comfort options

Most children manage a filling appointment very well with the approach described above. For some children, additional comfort options such as happy gas (relative analgesia) may be discussed with families where appropriate. This isn’t offered as a standard part of every filling, and whether it’s suitable will depend on your child’s individual needs — your child’s clinician is happy to talk this through with you if it’s something you’d like to discuss.

Frequently asked questions

Will my child feel pain during the filling?

The tooth is numbed before treatment begins specifically so your child shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure itself. Some children feel a brief pinch or pressure during the numbing step, and our team works gently and explains each step as they go to help your child feel as comfortable as possible.

How long does a filling appointment usually take?

This depends on the tooth and the extent of the decay, so it’s best to ask your child’s clinician what to expect for your child’s specific appointment.

Can I stay with my child during the filling?

Yes. You’re welcome to stay with your child for their filling, and for any appointment at Tooth Town. The only time parents aren’t permitted to stay is during treatment under general anaesthesia, where this isn’t allowed in the hospital operating theatre, in line with national standards across all hospitals.

What if my child is very anxious about the appointment?

Please let us know beforehand so we can plan extra time, use additional reassurance techniques, and talk with you about options that might help your child feel more at ease.

Will the filling need to be replaced later on?

Fillings in baby teeth and permanent teeth can last for varying amounts of time depending on the tooth and how it’s cared for. Your child’s clinician will let you know if and when it should be checked again as part of their regular reviews.

What should I tell my child before the appointment?

Simple, honest language works best — for example, letting them know the dentist will look after their tooth and explain everything before it happens. Avoid words like “hurt”, “needle” or “drill” unprompted, as these can create worry that isn’t necessary. Our team is happy to help find the right words if you’re unsure.

What to do next

If your child has an upcoming filling appointment and you have questions about what to expect, our team is here to help you and your child feel prepared and at ease. Book an appointment or get in touch, and we’ll walk you through exactly what your child’s visit will involve.

This guide is general information and doesn’t replace an individual assessment. Your child’s clinician will confirm what’s most appropriate for them after examination.

Related service at Tooth Town: Restorations

Losing a baby tooth earlier than expected — whether through decay or a knock — is more common than many parents realise, and it’s understandable to wonder what happens next. The good news is that in many cases, simple steps now can help protect the space for the adult tooth still developing underneath. This guide explains why early tooth loss matters and how a space maintainer can help.

Why baby teeth act as placeholders

Baby teeth don’t just help your child eat, speak and smile — they also hold the correct amount of space for the adult tooth developing beneath the gum. Each baby tooth sits in the exact spot its adult replacement will eventually need, quietly keeping that space open until the adult tooth is ready to come through.

What can happen if a baby tooth is lost too early

When a baby tooth is lost well before its natural time — often due to decay that isn’t treated, or trauma from a fall or knock — the neighbouring teeth don’t just stay put. They can gradually drift or tilt into the empty space.

This drifting can narrow the gap the adult tooth needs. When the adult tooth is finally ready to come through, it may not have enough room, which can lead to it coming through crowded, out of position, or in the wrong place entirely. This isn’t guaranteed to happen every time a tooth is lost early — but it’s a real possibility your dentist will want to check for.

What is a space maintainer?

A space maintainer is a small, custom-made appliance that fits into the gap left by the missing tooth. Its job is simple: hold that space open so the neighbouring teeth can’t drift into it, giving the adult tooth room to come through where it’s meant to.

A few important things to understand:

• It’s preventive, not corrective. A space maintainer doesn’t straighten teeth or fix an existing alignment problem — it simply preserves space so a future problem is less likely.
• It doesn’t replace the tooth’s chewing function in the way a permanent restoration might; its purpose is space, not appearance or bite.
• It’s usually temporary. Once the adult tooth is ready to come through, the space maintainer is removed.

Does every early tooth loss need a space maintainer?

