Little Bytes Services

Pediatric Restorative Dentistry

Pediatric restorative dentistry can restore or maintain your child's healthy smile. Whether your child has cavities, a chipped tooth, or tooth discoloration from medication, Little Bytes Pediatric Dentistry can help.

We use restorative treatments when necessary to preserve the function and health of the teeth. Many of these treatments also improve the appearance of teeth.

What Is a Pediatric Dental Filling?

A pediatric dental filling is a material that is made to stick to a child's teeth after a cavity has been removed. This material protects the tooth from additional decay.

The type of dental filling material our dentists use is called composite resin. It is a tooth-colored material that is safe and durable enough to use throughout the mouth.

Risk Factors for Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is caused by the formation of plaque on the teeth. Plaque forms when bacteria in food containing carbohydrates are not removed by brushing. It causes a breakdown of the tooth enamel, which makes the tooth more likely to develop a cavity.

Risk factors for tooth decay include the following:

✓ Poor oral hygiene
✓ A diet high in starches and sugars
✓ Less saliva flow than normal
✓ Drinking water with minimal or no fluoride in it

Once tooth decay has developed, it must be treated. If it isn’t, the decay will continue to spread and affect other teeth.

What Is a Pediatric Dental Crown?

Pediatric dental crowns are a restorative treatment that protects, covers, and restores the shape of a tooth. This type of restoration is used to treat a decayed tooth.

A child may need dental crowns, which are also called caps, for one of these reasons:

The nerve of a primary molar tooth has been treated
A primary molar tooth is badly broken
The teeth have extensive wear from grinding
The teeth have severe wear from erosion
The teeth are improperly formed

Our dentists can place a dental crown using a minimally invasive procedure called the Hall crown technique. This method uses a stainless steel crown to cover the natural tooth.

Learn More About the Hall Technique

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Crown

Our team will discuss treatment options for your child. You should consider the following factors when deciding whether a crown is suitable for your child:

✓ Adaptability
✓ Aesthetics
✓ Allergens
✓ Cost
✓ Durability
✓ Retentiveness
✓ Placement time

Trust that our team of dentists in Palo Alto has studied how to treat children using dental crowns safely and effectively. If you're concerned about your child's comfort, ask our staff about our sedation options.