Keeping your child’s smile healthy and strong is a top priority. Restorative care is more than just repairing or replacing damaged teeth. It also means implementing preventive therapies to reduce the risk of cavities and other issues. Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry works with you and your child to develop an oral health plan that minimizes restorative visits and focuses on maintaining a clean, beautiful smile.
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)
Good at-home dental hygiene plays an integral role in reducing cavities, but they can still occur. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a liquid that is applied to the decayed area to prevent further breakdown. Silver is an anti-microbial that kills the bacteria which contribute to decay, while fluoride stops the tooth from breaking down or demineralizing any further. Applying SDF is a non-invasive procedure that can often be incorporated in recare and treatment visits when indicated.
Composite Restorations (Fillings)
This is the more traditional method of treating decay by using a small drill or laser to remove any decay that is present in your child’s tooth, and then restoring the cavity prep with a composite resin material. The resin has similar coloring to the natural tooth, and it is a soft dough-like material that molds to the tooth’s structure. A UV light is used to harden the resin so that it bonds to the tooth and stays in place. The tooth is carefully reshaped and adjusted accordingly to comfort. Dr. Lisa may recommend anesthesia or sedation options to make it a more positive experience for your child.
Stainless Steel Crown (SSC)
Extensive decay can compromise the strength, durability, and function of your child’s tooth. Stainless steel crowns are silver caps that are placed over the top of the tooth once all decay has been removed to ensure stability and proper function. SSCs may also be indicated if your child’s tooth becomes damaged due to grinding or chewing on hard objects like toys. This type of crown is typically placed on the molars or other teeth toward the back of the mouth and may stay in place until the baby tooth naturally falls out on its own.
Zirconia Crown
Zirconia crowns are also used to retore extensively decayed teeth where strength, durability, and function are compromised. These crowns are tooth-colored and can be used in the front and back of the mouth. However, if your child’s bite in the back presents with grinding or chewing concerns from habits, SSC may be indicated for these teeth. Dr. Lisa and her team will determine the best crown option for your child based on their individual needs. This procedure can typically be completed in a single visit allowing your child to get back to their normal routine with minimal downtime.
Pulp Therapy
This procedure is often referred to as a “pulpotomy” and is indicated when the decay has entered near or into the nerve area of the tooth. A pulpotomy removes any damaged or infected pulp tissue from the crown portion of the tooth and leaves the healthy pulp in the root. Pulp therapy allows your child’s tooth to be maintained in the oral cavity and naturally exfoliate like non-cavitated teeth.
Space Maintenance
Baby teeth naturally fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth as your child gets older. Premature loss of teeth from decay, extraction, or trauma can leave gaps that allow remaining teeth to slowly shift out of place. Movement of the teeth can also affect the eruption of the permanent teeth. A space maintainer may be recommended to preserve the space left behind by the missing tooth. We use several different types of space maintainers, some of which we can fabricate in the office, and others we send out to a lab. The device is typically used until the permanent tooth emerges or the space no longer needs to be maintained.
Extractions (Tooth Removal)
We do our best to preserve your child’s teeth, but sometimes tooth extractions are necessary. Dr. Lisa may recommend extraction if a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, or if there is an infection present. Additionally, there are times when a baby tooth is preventing a permanent tooth from erupting, or additional space is needed to prepare for orthodontic care. We use a gentle touch, child-friendly terminology, and appropriate sedation methods to minimize discomfort and help your child feel as relaxed and at ease as possible during the procedure.
Why Parents Trust Dr. Lisa
Dr. Lisa and her team are patient and compassionate when working with your child. They create a fun and welcoming environment to help children feel safe and relaxed when receiving care, and understand that patients often don’t know what to expect. Treatment plans are tailored to your child’s unique needs and comfort level for a more personalized experience. To schedule an appointment to discuss restorative dental care options, call Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry at (864) 603-2603.
