At GV Smiles, we believe every child deserves a healthy, confident smile that grows right along with them. When cavities or tooth damage occur, our gentle restorative treatments—such as fillings, crowns, and pulp therapy—help protect teeth, maintain comfort, and preserve their natural function and development.
Our Fairfield pediatric dentists, led by Dr. Kevin Adair, takes a minimally invasive and prevention-focused approach to care. We tailor every treatment plan to your child’s needs, utilizing the latest techniques to restore teeth with minimal drilling and discomfort.
Why Restorative Care Matters in Baby and Growing Teeth
Baby teeth play a significant role in your child’s overall health and development. They guide adult teeth into position, support speech, and allow for healthy chewing and nutrition.
Although baby teeth eventually fall out, untreated cavities can lead to pain, infection, and premature tooth loss. Early intervention helps us preserve the tooth’s natural structure and prevent future issues with alignment and oral development.
Our Gentle, Minimally Invasive Philosophy
At GV Smiles, we emphasize treatments that conserve natural tooth structure and reduce the need for drilling or injections whenever possible. Our minimally invasive options, such as silver diamine fluoride (SDF), SMART fillings, and Hall crowns, help make dental visits easier and more positive for kids.
Fillings for Cavities—From No-Drill to Tooth-Colored Restorations
When cavities are detected early, a small filling can stop decay from spreading and restore the tooth’s strength. We offer several approaches, each carefully chosen based on the size and depth of the cavity and your child’s comfort level.
No-Drill Options (SDF & Icon)
For early decay, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) can halt the progression of a cavity without drilling or numbing. It’s applied as a liquid that strengthens the tooth and kills cavity-causing bacteria.
Another innovative method is Icon resin infiltration, which treats early enamel lesions by sealing weakened areas without the need for drilling. It’s ideal for small, surface-level cavities and white-spot lesions.
Both options align with our minimally invasive dentistry philosophy, which prioritizes preserving as much of your child’s natural tooth as possible.
SMART Fillings (Silver-Modified Atraumatic Restorative Technique)
For small or moderate cavities, our SMART fillings use a special silver-reinforced material that both repairs and protects the tooth. This method often requires little or no drilling, making it an excellent choice for young patients who may be anxious about traditional procedures.
Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings
When a cavity requires more structure, we use tooth-colored composite resin to restore both function and aesthetics. These fillings bond securely to the natural tooth and blend beautifully with the surrounding enamel.
Every restoration is placed with your child’s comfort in mind, using quiet tools and calm communication to keep them relaxed throughout the visit.
Crowns for Damaged or Deeply Decayed Teeth
When a cavity is too large for a filling, or a tooth is fractured, a crown provides long-lasting protection. A crown covers the entire tooth, preventing further decay and allowing your child to eat and speak normally.
Hall Crowns (Minimally Invasive Stainless-Steel Crowns)
Our practice often uses Hall crowns, which are placed over baby teeth without the need for drilling or numbing. This technique seals the cavity beneath the crown, cutting off bacteria from its food source. It’s quick, comfortable, and supported by research showing excellent long-term outcomes.
Hall crowns reflect our commitment to pediatric dentistry that’s gentle, efficient, and stress-free for both kids and parents.
When We Recommend a Crown
A crown may be recommended when:
- A tooth has deep decay or multiple surfaces affected
- A tooth has undergone pulp therapy
- A baby molar has broken due to decay or trauma
Dr. Adair will explain all options, including the various types of crowns available, so that you can make an informed decision together.
Pulp Treatments (“Baby Tooth Root Canals”)
Sometimes decay reaches the nerve, causing pain or infection. In these cases, a pulp treatment can save the tooth, relieve discomfort, and preserve the natural space for adult teeth.
Pulpotomy vs. Pulpectomy—What’s the Difference?
- Pulpotomy: Only the top part of the nerve chamber is removed and sealed. This is often done when decay has reached the nerve, but the lower portion remains healthy.
- Pulpectomy: The entire nerve is cleaned and filled with a safe, absorbable material. This approach is used for more extensive infection or when the pulp tissue is no longer healthy.
Each procedure is done with careful attention to comfort and reassurance. Our team employs tell-show-do techniques, gentle communication, and breaks when needed to help your child feel calm and confident throughout their treatment.
Why Save a Baby Tooth?
Baby teeth are vital placeholders. Losing one tooth too early can cause neighboring teeth to drift, leading to bite and alignment issues. Preserving the tooth through pulp therapy maintains spacing, supports healthy chewing, and prevents orthodontic complications in the future.
Crown + Pulp Therapy
After pulp treatment, we typically place a crown over the tooth for added protection and stability. This helps restore full chewing strength and prevents future damage or infection.
Comfort First—How We Help Kids Relax
A positive dental experience today sets the stage for lifelong confidence tomorrow. Our team uses gentle communication and comfort-based techniques to make every visit easy for your child.
What Your Child May Feel (Step-by-Step)
We explain each step in kid-friendly language so your little one knows exactly what to expect. Many children feel at ease once they understand what’s happening.
Our team uses tell-show-do techniques, gentle communication, and frequent reassurance to help each child feel safe and supported. We take breaks when needed, celebrate progress, and always move at a pace that respects your child’s comfort level.
We also use quiet tools, modern digital technology, and a friendly environment designed to help your child stay calm and confident throughout their visit.
Aftercare & Home Tips
Proper home care helps fillings and crowns last longer and prevents new cavities from forming.
Right After Treatment
- Mild soreness or gum irritation is normal for a day or two
- Avoid hard or sticky foods until numbness wears off
- Brush gently around restored areas, keeping up with twice-daily cleaning
Our team will review detailed aftercare instructions with you before leaving the office.
Cavity Prevention That Works
Healthy habits make a big difference:
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day
- Floss or use floss picks daily
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Visit us every six months for checkups and cleanings
- Ask about sealants and early airway evaluations to support proper breathing and development
These small steps keep smiles healthy between visits.
When to Call Us
If your child experiences pain, swelling, or a loose crown after treatment, please contact us immediately. Early attention helps prevent complications and ensures a smooth recovery.
Our friendly team is here to answer your questions and guide you through every step of your child’s care.
Ready for Gentle, Effective Restorative Care in Fairfield?
At GV Smiles, we’re committed to restoring your child’s smile with comfort, care, and compassion. From minimally invasive fillings to protective crowns and pulp therapy, every treatment is customized to your child’s needs.
We’re conveniently located at 5041 Business Center Dr, Suite 102, Fairfield, CA 94534. To schedule a visit or learn more about our restorative options, call us today at (707) 864-1055.
Your child’s healthiest, happiest smile starts here at GV Smiles—where growing smiles are our greatest joy.