Restorative Dentistry
From time to time, no matter how hard you try, your child might face cavities or broken teeth.
Our office offers restorative dentistry services to our young patients to ensure their smile’s health and function, as well as instilling a sense of importance in caring for the teeth – even from a young age. Our restorative services can repair both permanent and primary teeth that have been chipped, cracked, fractured, or decayed.
While many people tend to think these issues are less important when occurring to the primary teeth, it is exactly this mindset that causes some children to neglect their dental health and follow poor habits due to a lessened priority towards their oral health. When these teeth are prioritized, just as much as the permanent teeth, your child will feel more prepared to provide permanent teeth with proper care when they grow in. Not only does providing restorative dentistry care to primary teeth promote healthy habits for the future, but it also protects their smile and ensures they have healthy teeth at all stages of their development.
Benefits of Composite Fillings:
Our office offers composite fillings as a treatment to restore smiles from decay, cracks, or minor injuries. Composite fillings are made of a resin mixture that matches the exact shade of the child’s tooth, so they can be used to fill in small cavities and repair cracks and chips without being noticeable. This makes them a popular choice for parents who hope to restore their child’s smile in a way that won’t draw attention or negatively impact their confidence. We use composite fillings because they are durable, long-lasting, and look natural.
The process for applying a composite filling is as follows:
- The process begins by removing any decay that may be present or polishing any jagged areas formed due to injury.
- Once this is complete, an adhesive substance is painted onto the tooth. This allows the filling to bond more easily to the tooth.
- The filling material is applied to the tooth and set in place using an LED light.
- Once hardened in position, we will complete any touch-ups to the restoration to ensure it looks great and feels natural.
If your child is in need of a filling, come visit our office. We would be happy to help them get their smile back.
Preventing the Need for Restorative Dentistry Care
Preventing the need for children’s dental restorations is something that all parents should aim to do. One of the best ways to do this is by ensuring that your child maintains a good oral hygiene routine. This means brushing their teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day. You should also make sure that they are eating a healthy diet and avoiding excessive amounts of sugary drinks (sodas, fruit juice, energy drinks) and snacks (salty chips, candy, cookies, sweets).
- Particularly damaging are drinks that are acidic – such as lemonades, lemon-lime soda, and orange soda. The acids in these drinks are more destructive to the enamel and may cause this protective layer to dissolve quite quickly. While it is best to avoid these drinks, if your child does consume them, they should do so using a straw. This ensures that less of the liquid washes over the teeth as they are drinking.
- Other abrasive items include gummy candies that stick to the teeth or anything sour; these snacks cause much more damage to the teeth in a short period of time.
Another way to avoid the need for restorative dentistry is to ensure your child wears a mouthguard when participating in sports or high-impact activities. We also suggest that you monitor their teeth for the dull, worn-down appearance that coincides with teeth grinding.
If your child does need dental restorations, make sure to take them to our office to determine the treatment they need. We want to ensure that your child gets the proper care to ensure they can maintain their beautiful smile for years to come. Find out more about pediatric oral surgery at our office.
If you are interested in learning more about restorative dentistry, contact our Fort Mill, SC office today!
Benefits of Pediatric Dental Crowns
Pediatric dental crowns offer strong, reliable protection for children’s teeth that have been damaged by decay, trauma, or developmental issues. They cover the entire tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength while preventing further damage. Crowns are especially helpful for preserving baby teeth until they naturally fall out, maintaining proper spacing for permanent teeth. By protecting the tooth and avoiding early extraction, crowns can support healthy chewing, clear speech, and proper jaw development.
Creating and placing a custom pediatric dental crowns involves:
- Numbing the area to keep your child comfortable during the procedure
- Removing decay and shaping the tooth to fit the crown
- Selecting the correct crown size for a proper fit and bite
- Smoothing and adjusting the crown for comfort and function
- Cementing the crown securely in place over the tooth
- Checking the bite and making any final adjustments
Is restorative pediatric dentistry expensive?
The cost of restorative pediatric dentistry depends on the type of treatment, the materials used, and the extent of the repair needed. Common treatments like fillings or crowns are often fully or partially covered by dental insurance, which helps reduce out-of-pocket costs. Our office also offers flexible payment options to make care more affordable. Investing in timely restorative treatment can prevent more complex—and more costly—dental problems in the future, helping protect your child’s smile and overall oral health.
How will I know if my child needs restorative dental treatment?
Signs your child may need restorative dental treatment include visible cavities, tooth sensitivity, pain when chewing, or damage like chips and cracks. You might also notice discoloration or swelling in the gums around a tooth. Regular dental check-ups are the best way to detect problems early, as some issues may not be visible or painful right away. Our team will perform a thorough exam and design a custom treatment plan for your child.
