Pediatric restorative dentistry is the treatment of dental diseases to return functionality to a child’s damaged teeth. When preventative care is not enough for your child’s teeth, restorative dentistry brings them back to their best health.
Procedures that restorative care involves, include dental fillings, crowns, space maintainers, extractions, and dental sealants.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the benefits of restorative dentistry include the following:
Different types of restorative dentistry can target various needs. During your consultation, Dr. Sunitsch will recommend an individualized plan for your child with the best options for their case.
At Pine Desert Dental, we provide the following restorative dentistry services:
Dental fillings are used to restore and repair teeth commonly damaged by cavities. It is the most common treatment for teeth damaged by decay and is usually a quick and painless procedure.
A dental filling treats holes or cavities in teeth. After the decayed tissue from your child’s teeth is removed, the area is cleaned up, and the gap is filled. Fillings can also treat broken, cracked, or worn-out teeth.
Pediatric dental crowns are ideal for children with large cavities or dental decay. They avoid further clinical complications and restore your child's smile.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a worn-out or broken tooth. Its objective is to protect and restore the tooth’s shape, size, and strength.
The dental crown is cemented into place and guards the visible area up to the gum line.
If your child has lost a baby tooth too early, their adult teeth could erupt in the wrong space instead of where they should be.
In such cases, once the adult teeth are ready to come in, the mouth may not have enough room because of the lost space. To hold the gap caused by missing teeth, Dr. Sunitsch recommends using space maintainers.
Dental sealants are plastic covers that protect the chewing surfaces of teeth from acid, especially molars, and premolars. They intend to seal the narrow grooves found in back teeth to reduce the number of food particles and bacteria that settle into the fissures.
Sealants can significantly prevent cavities and related dental decay issues if applied before dental decay occurs. The American Dental Association (ADA) explains that "children aged 6 to 11 years without sealants have almost three times more first molar cavities than children with sealants."
During your appointment, Dr. Sunitsch will examine your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw to identify potential problems or decay. X-rays will be taken to determine the extent of the dental problem to suggest the best option for your child.
Once the issue has been identified, your dentist will create a treatment plan that addresses your child’s needs. Sedation options will be discussed, always prioritizing your child’s comfort and safety.
Depending on the plan agreed upon, the treatment could start immediately, or a follow-up appointment might be needed.
Even though baby teeth are eventually replaced by permanent ones, ensuring optimal oral health is crucial for your child’s well-being. Also, restoring and caring for your child’s teeth will prevent further dental issues that could arise once the adult teeth erupt.
The Pine Desert Dental team always ensures a safe and calm environment for your child. However, if you feel sedation may be necessary, Dr. Sunitsch will talk with you about the variety of methods we offer to make your child feel more comfortable during their appointment.
Pine Desert Dental offers pediatric restorative dentistry to help our youngest patients maintain optimal oral health and aesthetics. Dr. Zach Sunitsch and the Pine Desert Dental team can handle all your child’s dental needs.
He is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Oregon Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
The Pine Desert Dental team offers comprehensive pediatric restorative dentistry, including dental fillings, crowns, space maintainers, extractions, and dental sealants.
For more information, call us at (541) 549-0109 or request an appointment online. You can also visit us at our clinic in Sisters, Oregon.
