At Just Kids Dental, we know how much you care about your child’s smile. As pediatric dental specialists, we focus entirely on children’s oral health.
One of the most common concerns we help families with is tooth decay. When cavities develop, our goal is to treat them early, gently, and effectively. In many cases, that means placing pediatric fillings and crowns. If you’ve been told your child might need one of these treatments, or you’re wondering how to prevent future dental problems, we’re here to guide you through it all.
Why Baby Teeth Matter Even If They’re Temporary
Baby teeth, or primary teeth, play an important role in your child’s development. They help with chewing, speech, and holding space for permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay or damage, it can cause crowding, alignment issues, or even problems with eating and speaking.
That’s why we take even small cavities seriously. With the right care, we can prevent minor problems from becoming major ones and help your child avoid unnecessary discomfort.
What Are Pediatric Fillings and Crowns?
When a child has a cavity or a damaged tooth, we use the most appropriate restoration to protect and preserve it.
- Fillings are used to repair small to moderate areas of decay. After gently removing the cavity, we fill the space with a tooth-colored material that looks and feels natural.
- Crowns are used when more of the tooth is damaged, especially on baby molars. These caps fully cover the tooth to protect it and restore function.
At Just Kids Dental, we use high-quality materials designed specifically for children’s needs. Our crowns are often made of stainless steel for strength and durability, or white zirconia crowns for a more natural appearance.
How Do We Know If a Filling or Crown Is Needed?
When you bring your child in for a visit, we perform a gentle yet thorough exam, often with X-rays, to assess their teeth. Here’s how we typically decide between a filling or a crown:
- Filling: For a small cavity that hasn’t spread deeply. The tooth structure is mostly intact.
- Crown: For larger decay, a broken tooth, or if the tooth has had nerve treatment. Crowns are also recommended for teeth at higher risk of future damage.
We always walk families through our findings and talk honestly about what we see. Our goal is to preserve every tooth in the safest, most effective way possible.
Signs Your Child May Need Treatment
You know your child best, and sometimes, the first clues that something’s wrong come from you. Watch for these common signs of dental problems:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity (especially with hot, cold, or sweet foods)
- Visible holes or discoloration on the tooth
- Swelling in the gums around a specific tooth
- Avoiding certain foods or chewing on one side
- Trouble sleeping due to tooth discomfort
If you notice any of these signs or even if your child just says something “feels weird” in their mouth, don’t wait.
Why Acting Early Matters
We know life gets busy, and it’s tempting to put off dental work if your child seems fine. But with tooth decay, delay usually means the problem gets worse.
If a small cavity is left untreated, it can grow and reach the inner part of the tooth (the pulp), causing pain and infection. That can lead to the need for nerve treatment, a crown, or even extraction. Early treatment helps us avoid that and it helps your child avoid unnecessary discomfort.
We believe in preventive, proactive care. Fillings and crowns let us protect your child’s tooth, relieve pain, and support normal growth and function all while keeping their smile intact.
What Happens During the Procedure?
We take pride in making every experience as gentle and positive as possible. Here’s what to expect during a filling or crown visit at our office:
For Fillings:
- We numb the area using a child-friendly technique.
- The cavity is removed gently and quickly.
- We place a natural-looking composite filling.
- Your child can return to normal activity the same day.
For Crowns:
- The tooth is prepared and reshaped to make room for the crown.
- If needed, we perform a pulpotomy (a type of baby tooth root treatment).
- We place the crown over the tooth and secure it with dental cement.
- The crown stays in place until the tooth naturally falls out.
Our team is trained to work with children of all ages and comfort levels. We use a combination of fun, calm communication and optional behavior support like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help ease anxiety.
Helping Your Child Feel at Ease
We understand dental visits can feel overwhelming for both kids and parents. That’s why we’ve designed our office to be child-focused and welcoming, from the moment you walk through the door.
Our dental team uses a Tell-Show-Do approach, explaining each step in kid-friendly language and showing children what to expect before we begin. We encourage questions, invite parents to be part of the process, and do everything we can to earn your child’s trust.
Whether it’s their first filling or a crown for a molar, we treat every child with patience, care, and respect.
Preventing Fillings and Crowns: What You Can Do
While we’re always here to help, we also love helping families avoid dental work altogether. Here are some steps you can take at home to reduce your child’s risk of cavities:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Help with brushing until at least age 7–8
- Floss once teeth begin touching
- Limit sugary snacks, juices, and sticky treats
- Drink water, especially after meals
- Schedule checkups every 6 months
- Ask us about dental sealants for added cavity protection
We’ll also work with you to create a home care plan that fits your child’s needs and lifestyle.
Convenient Hours and a Location Close to Home
Whether it’s time for a routine checkup, a filling, or a crown, we’re here with flexible hours that fit your family’s schedule.
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
We’re proud to serve families throughout Belleville and the surrounding New Jersey communities, including Nutley, Bloomfield, Newark, Kearny, and Lyndhurst. Our convenient location and kid-friendly environment make it easy to keep your child’s smile healthy.
Schedule an Appointment with Just Kids Dental
We see every tooth as part of your child’s overall health, confidence, and smile. Whether your little one needs a simple filling or a crown to protect a damaged tooth, we’re here to provide expert care in a warm, supportive environment. Contact Just Kids Dental today to schedule an exam.
