Restorative Dentistry

Pediatric pulpotomy procedure at Tooth Patrol Dental

What is dental restoration for kids?

Just like you visit a pediatrician for your child’s medical care, it’s important to see a pediatric dentist for their dental needs. At Tooth Patrol Pediatric Dentistry, our team provides expert, child-focused care designed for growing smiles.

Why choose a pediatric dentist?

Extra Training: 2–3 additional years of specialized education after dental school
Kid-Friendly Expertise: Focused on child development, behavior guidance, and special needs
Comprehensive Care: From first tooth through young adulthood
Comfort-First Approach: We create a calm, positive experience for every child

We’re here to support healthy, confident smiles from the start.

What are the most common dental problems in children?

Kids can experience a range of dental problems—some starting as early as infancy. Here's a quick look at what to watch for:

Cavities: Still the most common issue, especially with frequent sugary drinks
Early Tooth Loss: Can affect how permanent teeth come in
Ectopic Eruption: Teeth growing in the wrong place or direction
Gum Problems: Swelling, redness, or bleeding may signal gingivitis
Injuries: Falls and sports can lead to chipped or knocked-out teeth
Bite Issues: Overbites or underbites may need early orthodontic care
Sensitivity: Pain from hot, cold, or sweet foods may indicate enamel wear
Thumb-Sucking or Pacifiers (past age 4): Can lead to alignment issues
Grinding (Bruxism): May cause worn teeth or jaw pain

Not sure what’s normal? We’re here to help you spot concerns early and keep your child’s smile healthy.

Tooth-colored composite fillings for children

What is the most common type of pediatric dental restoration treatments?

When children get cavities or experience dental damage, restorative treatments help repair and protect their teeth. Here's a simplified overview of common pediatric restorations:

Tooth-Colored Fillings: The most common treatment for cavities. These composite fillings match the color of your child’s teeth and restore function while keeping their smile natural-looking.
Stainless Steel Crowns: Often used for baby molars with extensive decay. These crowns are durable and protect the tooth until it naturally falls out.
Pulpotomies (Baby Root Canals): Used when a baby tooth has an infection inside. This treatment saves the tooth and protects the developing permanent tooth below.
Space Maintainers: If a baby tooth is lost too early, these small devices hold space for the adult tooth to come in properly.

Pediatric dentists use child-friendly materials and techniques designed for smaller, developing teeth. At Tooth Patrol, we focus on conservative treatments that preserve as much natural tooth as possible while supporting proper oral growth.

RESTORATIVE SERVICES

Extractions

Pulpotomy

Crowns

Fillings

Common Pediatric Dental Restoration Treatments at Tooth Patrol

At Tooth Patrol Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in gentle, effective restoration techniques designed specifically for children's unique dental needs. Our pediatric dentists are experts in preserving your child's smile while ensuring optimal oral health and development.

Pulpotomy: Saving Infected Baby Teeth

When untreated cavities or dental trauma allow bacteria to reach the soft inner pulp of your child's tooth, a pulpotomy becomes necessary. This common procedure, sometimes called a "baby root canal," involves carefully removing the infected portion of the tooth's pulp, applying special medication to preserve the remaining healthy pulp, and sealing the tooth with a protective filling or crown. This treatment helps prevent premature tooth loss, preserving the natural space for permanent teeth and avoiding potential alignment issues that could affect your child's developing smile.

Dental Crowns: Complete Protection

For severely damaged primary teeth, Tooth Patrol offers two excellent crown options. Silver stainless steel crowns provide an economical and exceptionally durable solution ideal for back molars not visible when smiling, offering excellent protection against further decay. For a more natural appearance, especially for visible front teeth, white crowns deliver an esthetic option customized to match surrounding teeth. Both crown types provide superior strength, durability, and protection while maintaining proper bite function and supporting your child's oral development until permanent teeth emerge.

Tooth-Colored Fillings: Beautiful Repairs

Our composite (white) fillings are nearly invisible, blending seamlessly with your child's natural teeth. These modern restorations match the exact color of your child's teeth, bond directly to tooth structure requiring less drilling, contain no mercury or metal components, and actually strengthen the remaining tooth structure. While slightly more expensive than traditional silver fillings, composite restorations offer superior esthetics with comparable durability, making them the preferred choice for most parents who want their children to maintain confidence in their smiles while effectively treating decay.

Gentle Extractions: When Necessary

Sometimes, a tooth may be too damaged to save. Our pediatric specialists are trained to make extractions as comfortable as possible by using child-friendly language to explain the procedure, providing appropriate anesthesia or sedation options, creating a calm, reassuring environment, and offering detailed aftercare instructions. Our office is designed with children in mind, featuring colorful décor and friendly staff to help ease any dental anxiety your child might experience during treatment, ensuring that even necessary extractions can be a positive experience in their dental journey.

If you suspect your child needs dental restoration, contact Tooth Patrol Pediatric Dentistry today. Our team is committed to providing gentle, effective care in a kid-friendly environment that prioritizes your child's comfort and long-term oral health.