Restorative Procedures
We understand that even with the best prevention, dental decay can sometimes occur. When it does, our goal is to treat the disease effectively while preserving as much of your child’s natural tooth structure as possible.
Modern Tooth-Colored (White) Fillings
For small cavities, composite white fillings are our material of choice.
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Aesthetic Appeal: These fillings are color-matched to your child’s natural teeth for a seamless look.
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Conservative Treatment: They require minimal tooth preparation, meaning we can preserve more healthy tooth structure.
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Pro Tip: Because white fillings bond differently than silver, they require diligent home care—especially daily flossing and a healthy diet—to stay in peak condition.
Durable Silver (Amalgam) Fillings
Amalgam fillings have been a reliable staple in dentistry for decades. They are incredibly durable and provide a long-lasting restorative option for specific types of cavities where high strength is required.
Protective Stainless Steel Crowns
When a cavity covers more than one-third of a tooth, or if a child is very young, a Stainless Steel Crown is the best way to save the tooth.
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Strength & Shape: These crowns cover the tooth completely, restoring it to its original size and providing incredible strength.
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Essential Protection: A crown is the “gold standard” (or silver!) for protecting any baby tooth that has undergone root canal therapy.
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Options: While traditionally silver in color, white crowns are also available for a more natural appearance.
Pulpotomy: The “Mini” Root Canal
When decay reaches the nerve of a baby tooth, we perform a Pulpotomy.
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The Goal: We remove only the infected portion of the nerve to prevent an abscess or the need for a full extraction.
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Quick & Effective: This procedure is much faster than a permanent root canal and is completed in a single visit. We then place a crown over the tooth to create a seal and safeguard the remaining structure.
Space Maintainers: Saving Room for the Future
If a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay or an abscess, the surrounding teeth may shift into the empty space. This prevents permanent teeth from erupting correctly.
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How They Work: A space maintainer is a custom appliance made of steel rings and wires that holds the “spot” open for the incoming permanent tooth.
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Maintenance: These are cemented into place and remain until the permanent tooth begins to emerge. Patients with space maintainers should avoid sticky candies to keep the appliance secure.
