Fillings
A small cavity can generally be treated with a filling. At our office we only use the latest tooth-colored filling materials, also called composite fillings. We do not use silver/metal or mercury-containing fillings.
Kids’ dental care
Dental treatment
Tooth-colored fillings, the right crown for each tooth, and comfort options for kids who need them.
Dental treatment
Gentle, kid-sized care when it’s needed
When a tooth needs treatment, Dr. Walker explains every step to your child and to you, then recommends the option that’s best for that tooth.
Crowns
Teeth with larger cavities involving multiple surfaces, and teeth with enamel defects, may need a crown. We use three types of crowns depending on the tooth’s location, its condition and parental preference.
- Front teeth: a crown made of composite filling material (strip crown) or a zirconia crown.
- Back teeth: a stainless steel crown or a zirconia crown.
A zirconia crown is tooth-colored, but it isn’t always the best treatment. Sometimes stainless steel is recommended instead. Dr. Walker will recommend the option best suited to your child’s tooth, and we’re happy to answer your questions.
Pulp therapy
Pulp therapy is also called “children’s root canal,” “nerve treatment,” “pulpotomy” or “pulpectomy.” The pulp is the inner core of a tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. When a child has a severe cavity or tooth injury, pulp therapy removes the damaged pulp and seals the tooth to prevent further problems.
A pulpotomy removes diseased pulp in the crown (top) of the tooth, uses an agent to prevent bacterial growth and calm the nerve, and the tooth is then capped with a crown. A pulpectomy is more extensive: it removes all pulp tissue from the crown and root, then the canals are cleansed and filled before the tooth is capped.
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide (“happy air” or laughing gas) is sometimes used in our office to help patients relax and feel more comfortable.
Sedation
On rare occasions, oral sedation is needed to provide safe, comfortable treatment for children with special needs or a high level of anxiety.
Sedation or general anesthesia is sometimes used for patients who are very young and don’t yet understand how to cope with treatment in a cooperative way. Dr. Walker is trained in sedation and follows safety guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Sammamish Pediatric Dentistry
Ready to schedule your child’s visit?
New patients are always welcome. Call us, request a time online, or schedule directly.