Restorative Care
If your child has a cavity or a tooth that needs a little extra care, our goal is to restore the health and function of their smile. We provide gentle restorative treatment designed with your child’s comfort and individual needs in mind. During their treatment, they will be supported and guided each step of the way with friendly encouragement and compassion.
Restorative care is more than fixing teeth- it is an opportunity to build trust, create positive dental experiences, and help your child feel safe and cared for every step of the way.
Depending on your child’s specific needs, we may recommend tooth-colored fillings for restoration and esthetics. For larger and deeper tooth decay, we may recommend more protective coverage such as a crown. Our goal is for parents to be as informed as possible of the different treatment options that are available for your child.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
When a cavity needs to be restored, tooth-colored fillings provide natural appearance and preservation of as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Our focus is on gentle, conservative care- removing only the damaged portion of the tooth and restoring it back to health.
Depending on the size, location, and extent of the cavity, different treatment plans may be necessary. At Little Flower, we take an individualized approach to restorative care and choose the treatment that best supports the health and longevity of your child’s smile.
Pulp Treatments
If a cavity is close or already within the nerve of a tooth, a pulpotomy (nerve treatment) is necessary. This procedure consists of cleaning out the unhealthy portion of the tooth’s nerve or “pulp” to stop the pain and progress of the decay. After this is done, a crown is placed on the tooth for protection.
Crowns
Crowns are the best option for teeth have have very large or deep decay. A crown covers and protects the entire tooth, helping restore its strength and function while allowing the tooth to remain in place until it is naturally ready to fall out. Stainless-steel crowns are strong and durable and are especially well-suited for children’s molars, which experience significant chewing forces.
Tooth-colored crowns are a possible option for your child depending on many factors. Because these crowns require more tooth structure to be removed, we recommend them only when clinically necessary and when they are the best option for your child’s specific needs. Dr. Shilpa is here to answer all questions and concerns about these crowns!
Extractions
If your child needs a tooth removed, more likely due to infection, trauma or orthodontic purposes, we will explain what to expect in child-friendly terms and discuss any follow-up care that may be needed, including whether a space maintainer is recommended.
Space Maintenance
The best placeholder for a permanent tooth is a baby tooth. However, if a baby tooth needs to be removed early on, we will discuss the best options for a space maintainer for your child. This can help guide developing teeth into their proper position and reduce the risk of crowding and unwanted shifting.