Pediatric Restorative Dentistry in Oakland, CA
Montclair Pediatric Dentistry is a boutique pediatric practice that offers pediatric restorative dentistry for kids in Oakland, CA. Founded by board-certified pediatric dentists Dr. Lina Paek and Dr. Rebecca Hsieh, the practice draws on 20 years of their combined clinical experience.
When a tooth is damaged or decayed, our team repairs it using an approach suited to your child’s specific situation, not a one-size-fits-all treatment.
- Repairs cavities, damaged teeth, and infected tooth nerves
- Treatment matched to your child’s specific tooth and comfort level
- Materials and techniques designed specifically for growing teeth
Understanding Your Child's Restorative Options
Restorative dentistry is different from preventive care. Prevention is about avoiding problems before they start; restorative care is about fixing a tooth once something’s already wrong.
Which specific treatment your child needs usually depends on how far the problem has gone:
- A smaller cavity, with enough healthy tooth remaining, usually just needs a filling
- When decay covers more of the tooth, or the tooth is too weakened for a filling to hold, a crown protects it instead
- If decay has reached the nerve, pulp therapy treats the infection, usually paired with a crown afterward
- When a tooth truly can’t be saved, extraction is the last resort, often followed by a space maintainer to hold the spot for the permanent tooth underneath
Every child’s situation is different, and we’ll walk you through exactly where your child’s tooth falls on this list before recommending anything.
Our Restorative Treatment Options
We offer several restorative solutions based on your child’s specific needs:
Fillings
Composite fillings match natural tooth color while effectively sealing out decay and strengthening damaged teeth.
Dental Bonding
For a minor chip or small fracture, tooth-colored composite resin is bonded to the tooth to rebuild its shape. Composite isn’t as strong as natural tooth structure, so a bonded tooth has a higher chance of breaking again. We’ll talk through that trade-off with you before recommending bonding over another option.
Crowns
Full-coverage crowns protect severely damaged teeth with either tooth-colored zirconia or durable stainless steel.
Pulp Therapy
Gentle treatment of infected or damaged tooth nerves helps save teeth while preventing extraction.
Extraction and Space Maintenance
When a tooth truly can’t be saved, extraction is sometimes necessary. A space maintainer often follows to hold the spot open for the permanent tooth underneath.
Does My Child Need Restorative Care?
A few general signs are worth a visit:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- A visible cavity or dark spot
- A broken or chipped tooth
- Swelling in the gums
- A noticeable change in how your child eats or chews
Not every problem shows obvious symptoms, which is another reason regular exams catch issues before they get bigger.
The Benefits of Restorative Dentistry
Here’s what restorative treatment actually does for your child, beyond just fixing the tooth in front of you.
Function Recovery
Restoring a damaged tooth restores normal chewing and speaking right away.
Natural Protection
We repair teeth using materials and techniques that preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible, supporting proper development rather than just patching the problem.
Comfort Focus
Treatment methods built specifically for children keep your child comfortable during and after the procedure.
Development Support
Restoring a damaged tooth, rather than losing it early, helps maintain proper spacing and alignment for the permanent teeth developing underneath.
About Your Child's Restorative Visit
Here’s what a restorative visit at Montclair typically looks like:
- A thorough evaluation. We examine the specific tooth, explain what we’re seeing, and use visual aids and child-friendly demonstrations so you and your child understand what to expect.
- A treatment plan built around your child. For children who feel anxious, we take extra time familiarizing them with our tools and the treatment room before starting anything.
- Gentle, guided treatment. We use tell-show-do techniques throughout, explain each step in simple terms, offer breaks as needed, and celebrate your child’s cooperation along the way.
- Clear next steps. Before you leave, you’ll know exactly what was done, what to expect at home, and when to come back.
Why Choose Montclair for Restorative Care
Dr. Paek and Dr. Hsieh are board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and they evaluate each case individually rather than defaulting to the same treatment for every situation. The specific tooth, its location, and your child’s age and development all factor into our recommendations.
We also know dental problems can cause real anxiety for both kids and parents. We’ll explain exactly what’s happening and why, before we ever start treatment.
My four year old son had his first appointment today with Montclair Pediatric after deciding to switch from his former office and we were super happy with everything. The waiting area is so intentional and thoughtful with Montessori type toys that encourage learning, tons of sweet books (including some about going to the dentist to help the nervous kiddos) and even coffee for the adults. Dr. Rebecca was very sweet and my son actually enjoyed his visit. The office is clean, calm, fun and inviting. Happy to have found our new pediatric dental office.
Dr. Lina is the best! We had a great experience at her new office. My kids had previously seen Dr. Lina at a different location, and they wanted to continue seeing her as their dentist. It is challenging to find a pediatric dentist that is a good match for my kids, so we were more than happy to follow her to her new location. ... I appreciate Dr. Lina's swift hand skills, her comprehensive approach towards treatments and prevention, and her ability to communicate effectively with both kids and parents. I also appreciate Dr. Lina's efforts to preserve the natural tooth as much as possible, with a focus on prevention and long-term health. ... Also, her office is beautiful and welcoming! My kids really enjoyed their visit. I cannot recommend Dr. Lina enough!
Schedule a Consultation Today
Whatever your child’s tooth needs, from a simple filling to something more involved, we’ll walk you through the right option and why. Book a consultation, and we’ll take it from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry repairs damaged or decayed teeth using various treatments to restore normal function and prevent further problems. For children, these treatments are specifically designed to protect developing teeth while maintaining proper growth patterns.
How do you determine which restorative dental treatment is needed?
Treatment choice depends on factors including how many tooth surfaces are affected, the tooth’s location, and your child’s age and developmental stage. A cavity on a single surface with enough healthy tooth remaining often needs only a filling, while decay covering multiple surfaces usually calls for a crown. We thoroughly evaluate each case and explain all appropriate options.
Are restorative materials safe for children?
Yes, we use materials specifically tested and approved for pediatric dental use. Our tooth-colored materials are both durable and metal-free, while our stainless steel crowns meet the highest safety standards.
Will my child be comfortable during treatment?
We use appropriate numbing techniques and offer sedation options when needed. Our pediatric specialists are trained to keep children comfortable throughout restorative procedures.
How long do restorative treatments last?
Most restorations are designed to last until the baby tooth naturally falls out. Regular check-ups help ensure restorations remain secure and functional.
What happens if a damaged tooth isn't treated?
Untreated dental problems typically worsen over time, potentially leading to pain, infection, or early tooth loss. Early restoration helps prevent these complications and protects proper dental development.
Do baby teeth really need fillings or crowns?
Yes. Baby teeth support chewing, speech development, and proper spacing for permanent teeth. Leaving a cavity untreated because it’s “just a baby tooth” can lead to pain, infection, and alignment problems with the permanent tooth underneath.