Cavity Treatment
at Kids Teeth in Mt. Pleasant
Hearing that your child has a cavity can leave you with questions. Will it hurt? Will your child be scared? Did you miss something during brushing? You’re not alone. Cavities are common in kids, and with the right care, they don’t have to turn into a bigger problem. At Kids Teeth in Mt. Pleasant, we take a gentle approach to cavity treatment for kids. From toddlers to teens, we help children feel okay about going to the dentist — and parents feel clear about what’s happening and why.
We offer cavity care that protects your child’s health without adding stress. Our dental offices on Johnnie Dodds Boulevard and in Park West are both set up for children. We use tools made for small mouths, words kids understand, and always explain what we’re doing and why. We guide families through every step. Early treatment makes visits shorter, protects growing teeth, and helps your child feel proud instead of afraid.
Why Treating Cavities Early Matters
Baby teeth may not be permanent, but they’re important! These teeth help kids bite and chew, learn to speak clearly, and keep space open for adult teeth. If a baby tooth gets a cavity and it’s left untreated, pain, infection, or even early tooth loss can follow. That can lead to missed meals, restless sleep, or trouble at school. It can also affect the way permanent teeth grow in.
When we fix small problems early, we can treat them with less work and more comfort. Routine treatment prevents infections, supports healthy development, and makes future dental care easier for your child. It’s not just about this one visit—it’s about building a strong foundation for good dental health for years to come.
How We Find Cavities in Children
Every treatment starts with a careful look. We begin by asking what you’ve noticed. Maybe your child avoids cold drinks or chews only on one side. Maybe you spotted a dark spot on a tooth or your child complained about something being stuck.
Our pediatric dentists check every tooth for signs of decay — white or brown spots, pitting, or signs of soft enamel. If something’s hiding between teeth or under the surface, we take digital X-rays. These use less radiation than traditional ones and show decay we can’t see with the eye alone. Once we’ve gathered the full picture, we talk through what we found and what could come next. You’ll get clear answers so you can make the best call for your child.
Cavity Treatment Options for Kids
Not all cavities need the same fix. The size, location, and type of tooth matters. Here’s how we handle cavity treatment at Kids Teeth:
Tooth-Colored Fillings
For small or medium cavities, a tooth-colored filling might be the right choice. These blend with your child’s natural smile and hold up well in daily use. If the area needs numbing, we apply a numbing gel and use local anesthetic to keep your child comfortable. Then we remove the decay, clean the area, place the composite material, and cure it with a special light. We shape it to match your child’s bite and polish the surface for a smooth finish.
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)
Sometimes, treating a cavity right away isn’t possible. The child may be very young, nervous, or unable to sit through the full visit. In these cases, we may suggest silver diamine fluoride (SDF). SDF is a liquid that we brush on the cavity to slow or stop the decay for now. It darkens the treated area, but it can buy time until a longer visit is possible. We always walk you through why and when we recommend it.
Crowns for Larger Cavities
Larger cavities that reach across multiple parts of the tooth may need more than a filling. That’s when we may recommend a crown. A crown caps the tooth and protects it from pressure and wear. We often use stainless steel crowns for baby molars, which are strong and hold up to chewing. For front teeth or visible areas, we may use tooth-colored materials. A well-placed crown can help your child keep their baby molar until it’s time for it to fall out on its own.
Nerve Treatment for Deep Decay
If a cavity reaches the inner nerve of the tooth, we may need to perform tooth nerve therapy, such as a pulpotomy or pulpectomy. A pulpotomy removes damaged tissue in the crown of the tooth, while a pulpectomy or full root canal clears the inside of both the crown and roots. These treatments help end pain and stop infection. We use calm, gentle steps to complete them and make sure your child leaves feeling okay.
Helping Kids Stay Calm During Cavity Treatment
We know some kids feel unsure at the dentist. That’s why we work in ways they can follow. Using “tell-show-do,” we tell them what to expect, show them what the tool looks like, and then do the step. We don’t use scary words, and we don’t skip steps. Our rooms are calm, and our staff has training in helping children understand and cope with care.
If your child needs more support, we may recommend nitrous oxide, or what we call “happy air.” It’s a mild and safe way to help reduce fear. In more complex cases, we can talk about other steps to keep things as safe and smooth as possible.
What to Expect at a Filling or Crown Visit
Before anything happens, we talk with you. We let you know what tooth we’re treating, how we’ll do it, and how long it will take. We explain what your child might feel — like pressure, vibration, or sounds — so there are no surprises.
If the visit includes numbing, we start with a gentle numbing gel and carefully give anesthetic. During treatment, we watch how your child feels and make changes if needed. Once everything’s done, we go over care tips and healing guidelines and make follow-up plans together.
Aftercare Tips for Cavity Treatment
After a filling or crown, your child may feel numb for a few hours. They might feel a little pressure or mild pain where the tooth was treated. Soft foods are a smart choice for the first day, and brushing should start again that same night. If the bite doesn’t feel right, or a crown feels loose, let us know. We want your child to feel good as they heal.
At checkups, we make sure repairs hold up and that no new cavities are forming. We keep an eye on growth, spacing, and changes over time to protect your child’s future smile.
How to Prevent More Cavities
Once we treat a cavity, we work with you to lower the risk of another. We give advice on brushing two times a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day. Many kids need help brushing until around age 7 or 8, so we teach parents tips to reach every part of each tooth. We also talk about snacks, juice, and drinks that wear down enamel.
We may place sealants on the back molars or apply extra fluoride in the office for added protection. If your child wears a sports mouthguard or grinds their teeth at night, we can make sure that won’t harm their fillings or crowns.
Easy Access at Our Mt. Pleasant Dental Locations
We serve families from all over Mt. Pleasant with two convenient locations. Our Johnnie Dodds office is great if you’re near the main roads or headed toward Charleston. Our Park West office fits well for growing North Mt. Pleasant neighborhoods, with quick trips from schools and sports activities.
Both offices share records and X-rays, so switching locations is easy. You can pick whichever one fits your schedule best, without losing consistent care. Our pediatric dentists work hand-in-hand at each site to keep your child’s care simple and strong.
Don’t Wait — Take the First Step Toward a Pain-Free Smile
Cavities won’t wait, and early care can make a big difference. If your child is showing signs of a cavity — or it’s just been a while since their last visit — now is the time to act. Fixing problems before they grow helps your child stay healthy, confident, and ready to smile. Don’t wait another day — reach out to request an appointment at either of our Mt. Pleasant pediatric dentist offices. Let’s stop decay in its tracks and help your child feel better fast.