Pediatric dental services
Cavity Treatment for Kids: Fillings, Crowns and More
When a cavity or an injury damages a tooth, we repair it gently and explain every step. Kids Dentist Plus provides restorative care for children and teens at our Sacramento-area offices.
Medi-Cal accepted
Gentle repairs
We explain every step.
Why baby teeth are worth fixing
Baby teeth fall out eventually, but they do important work until then. They help children chew and speak clearly, and they hold space for the permanent teeth growing underneath.
An untreated cavity can grow deep enough to cause pain and infection, and infection can affect the permanent tooth developing below. Treating decay early keeps your child comfortable and protects their future smile. Restorative care is one of our pediatric dental services for kids from infancy through age 20.
Restorative treatments we provide
Your child's dentist will recommend the simplest treatment that will last.
Fillings
For small and medium cavities, we remove the decay and fill the tooth to restore its shape and strength.
Crowns
A crown covers and protects a tooth that's too damaged by decay or injury for a filling.
Nerve treatment
If decay reaches the nerve of a baby tooth, a pulpotomy (sometimes called a baby root canal) can remove the damaged part of the nerve and save the tooth.
Tooth extractions for kids
When a tooth can't be saved, we remove it gently and talk with you about next steps to protect your child's bite. For a baby tooth, we'll also talk about the space it leaves for the adult tooth. The area is numbed first, and laughing gas can help your child relax.
Keeping treatment comfortable
- Numbing: the area is numbed so most children feel only pressure, not pain.
- Kid-friendly explanations: we describe each step in words your child understands.
- Nitrous oxide: laughing gas helps nervous children relax. Learn about laughing gas.
After treatment, your child may be numb for a couple of hours. Make sure they don't bite their lip, cheek or tongue, and offer soft foods until the numbness wears off.
Insurance and Medi-Cal
For Medi-Cal members under 21, fillings, crowns, nerve treatment and extractions are generally covered when medically necessary. Some larger treatments need approval from your child's dental plan first, and our team handles that request. With other dental insurance, we'll review estimated costs with you before any treatment begins.
Questions about coverage? Read our Medi-Cal dental guide or call (916) 226-6767.
Restorative dentistry FAQs
Why fix a cavity in a baby tooth?
Baby teeth help children chew, speak and save space for permanent teeth. An untreated cavity can cause pain and infection, so it's best to treat it early.
Will my child feel pain during a filling?
The tooth is numbed first, so most children feel only pressure. Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is available for children who are anxious.
What is a pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy, sometimes called a baby root canal, removes the damaged part of the nerve of a baby tooth so the tooth can stay in place until it's ready to come out naturally.
What happens if a cavity isn't treated?
Cavities keep growing. Over time they can cause toothaches, infection and swelling, and lead to more extensive treatment.
Does Medi-Cal cover fillings and crowns for kids?
Usually, yes. For Medi-Cal members under 21, fillings, crowns, nerve treatment and extractions are generally covered when medically necessary. Some larger treatments need approval from your child's dental plan first.
Why does my child keep getting cavities?
Cavities are common, and some children are more prone to them. Frequent snacks, sipping juice or milk through the day, bedtime bottles and needing help brushing can all play a part. Regular checkups and fluoride can help, and your child's dentist will share tips that fit your family.
Can a cavity in a baby tooth go away on its own?
Usually not. Once decay makes a hole in the tooth, it tends to grow until it's treated. Fluoride can help reverse early soft spots before they become cavities, and checkups help catch them in time.
Restorative care at every office
Choose the Kids Dentist Plus office that's most convenient for your family:
Get your child's smile back on track
Call (916) 226-6767 or register online.