Restorative Services
Composite (White) Fillings—These fillings are placed in the front teeth and frequently in back teeth as well. They are made of a composite resin that is tooth colored and bonds to the tooth. Occasionally a cavity may be so large or in a location where a white filling may not be appropriate.
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings—For many years amalgam fillings were the standard of care for most cavities and are still an excellent restoration. But, with improvements in composite fillings we use amalgam less often. We will discuss the pros/cons of each type of filling material with you to help you make a good decision for your child.
Stainless Steel Crowns—Baby teeth with very large cavities and/or cavities requiring pulp treatment are restored with stainless steel crowns. These are excellent restorations and allow a patient to keep teeth that otherwise may be lost due to extensive dental decay. Occasionally stainless steel crowns will be indicated for permanent teeth that have a developmental condition called enamel dysplasia. For front teeth requiring crowns we use a white faced crown.
Pulp Treatment—When decay has spread into the nerve of the tooth, a procedure called a pulpotomy or pulpectomy can be performed to save the tooth. This involves removing all or part of the nerve (pulp) of a tooth, then placing a medicament and filling in the pulp space.
Extractions—Teeth that have severe decay, have been damaged from trauma, or have become necrotic may require extraction. Occasionally baby teeth will not fall out naturally and also need to be extracted to permit eruption of the permanent teeth.
