What does restorative dentistry include?

Restorative dentistry is a term used to describe dental treatments that restore health, function, strength, and appearance to a tooth that has been damaged by dental trauma or decay.

What type of restorations are done for primary teeth?

The most common restorations for primary teeth are dental fillings and crowns. Pulp treatment may also be considered a restorative procedure.

Do children’s cavities need to be filled?

Children’s cavities do not necessarily need to be filled, but they do need to be treated in some way, unless a tooth is about to fall out on its own. We offer silver diamine fluoride (SDF) at our practice, which can halt the progression of a cavity either until a tooth falls out on its own or until a child is comfortable enough to cooperate for the restorative dental procedure.

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Restorative Dentistry for Children in Gaithersburg, MD

Dream Smiles Pediatric Dentistry of Gaithersburg provides restorative dental care for children in Gaithersburg, MD. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 301-327-1003.

We use restorative dental treatments to restore strength, function, and health to any teeth that have been damaged by decay or dental trauma. When tooth-colored materials are used, restorative procedures also improve the appearance of the affected tooth by blending in seamlessly with the rest of your child’s smile.

We believe that every child’s dream smile can come true and we’re here to help every step of the way!

Our restorative services include:

Composite (White) Fillings

Composite fillings use a material carefully selected to match the rest of your child’s tooth for a natural appearance. The procedure involves removing areas of decay, then filling them in with the composite material, which is hardened using a specialized curing light.

Dental Crowns

When a significant portion of a tooth is damaged or decayed, we use dental crowns to restore function and strength. The damaged areas are removed, then the crown covers over the remaining healthy tooth structure. Options for crowns include:

Stainless Steel Crowns

These crowns are used to restore both primary and permanent molars that have deep decay or have had root canal treatment. Stainless steel crowns are mercury-free, durable, and easy to keep clean, making them an excellent choice for many patients.

All Composite Strip Crowns

All-composite strip crowns are often used if the affected tooth is visible when a child smiles because they’re made to match the rest of their teeth. A pre-formed clear shell is filled with a tooth-colored composite material, then placed over the tooth. After the composite has hardened, the shell is removed, leaving behind an esthetic “white” composite crown.

Tooth Extractions

Often, a tooth can be saved with some type of restorative treatment, but on occasion, the only way to restore your child’s oral health is to remove a compromised tooth. We offer gentle tooth extractions right in our office using local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and/or mild sedation if needed.

Pulp Treatment (Pulpotomy, Pulpectomy, or Baby Root Canal)

When a cavity is deep enough to reach the pulp inside a tooth, it can cause pain and infection. Pulp treatment saves the tooth from needing to be extracted by removing the infected part of pulpal tissue, replacing it by mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), a BioActive, hydrophilic, non-toxic and 100% biocompatible material, which promotes healing. Aftwards, the remaining healthy tooth structure is restored with a dental crown until it's ready to fall out on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restorative Dentistry for Kids

If your child brushes for two minutes twice a day and flosses at least once a day, it can be frustrating to see them still getting cavities. Some children naturally have deep pits and fissures on the surfaces of their teeth where plaque can collect, which can be addressed with dental sealants. It’s also important to avoid sugary drinks and snacks, which create an environment where the bacteria that causes cavities thrives.

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