Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing teeth damaged by decay, injury, or wear, restoring both function and appearance so children can chew comfortably and smile without hesitation. At Gleam Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, restorative treatments are designed to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible while addressing the problem at hand. As a trusted Pediatric Dentist Marlton families turn to, Gleam uses gentle, proven techniques to repair damage in children of all ages. Below are the restorative services offered at Gleam in Marlton, NJ.
Composite Fillings
Restoring Teeth Without the Dark Appearance of Metal
Composite fillings are tooth-colored resins that repair cavities and decay while blending seamlessly with the surrounding tooth. Unlike older amalgam fillings, composite resins bond directly to the tooth structure, requiring less drilling and providing a more natural appearance. The material hardens instantly under a special light, allowing the child to eat and drink normally right after the appointment. Composite fillings are durable, safe for children of all ages, and backed by decades of clinical use in pediatric dentistry.
Pediatric Dental Crowns
Protecting Teeth That Are Too Damaged to Fill Alone
When a tooth is too decayed or fractured for a simple filling, a pediatric crown encases the entire tooth, protecting it from further damage and restoring full chewing function. Crowns are made from tooth-colored materials that match the surrounding teeth, so they look natural and do not draw attention. The Gleam team uses gentle techniques to prepare the tooth and takes impressions to ensure a precise fit that stays in place and feels comfortable. Because baby teeth eventually fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth, pediatric crowns are designed to withstand the demands of childhood while protecting the developing permanent tooth underneath.
Key Findings
Dental caries remain the most common chronic disease in children, affecting approximately 20 percent of children ages 5 to 11, making restorative treatment a frequent need (CDC, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey).
Composite fillings bond chemically to tooth structure, creating a stronger seal than amalgam and reducing the risk of secondary decay around the filling margin (Journal of Dental Research).
Pediatric crowns protect weakened teeth that cannot support a filling alone, with success rates exceeding 90 percent in primary dentition when placed by experienced pediatric dentists (Pediatric Dentistry journal).
Composite materials are mercury-free and safe for children, with no evidence of harm from the resins used in modern formulations (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry).
Early restorative treatment prevents small cavities from becoming larger problems that may require extraction or more complex intervention later.
Children who receive timely restorative care develop healthier oral hygiene habits and are less likely to develop anxiety about dental treatment in adulthood.
“Restorative dentistry gives kids their teeth back. When decay or injury takes away function or appearance, a well-placed filling or crown restores both, and that child can go back to being a kid, eating the foods they enjoy and smiling without self-consciousness.”
— Dr. Krishna Patel
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Restorative Dentistry: Repairing Teeth, Restoring Function
Composite fillings and crowns preserve teeth and restore chewing ability
Restoration durability, function restoration, and natural tooth preservation
Composite Filling Longevity
81.5
Crown Retention Success
97.88
Chewing Function & Quality of Life Restoration
100
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| Benefit | Research Findings | For Your Child |
|---|---|---|
| Composite Filling Longevity | Composite fillings in children showed a success rate of 81.5% over an average observation period of 30.9 months, with an annual failure rate of only 4.2%, making composite fillings a long-lasting, high-quality treatment option in pediatric patients with high-risk caries (Longevity of Composite Restorations in Patients with Early Childhood Caries, published in Clinical Oral Investigations). PubMed CentralResearchGate | Your child’s filling stays in place and functions properly for years. Most fillings last multiple years with proper care, requiring only occasional maintenance or replacement. |
| Crown Retention Success | Meta-analysis of 5-year retention rates for different crown materials revealed 97.88% retention for stainless steel crowns, among the highest of all restorative materials, demonstrating superior durability for extensively damaged teeth (Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Crown Failures in Primary Teeth, published in NCBI). clinicaltrials | A crown protects a severely damaged tooth reliably for years. Once placed, the crown stays secure and functional through normal chewing, eating, and play. |
| Chewing Function & Quality of Life Restoration | After comprehensive restorative dental treatment, quality of life and orofacial functions improved significantly in children with early childhood caries, with chewing frequency increasing and children able to eat a wider variety of foods; these functional improvements persisted over one-year follow-up (Comprehensive Dental Treatment under General Anesthesia Improves Mastication Capability, published in NCBI). Taylor & Francis OnlineKidsflossophie | Your child regains the ability to chew comfortably and eat normally. Relief from pain, improved nutrition, and restored function boost overall quality of life and confidence. |
Sources: Clinical Oral Investigations, Longevity of Composite Restorations in Patients with Early Childhood Caries (2013); NCBI Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Crown Failures in Primary Teeth (2024); NCBI, Comprehensive Dental Treatment under General Anesthesia Improves Mastication Capability (2022)
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Questions Marlton Parents Ask About Restorative Dentistry
How do I know if my child has a cavity?
Some cavities are visible as brown or black spots on the tooth, but many are not. Regular dental exams with X-rays help catch decay early, before it becomes painful or large. If a child complains of tooth sensitivity or pain when chewing, an exam is important to rule out decay.
Is it safe to fill a baby tooth if it will fall out anyway?
Yes. Even though baby teeth are temporary, they hold space for permanent teeth and affect how a child chews and speaks. An infected or decayed baby tooth can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath, so treatment is important.
What is the difference between a filling and a crown?
A filling repairs a small to moderate cavity by removing decay and filling the space with composite resin. A crown is used when decay or damage affects a large portion of the tooth, and the crown covers the entire tooth to protect it. The Gleam team will recommend the best option based on the extent of the damage.
Will my child feel pain during a filling or crown placement?
Most children feel no pain during restorative treatment because the tooth is numbed before work begins. They may feel pressure, vibration, and hear the sound of the drill, but not pain. Children who are very anxious can discuss sedation options with the Gleam team.
How long do composite fillings last in children?
Composite fillings typically last five to seven years or longer, depending on the size of the filling and the child’s chewing habits and oral hygiene. Great brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups help fillings last as long as possible.