When Does My Child Need a Filling?
Fillings are typically needed when:
- Cavities are detected during regular check-ups
- Your child complains of tooth sensitivity
- There's visible decay on the tooth surface
- Small cracks or chips need repair
The Filling Process
At Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry, we make fillings comfortable and stress-free:
- We ensure your child is completely comfortable using our gentle approach
- The decayed area is carefully removed
- The tooth is cleaned and prepared
- The filling material is placed and shaped
- The bite is checked and adjusted as needed
Dental Crowns: Extra Protection for Damaged Teeth
What is a Crown?
A pediatric dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth, protecting it and restoring its shape, size, and strength.
When Does My Child Need a Crown?
Crowns might be recommended when:
- A tooth is severely decayed
- A tooth is cracked or broken
- A filling isn't enough to protect the tooth
- After a baby root canal
- A tooth is severely discolored or misshapen
Our Crown Process
We specialize in natural-looking, durable crowns for children:
- The tooth is prepared by removing decay and shaping it
- We take precise measurements for a perfect fit
- The crown is carefully placed and adjusted
- We ensure comfort and proper bite alignment
Root Canals: Saving Severely Damaged Teeth
What is a Pediatric Root Canal?
Also known as a pulpectomy or pulpotomy, a pediatric root canal involves treating infection or damage in the tooth's pulp (the inner tissue containing nerves and blood vessels).
When is a Root Canal Necessary?
A root canal might be needed when:
- Deep decay reaches the tooth's pulp
- Trauma causes severe damage to the tooth
- Infection develops inside the tooth
- Your child experiences persistent tooth pain
- There's significant swelling around a tooth
Our Gentle Approach to Root Canals
We understand root canals can sound scary, but our approach keeps children comfortable:
- Thorough examination and diagnosis
- Complete numbing of the area
- Gentle removal of infected tissue
- Cleaning and sealing of the tooth
- Placement of a protective crown
Comparing the Procedures
Invasiveness Level
- Fillings: Least invasive
- Crowns: Moderately invasive
- Root Canals: Most invasive
Treatment Time
- Fillings: Usually one short visit
- Crowns: Typically one to two visits
- Root Canals: One or more visits depending on complexity
Long-term Care
- Fillings: Regular brushing and check-ups
- Crowns: Special attention to cleaning around the crown
- Root Canals: Monitoring for any signs of problems
Prevention is Always Best
The best treatment is prevention. We recommend:
- Regular dental check-ups every six months
- Daily brushing and flossing
- Healthy eating habits
- Protective measures like sealants when appropriate
What to Expect at Our Office
At Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry, we prioritize your child's comfort:
- Kid-friendly environment with ceiling TVs and headphones
- Clear explanation of procedures to both parent and child
- Gentle, minimally-invasive techniques
- Various sedation options when needed
- Continuous communication throughout procedures
How We Make Decisions
Dr. Martinez always considers multiple factors when recommending treatment:
- The extent of tooth damage
- Your child's age and cooperation level
- Long-term dental health implications
- Cost-effectiveness of treatment
- Your child's comfort and anxiety level
Connect With Our Phoenix Pediatric Dental Family
Whether your child needs a simple filling or a more complex procedure, our experienced team at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. We'll work with you to choose the most appropriate treatment for your child's specific situation. Call us at (602) 935-7427 to schedule a consultation. Serving families in Phoenix, Chandler, Ahwatukee, South Phoenix, Laveen, and Tempe with comprehensive, gentle pediatric dental care.