Restorative Dental Care

When your child has a cavity or dental injury, it does not mean you are failing as a parent. It simply means you are caring for a real child who eats snacks, plays hard, and occasionally gets hurt. At Chatham Pediatric Dentistry, we offer restorative dental care that is calm, honest, and focused on keeping little mouths comfortable and healthy.

From tiny early cavities to more complex treatment needs, Dr. Alex and Dr. Kevin take time to explain what is going on, what your options are, and what they would recommend for their own children, so you can make decisions that feel right for your family.

What Restorative Care Helps With

Restorative dental care for kids is all about fixing problems and protecting teeth so your child can chew, speak, and smile comfortably. Sometimes that means a simple filling. Other times it may mean a crown, an extraction, or treating the nerve of a tooth.

Here is what you can expect from restorative care at Chatham Pediatric Dentistry:

We regularly see families from Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, Pittsboro and Chatham County who want both strong clinical care and a practice where their kids feel supported.

Types of Restorative Dental Care for Kids

Fillings

When a cavity is small to moderate in size, a filling can remove the decay and rebuild the tooth so it can function normally again. We explain what we are doing in kid-friendly language and move at a pace that fits your child.

Crowns

If a baby tooth has a larger cavity or has broken down, a crown can cover and protect the tooth so your child can keep chewing on it until it is ready to fall out naturally. Crowns are designed to be strong enough to handle everyday eating and activities.

Extractions

Sometimes the healthiest choice is to remove a tooth, for example if it is badly damaged, infected, or blocking another tooth from growing in correctly. Dr. Alex and Dr. Kevin focus on keeping your child as comfortable and relaxed as possible throughout the process.

Pulpotomies

A pulpotomy treats decay that has reached the nerve in the crown portion of a baby tooth, while keeping the root part of the tooth in place. This can help relieve pain and allow the tooth to stay in the mouth longer when it is safe to do so.

Pulpectomies

A pulpectomy is a deeper cleaning of the entire nerve space of a baby tooth when there is more extensive infection or inflammation. The goal is to remove the infection, ease discomfort, and preserve the tooth when appropriate.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)

Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid that can be painted on certain cavities to help slow or stop decay. It can be a useful option for very young children, kids who are anxious about traditional treatment, or teeth that are close to falling out.

What to Expect at Your Child’s Visit

At your restorative visit, we start with a conversation. You tell us what you are seeing at home, what your child has been feeling, and what you are concerned about. Dr. Alex or Dr. Kevin will examine your child’s teeth, review any X-rays as needed, and then walk you through what they see with clear, plain-language explanations.

If your child needs restorative dental care, we will outline the different treatment options, talk honestly about pros and cons, and answer every question. Whenever possible, we plan treatment in a way that keeps visits short, predictable, and as low-stress as possible for your child and for you.

Schedule Gentle Restorative Care For Your Child Today

If your child has a cavity, tooth fracture, or other dental concern, we are ready to help with compassionate, kid-focused treatment. Contact Chatham Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule an appointment and learn how our restorative dental care for kids can protect their smile and comfort.

Why Families Choose Chatham Pediatric Dentistry

Chatham Pediatric Dentistry is a pediatric specialty practice, so caring for kids and teens is not something we do occasionally; it is all we do. Dr. Alex and Dr. Kevin completed pediatric dental specialty training at the UNC School of Dentistry, and they bring that advanced training into every conversation and every treatment plan.

They are also local parents themselves, which means they understand tight schedules, strong opinions, and big feelings. Our kid-focused, non-clinical space, our nonjudgmental approach, and our commitment to honest, pressure-free guidance help make restorative dental care feel more manageable for the whole family.

Restorative Care FAQs

How Do I Know If My Child Really Needs Restorative Treatment?

After an exam and any needed X-rays, we will show you what we see and explain why we are recommending a particular treatment. We are always open about alternatives and are happy to discuss waiting, monitoring, or different approaches when that is appropriate.

Will My Child Feel Pain During Treatment?

Keeping kids comfortable is a priority. We use numbing and a gentle approach to reduce discomfort as much as possible. We also take breaks, explain things in kid terms, and adjust based on your child’s reactions.

Why Treat Baby Teeth If They Are Going to Fall Out Anyway?

Baby teeth help kids chew, speak clearly, and hold space for adult teeth. Untreated decay can cause pain and infection. When it makes sense to treat a baby tooth, the goal is to protect your child’s comfort and overall health.

What Is the Difference Between a Filling and a Crown for Kids?

Fillings repair smaller areas of decay inside a tooth. Crowns cover and protect a tooth that has more extensive damage or has had nerve treatment. We will let you know which option is best for your child’s specific tooth.

Is Silver Diamine Fluoride a Permanent Solution?

SDF can slow cavities, but it is not always the final step. Sometimes it is used as a short- or medium-term option until your child is ready for traditional treatment, or until the tooth is close to naturally falling out.

Will My Child Need Multiple Visits for Restorative Treatment?

Some treatments can be completed in a single visit, while others work better in separate, shorter visits, especially for younger or more anxious kids. We will outline a plan with you before we start so you know what to expect.

Can I Stay with My Child During Treatment?

Parents are important members of the care team. We will talk with you about what will help your child feel safest and most supported for the specific treatment planned.

Ready to Schedule Restorative Dental Care?

If you think your child may need a filling, crown, extraction, nerve treatment, or silver diamine fluoride, we are here to help. Contact Chatham Pediatric Dentistry in Chapel Hill today to schedule an appointment and learn more about the best restorative options for your child.