Restorative Care
When a cavity happens, we explain your child's options and recommend an approach that fits the tooth, the treatment needs, and your family's priorities.
Gentle care. Clear choices.
Explore our restorative treatments
Select a treatment to learn when it may be recommended and what parents can expect. The final choice is based on your child's clinical evaluation.
A natural-looking way to repair a cavity
White fillings use tooth-colored composite resin to repair a tooth affected by decay or a small fracture. They can be a good option when enough healthy tooth structure remains.
- Designed to blend with the natural tooth color
- Restores the shape and function of the tooth
- Best suited to certain sizes and locations of cavities
The size of the cavity, moisture control, and the tooth's condition help determine whether a filling or crown is more appropriate.
What parents often ask
Is a white filling right for every cavity?
Not always. A crown may provide a more suitable restoration if extensive tooth structure is missing.
A durable cover for a weakened baby tooth
Stainless steel crowns are preformed caps that cover a baby tooth with extensive decay, a large fracture, or after nerve treatment. They protect what remains of the tooth until it's ready to fall out on its own.
- Covers and protects the entire tooth
- Very durable for chewing on back teeth
- Often completed in a single visit
Silver crowns are most often used on baby molars, where strength matters more than appearance.
What parents often ask
Will the silver crown ever come off?
It stays in place until the baby tooth falls out naturally, and then it comes out together with the tooth.
A tooth-colored crown for a natural smile
Zirconia crowns are strong, tooth-colored ceramic caps for baby teeth that need full coverage. Families often choose them for front teeth, or when a natural appearance is a priority.
- Tooth-colored for a natural look
- Strong, durable ceramic material
- Covers and protects the entire tooth
Zirconia crowns need slightly more tooth preparation and a dry working area, so they aren't the best fit for every tooth or every child.
What parents often ask
Do white crowns cost more than silver crowns?
Often, yes, and insurance coverage varies by plan. We'll give you a written estimate for each option before treatment.
What to expect
- A clear explanation of the diagnosis and treatment choices
- A written estimate before treatment begins
- Topical numbing gel before a local anesthetic injection, when needed
- Comfort strategies such as breaks, distraction, and nitrous oxide when appropriate
Why timely care matters
Untreated decay can progress, leading to pain, infection, and more complex treatment. Early evaluation allows us to discuss the most appropriate options for your child's tooth.
Common questions
Do baby teeth really need fillings?
Often yes. Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth and some stay until age 12. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infection.
Will my child need sedation?
Most children don't. If it would help, we'll explain the options and walk you through every step first.