Resin Composite Fillings

If your child needs a filling, one that is tooth-colored will blend in so well with other teeth, you’ll forget it is even there. Our white fillings are made of a special resin that tightly bonds to the tooth that keeps it strong. At Bay Pediatric Dentistry, we’re very good at calming children and keeping their discomfort to a minimum when we fill a tooth. 

Crowns

Dental crowns are used to cover a tooth that might be likely to break or is too damaged and decayed to be fixed with a filling. A crown is an aesthetic covering or a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over another tooth to provide it stability. Crowns are generally used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth. When a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth, a crown is a good option. Crowns are also used to restore the shape and size of chipped or damaged teeth. They are typically bonded to the tooth using dental cement. We only recommend dental crowns for children when it is absolutely necessary.

Pulpal Therapy

We may perform a Pulpotomy (or a baby root canal) if a decayed tooth or deep cavity is causing pain to a child. The problem typically results from an untreated cavity that is now deep within the tooth. 

Pulpotomy procedures are very important to prevent the unnecessary and untimely loss of baby teeth. Remember, baby teeth are important to save in order to maintain adequate space for adult teeth. If baby teeth are lost prematurely, the rest of the teeth may begin to shift, causing crowding and reducing the space for adult teeth to grow in. If this happens, braces may be needed to properly realign the teeth.

Extractions

In most instances, we want to save teeth for as long as possible. There are times, however, when removing a tooth is recommended. Teeth are removed for a wide variety of reasons including large decay unable to be restored, primary teeth that need assistance in exfoliating, orthodontic concerns, infection of the nerve tissues, etc. The doctors will clarify why an extraction is recommended in each case and how the space will be managed following the removal of the tooth.