Restorative Dentistry for Children

Tooth-colored fillings are the most lifelike material used to fill cavities. Composite fillings can be done in one visit. Once the decay is removed, the tooth is filled with this composite material that hardens immediately after placement.

If the inner chamber of the tooth, known as the dental pulp, is invaded by the cavity, it will gradually deteriorate and become infected. The root canal process involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning out the chamber and roots (if needed), and filling the chamber and/or canals with a material that will help restore the tooth until it is time for in to normally exfoliate ( fall out on its own naturally).

Crowns are used to restore damaged or decayed teeth in children. Crowns completely cover the remaining tooth structure after it has been treated. They can be made of many different materials, including stainless steel, composite materials, polycarbonate, resin, porcelain, and zirconia. We offer several different options, allowing us to choose what is best for each child and each tooth.

In the event a tooth is badly damaged and can’t be repaired with traditional methods, your child may need to have the tooth pulled or extracted. A dental extraction is the removal of teeth from the socket in the alveolar bone. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, but most commonly to remove teeth which can no longer be restored due to tooth decay, periodontal disease, dental trauma or orthodontic needs.

After an extraction, it is most important to stop the bleeding. The most effective recommendation is positive pressure. This can be accomplished by having the child bite tightly on a piece of cotton gauze for 15-30 minutes. If your child is too young to do this, hold the gauze tightly against the extraction site with your finger for the same length of time. Even after long pressure, the extraction site may bleed slightly for several hours and may even stop and start again. Further pressure will usually solve the problem.

Normally, only slight discomfort will be experienced after an extraction unless the child bites the tongue or cheek while numb. If pain is present, we recommend Tylenol or Motrin in the appropriate dose for the size of your child rather than aspirin. If the pain is severe, call the office for guidance.

Avoid straws and forceful spitting on the first day. Crunchy foods (peanuts, pretzels, potato chips, etc.) should be avoided for the first day or two. Brush gently in the area and keep the area clean to promote healing.