Pediatric Restorations in Antioch CA

Options for Protecting and Restoring Children’s Teeth

Sealant

A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) to help prevent cavities. These areas have deep grooves that can trap food and bacteria, making them harder to clean. The sealant acts like a barrier, keeping out plaque and food particles. It’s quick, painless, and doesn’t require drilling or numbing. Sealants are most commonly placed on permanent molars shortly after they come in, usually around ages 6 and 12, and can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)

SDF is a liquid medicine used to slow down or stop the progression of tooth decay (cavities) in children. It combines silver, which kills cavity-causing bacteria, and fluoride, which strengthens the tooth. This can be a great tool to help buy time while we wait for patient cooperation to improve or to prevent the need for a restoration entirely. SDF is a powerful tool in pediatric dentistry for managing cavities safely, comfortably, and without trauma — especially for young or high-risk children. If your child is a candidate, we’ll walk you through the benefits and what to expect.

Composite Restorations

A composite restoration is a tooth-colored filling used to repair a cavity or small fracture in a tooth. It’s made of a durable resin material that blends in with your child’s natural tooth color.

Composite fillings are commonly used to treat small to moderate cavities, repair chipped or broken teeth, and restore front or visible teeth for a natural look.

Best for smaller areas of decay, large cavities may need stronger options like stainless steel or zirconia crowns. Composite is technique-sensitive. It must stay dry during placement, which can be challenging in younger or uncooperative children.

Stainless Steel Crown

A stainless steel crown is a strong, silver-colored cap used to cover and protect a child’s baby tooth when it’s badly decayed or damaged. It fits over the entire tooth to restore its shape and function, helping preserve the tooth until it naturally falls out. These crowns are durable, safe, and commonly used in pediatric dentistry.

Pulpotomy / Pulpectomy

A pulpotomy is a common and safe dental procedure used to treat a baby tooth when the cavity has reached the nerve. The dentist removes the infected part of the nerve from the crown of the tooth, then places medicine to keep the remaining nerve healthy. It helps save the tooth and prevent pain or infection.

Zirconia Crown

A zirconia crown is a strong, tooth-colored dental crown used to restore damaged or decayed baby teeth. Made from zirconium oxide, a durable ceramic material, it offers a highly aesthetic and natural-looking alternative to stainless steel crowns. Zirconia crowns are tooth-colored and highly aesthetic, durable, and biocompatible. These crowns require more precise tooth preparation than metal crowns. These are most often used on highly cooperative children or under general anesthesia.

Extraction

A dental extraction is when a tooth is carefully removed from the mouth. In pediatric dentistry, this is usually done if a baby tooth is badly decayed, infected, loose, or blocking other teeth from coming in properly. Each situation can be different, and some may require the placement of a space maintainer.

Space Maintainer

A space maintainer is a small dental device used to hold space open when a baby tooth is lost too early. It helps guide the adult tooth into the correct position by preventing nearby teeth from shifting. There are different types, and they are custom-made for your child. Space maintainers help prevent crowding or orthodontic problems in the future and are commonly used after extractions.