Restorative Dental Procedures

Fillings
There are many types of dental fillings; at Just for Kids Dental we do not do any silver fillings. The fillings completed in our office are matched as close as possible to the child's natural tooth color.
These are known as tooth-colored composite fillings. Aesthetically, composite fillings are ideal because they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth. Composite fillings are also a versatile material to not only fill decay/cavities but to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth. Often times less tooth structure needs to be removed to prepare for the filling compared to silver (amalgam) fillings. Composite fillings also chemically bond to the tooth structure to provide further support.

Stainless Steel Crowns
The stainless steel crowns are an effective method to restore complete function to a tooth that is severely decayed, cracked or broken. When the tooth is severely compromised, a filling may not be enough – a stainless steel crown may be the best choice. Stainless steel crowns are the best option for children as they are cost-effective and durable. As the child ages, your pediatric dentist may refer the child for a permanent crown made of tooth-colored material for aesthetic purposes.

Pulpotomy (Baby Tooth Root Canal):
A pulpotomy can be a successful method to save a tooth from extraction. When decay invades the area near the pulp of the tooth, the pulpal tissue becomes inflamed. It is necessary to remove this decay as soon as possible to keep the tooth from requiring extraction due to an abscess. A pulpotomy cannot save an already abscessed tooth. If you think your child has an abscess or requires treatment for a toothache, see a dentist immediately.

Extractions (Wiggles):
An extraction is the removal of a tooth. There are a few reasons in pediatric dentistry a tooth would need to be “wiggled”. Sometimes, the adult tooth is having trouble making it’s debut due to a primary tooth. Other times, the tooth may be abscessed and have a severe infection. In these cases the only option is to remove the source of infection, the tooth. In order to prevent an extraction due to decay and infection, be sure to exercise proper oral hygiene.