Restorative Treatment
There are many restorative treatment options in pediatric dentistry. Tooth-colored fillings or composite resin restorations are sometimes an option for children with smaller cavities.
If your child’s cavity is too large to restore with white fillings, a crown may be recommended. Crowns help protect the baby teeth by covering them completely and decreasing the risk of that tooth having a cavity again.
We also offer other options like silver diamine fluoride and intermediate therapeutic restorations when indicated.
Dr. Lisa takes her time to explain each child’s treatment plan so families feel comfortable and knowledgeable about all risks and benefits.
Composite Fillings
When indicated, we use tooth-colored fillings to restore function and comfort to your child’s tooth.
Crowns
When indicated, we place superhero shields (aka stainless steel “silver” crowns) to completely cover the tooth. The doctor will review which type is indicated for your child’s needs and explain the pros and cons of every treatment.
Pulpotomy / Baby Root Canal
If a cavity enters into the nerve chamber, it will likely need a pulpotomy procedure where the infected portion of the nerve is removed and a medication is placed to prevent further progression of bacteria into the roots of the tooth.
Extractions
Sometimes teeth have to go to the tooth fairy a little earlier than expected. In those instances, Dr. Lisa will review when extractions are indicated due to infection, trauma or for orthodontic purposes, and ensure the safest and trauma-free experience for your child.
Space Maintenance
Space maintenance is indicated sometimes after a tooth has been lost prematurely. Because baby teeth are place holders for adult teeth later on, with the early loss of a baby tooth, neighboring teeth start shifting into that space, potentially causing crowding problems as your child grows. A space maintainer is placed in that area to hold the space so that the adult tooth can erupt in a more appropriate position and then removed once the adult tooth starts to erupt.