No — this is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Several things influence whether a space maintainer is recommended, including which tooth was lost, how early it was lost, how much space is naturally available, and how close the adult tooth is to coming through. Sometimes a space maintainer is a clear benefit; other times your child’s dentist may decide it isn’t needed. This decision is only made after an examination, often supported by an X-ray, so please don’t feel you need to have an answer before your appointment.

If your child has lost a baby tooth to an injury rather than decay, our separate guide on dental injury first aid covers what to do in the first hour.

What to expect if one is recommended

If a space maintainer is suggested for your child, we’ll explain why, what type is appropriate, and what the fitting appointment involves. Most children adjust to wearing one quickly. We’ll also let you know what to watch for at home — such as the appliance feeling loose — and when a check-up is needed to monitor progress.

Ongoing monitoring

Once the adult tooth is on its way, ongoing monitoring matters. Any broader orthodontic review — checking how the adult teeth are coming through and whether further treatment may be helpful later — is managed through Tooth Town’s early interceptive orthodontics and orthodontic appliance review pathway.

Frequently asked questions

Why do baby teeth matter if they fall out anyway?

Baby teeth hold the space for the adult teeth developing underneath them, as well as helping your child eat and speak. Losing one too early can allow neighbouring teeth to drift into that space.

What causes a baby tooth to be lost too early?

The two most common causes are untreated decay and dental trauma, such as a fall or knock to the mouth.

Will my child definitely need a space maintainer?

Not necessarily. It depends on factors like which tooth was lost and how close the adult tooth is to erupting. Your child’s dentist will assess this individually and let you know what’s appropriate.

Does a space maintainer straighten teeth?

No. It’s a preventive appliance that holds space open — it doesn’t move or straighten teeth. Any orthodontic treatment is a separate, later consideration reviewed as part of our orthodontic care pathway.

How long does a child wear a space maintainer?

Generally until the adult tooth is ready to come through, though this varies by child. We’ll monitor progress at review appointments and let you know when it’s time to remove it.

What should I do if my child loses a baby tooth early?

Book a check-up as soon as you can. Early assessment gives us the best chance to protect the space for the adult tooth, whether or not a space maintainer ends up being needed.

What to do next

If your child has lost a baby tooth earlier than expected — through decay or a knock — the best next step is a check-up so we can assess whether the space needs protecting. Book an appointment with our friendly team, and we’ll talk you through what’s happening and what (if anything) is recommended for your child.

This guide is general information and doesn’t replace an individual assessment. Your child’s clinician will confirm what’s most appropriate for them after examination.

Related service at Tooth Town: Our Services

If your child’s dentist has mentioned a pulpotomy, you might picture something scary — but it’s actually one of the most common, well-established procedures in children’s dentistry. Sometimes nicknamed a “baby root canal,” a pulpotomy is a gentle way to treat a tooth when decay or an injury has reached deeper than a filling can manage, so your child can keep using that tooth comfortably until it’s naturally ready to fall out. This guide explains what a pulpotomy actually involves, in plain terms, and what to expect.

What is a pulpotomy?

Inside every tooth, under the hard outer layers, is a soft centre called the pulp. It contains small nerves and blood vessels. When decay or trauma reaches the pulp, the tooth can become sore, sensitive or infected.

A pulpotomy removes the affected part of that inner tissue from a baby tooth and treats the space to help calm irritation or infection and protect the healthy tissue that remains further down the tooth. The aim is to relieve discomfort and keep the tooth doing its job — rather than removing the tooth altogether.

It’s a common, routine part of children’s restorative dentistry, and Clinicians consulting at Tooth Town perform it regularly.

Is it the same as an adult root canal?

Not quite — the nickname is helpful, but the procedures aren’t identical. An adult root canal usually treats the whole length of the root canal system in a permanent tooth. A pulpotomy in a baby tooth is generally a more limited procedure, focused on the affected portion of the pulp, reflecting the different structure and role of baby teeth compared with permanent teeth. Your child’s clinician will explain what’s involved for their specific tooth after an examination.

Why treat the tooth instead of just taking it out?

