Why Children Need Restorative Dentistry
Baby teeth seem temporary, which leads some parents to wonder if treating cavities in primary teeth really matters. The reality is that these teeth play critical roles until they naturally fall out. They help children chew food properly for nutrition and digestion, guide speech development, and most importantly, hold space for permanent teeth waiting to erupt. Losing a baby tooth prematurely can cause neighboring teeth to drift into that space, creating crowding problems that complicate orthodontic treatment later.
Untreated decay doesn’t stay confined to one tooth either. Cavities can spread to adjacent teeth, and infection in baby teeth can damage developing permanent teeth underneath. Pain from decay affects eating, sleeping, and concentration at school. We treat damaged or decayed teeth promptly to prevent these complications and keep your child comfortable.
Common Restorative Treatments
Fillings represent the most common restorative treatment we provide. When decay creates a cavity, we remove the damaged portion of the tooth and fill the space with durable material that restores the tooth’s shape and function. We use tooth-colored composite resin fillings that blend naturally with your child’s teeth, avoiding the metallic appearance of traditional silver fillings. These composite materials bond directly to tooth structure, providing excellent durability while looking completely natural.
Dental crowns become necessary when decay or damage affects too much of the tooth for a simple filling to work. Crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth, protecting what remains while restoring full function. For baby teeth, we often use stainless steel crowns that provide excellent strength and durability until the tooth falls out naturally. These pre-formed crowns can be placed quickly and withstand the forces of chewing remarkably well. For front teeth where appearance matters more, we offer tooth-colored crown options that look natural.
Pulp therapy, sometimes called a baby root canal, saves teeth when decay reaches the nerve. The procedure removes infected or damaged nerve tissue from inside the tooth, then seals the space to prevent further infection. A crown typically covers the tooth afterward to protect it. This treatment lets children keep teeth that would otherwise need extraction, maintaining proper spacing and function until permanent teeth are ready to erupt.
Restorative Options We Provide
- Composite fillings: Tooth-colored repairs for cavities and minor damage
- Stainless steel crowns: Durable full-coverage protection for damaged back teeth
- Tooth-colored crowns: Natural-looking restorations for front teeth
- Pulp therapy: Nerve treatment that saves infected teeth
- Space maintainers: Devices that hold space after premature tooth loss
- Extractions: Removing teeth that can’t be saved or are causing problems
Space Maintainers After Tooth Loss
Sometimes teeth are lost prematurely due to severe decay, trauma, or developmental issues. When this happens, space maintainers prevent neighboring teeth from drifting into the gap. These custom appliances hold the space open until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, preventing orthodontic problems that would otherwise develop. Dr. Jones explains space maintainers as “parking space holders”—they keep the spot reserved for the permanent tooth that will eventually move in.
Treating Dental Injuries
Active kids inevitably experience dental injuries. Chipped teeth are incredibly common and usually easy to repair. We can smooth rough edges, bond composite material to restore the original shape, or place a crown if damage is extensive. Fractured teeth require more involved treatment depending on whether the break exposes the nerve. Sometimes we can save the tooth with pulp therapy and a crown, while other fractures necessitate extraction.
When teeth get pushed out of position but not completely out of the socket, we can often reposition them and stabilize them while healing occurs. The sooner we see your child after an injury, the better the outcomes tend to be, which is why we prioritize dental emergency appointments.
Our Approach to Restorative Care
Restorative dentistry in Kaysville only succeeds when children cooperate with treatment, which is why we invest time in building trust and explaining procedures in age-appropriate ways. We use behavior guidance techniques that help anxious children feel safe and in control. For children who can’t tolerate treatment despite our gentlest approaches, sedation dentistry provides an alternative that allows necessary care to happen comfortably.
We also believe in a conservative treatment philosophy. This means we only recommend removing tooth structure when truly necessary and always aim to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Sometimes watching a small area of early decay makes more sense than drilling, especially if we can strengthen the area with fluoride treatments and improved home care.
Prevention Remains the Goal
While we’re excellent at restoring damaged teeth, we’d always prefer to prevent problems in the first place. Regular checkups, proper home care, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants dramatically reduce the need for restorative work. When we find cavities during examinations, catching them early means simpler, more conservative treatment.
Expert Restorative Dentistry in Kaysville
The restorative care we provide today protects your child’s oral health well into the future. Properly treated teeth function correctly, cause no pain, and don’t threaten neighboring teeth or developing permanent teeth. Children who receive timely restorative care maintain better overall oral health and face fewer complications as they grow.
Does your child need restorative dental care? Contact Kaysville Pediatric Dental & Orthodontics to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jones or Dr. Harrison. We’ll evaluate your child’s needs and create a treatment plan that prioritizes their comfort and long-term oral health. Call today to get started!