Dental caries, known as cavities or tooth decay, is the number one infectious disease of children. It is not uncommon for children to develop dental decay, especially when we consider that primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, are smaller, thinner, less dense or calcified, and children’s diets are high in carbohydrates and sugars. If your child should have a small cavity or even an infected tooth, Dr. Espinosa and Dr. DeSimini will provide the upmost in quality restorative treatment to maintain the form and function of the mouth.

Restorative Pediatric Dental Services

• Composite restorations: also known as tooth colored fillings, this is a material that can restore teeth esthetically after infection or trauma
• Full coverage crowns: stainless steel or porcelain crowns are used to restore teeth after nerve treatment or trauma, and to restore large cavities
• Pulpotomies/Pulpectomies: root canal treatments on primary teeth when the cavity extends to the nerve of the tooth. This helps to maintain the integrity of the tooth until the tooth is lost naturally
• Groper appliance: if a patient should lose an anterior tooth to infection or trauma, then a children’s cemented partial denture may be an option to maintain esthetics and speech
• Space Maintainers: If a patient should lose a primary molar early, a small bonded retainer can help to maintain the space for the permanent tooth until its time of eruption

During restorative treatment on younger patients, Dr. Espinosa and Dr. DeSimini will use behavior guiding techniques such as “Tell-Show-Do”, “Distractions”, “Breathing Techniques”, and “Meditative Tones” to get them through the procedure, which will help to provide a more positive experience. Parents are more than welcome to be present during these procedures as long as the parent is a silent observer. Any interaction with the child by a parent can disconnect the interaction that Dr. Espinosa or Dr. DeSimini has established with the patient to get him or her through the treatment. Some kids do better without Mom or Dad in the room, while other kids do better after watching a sibling go first. Each situation is unique to every child and your pediatric dentists will recommend the best technique based on initial exam and previous visits.