It’s a fair question, and the answer comes down to what baby teeth do for your child in the meantime. Baby teeth help with eating and speech, guide the growth of the jaw, and hold space for the adult tooth developing underneath. Removing a tooth too early can allow neighbouring teeth to drift into that space, which may cause crowding issues later.

Where a tooth can be reasonably saved, a pulpotomy is often preferred because it:

• relieves pain and treats infection at the source
• keeps the tooth functioning for eating and speech
• holds space for the adult tooth coming through
• helps your child avoid the impact of an early gap

Extraction is sometimes the right call, depending on how much of the tooth is affected and its overall condition — that decision is always made after your child’s clinician has examined the tooth, not before.

What generally happens during a pulpotomy?

Every child and tooth is a little different, but a pulpotomy generally follows a similar pattern:

1. Numbing. The area around the tooth is numbed so your child is comfortable throughout treatment.
2. Treating the tooth. The clinician removes the affected inner tissue and treats the remaining healthy portion to help settle any inflammation or infection.
3. Protecting the tooth. The tooth is then usually restored with a crown, which protects it and helps it cope with everyday biting and chewing. We have a separate guide that explains the different types of children’s crowns Tooth Town uses and how we choose between them.

Afterwards, the tooth is generally monitored at regular check-ups to make sure it’s settling well and continuing to do its job.

Will my child be comfortable during treatment?

We know it’s natural to worry about how your child will cope. Pulpotomies are usually completed comfortably with local numbing, and our team takes a calm, child-friendly approach to help your child feel at ease throughout — explaining things in simple language, going at their pace and using positive, reassuring techniques.

For children who feel more anxious, have additional needs, or need extra support to get through treatment comfortably, options such as happy gas (relative analgesia) or, in some cases, treatment under general anaesthesia may be suitable. What’s right for your child depends on their individual needs and will be discussed with you by their clinician — we won’t assume a particular option in advance.

What happens after the procedure?

Your child’s clinician will let you know what to expect once treatment is complete, including any care instructions for the days that follow and when to bring your child back for review. As with any dental treatment, a pulpotomy is generally successful in appropriate cases, but the tooth will continue to be monitored at future visits to check it’s settling as expected. If you notice ongoing pain, swelling or anything you’re unsure about after the appointment, please contact our team.

Frequently asked questions

What is a pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy is a treatment for a baby tooth where decay or trauma has reached the tooth’s inner pulp. It removes the affected tissue and treats the tooth to relieve discomfort and help save it, usually followed by a protective crown.

Is a pulpotomy painful for my child?

The tooth is numbed before treatment, and our team takes a gentle, child-friendly approach throughout. For children who need extra support, options like happy gas or general anaesthesia can be discussed with your clinician.

Why not just take the tooth out instead?

Baby teeth help your child eat and speak, and they hold space for the adult tooth developing underneath. Where a tooth can be reasonably saved, treating it can help avoid the effects of an early gap.

Is a pulpotomy the same as an adult root canal?

Not exactly. It’s sometimes called a “baby root canal,” but a pulpotomy in a baby tooth is generally more limited than an adult root canal, reflecting the different structure of baby teeth.

Does my child need a crown after a pulpotomy?

Usually, yes — a crown helps protect the treated tooth so it can cope with everyday biting and chewing. Our separate guide explains the crown options Tooth Town offers.

How do I know if my child needs a pulpotomy?

Only an in-person examination can confirm this. If your child has tooth pain, sensitivity or you’ve noticed a change in a tooth, book a check-up and their clinician will assess what treatment, if any, is appropriate.

What to do next

If your child has been experiencing tooth discomfort, or their clinician has mentioned they may need a pulpotomy, the best next step is a check-up so we can properly assess the tooth and talk you through the options. Book an appointment with our friendly team — we’re here to answer your questions and help your child feel at ease every step of the way.

This guide is general information and doesn’t replace an individual assessment. Your child’s clinician will confirm what’s most appropriate for them after examination.

Related service at Tooth Town: Root Canals