Pediatric Smile Restoration in St. Louis, MO

Pediatric restorative dentistry focuses on repairing and rebuilding a child’s teeth when damage or decay occurs. These treatments are designed to restore not just the function of the teeth, but also your child’s confidence and comfort when smiling, eating, or speaking.

At Lenahan Smiles, we use age-appropriate materials and minimally invasive techniques to make procedures safe, effective, and as comfortable as possible. Every restoration is tailored to fit your child’s unique oral health and emotional needs.

We offer a full range of children’s dental restorations to repair and protect developing teeth:

• Tooth-colored fillings for cavities
• Pediatric dental crowns, including stainless steel for back teeth and white zirconia  (porcelain) options for front teeth
• Extractions, only when necessary and always with gentle care
• Pulp therapy (baby tooth root canals)
• Emergency dental care for accidents or trauma

For anxious children, we offer nitrous oxide and other sedation options, ensuring they feel secure and supported during every visit.

Depending on the extent of damage or decay, your child may benefit from:

• Very small cavities can often be treated without fillings with a medicine called SDF (silver diamine fluoride)
• A small cavity is typically fixed with a small white filling
• Medium to large cavities are often crowned, with silver crowns used for back teeth and white crowns used for front teeth
• Large to extra large cavities are treated with either a nerve treatment (pulpotomy) and crown, or with tooth extraction
• Space maintainers or pulp therapy, when needed, to support long-term oral health

Whenever possible, we focus on preserving primary teeth, which play an essential role in speech development and guiding adult teeth into place.

Treating dental problems early prevents more serious issues later. Early pediatric dental repairs can:

• Stop the spread of decay and infection
• Preserve natural teeth and proper bite alignment
• Improve speech and nutrition
• Boost your child’s confidence and comfort

Early care also reduces the need for extensive treatment down the road—and helps your child develop positive dental habits for life.

Signs your child may need teeth restoration include:

• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Dark spots or holes in the teeth
• Tooth pain or discomfort
• Trouble chewing or avoiding certain foods
• Swelling, abscesses, or signs of infection

Regular exams and digital X-rays help us catch problems early—often before symptoms even appear.

At Lenahan Smiles, we take a gentle and personalized approach to treating tooth decay:

• We begin with thorough exams and digital imaging
• Small cavities are typically treated with composite fillings
• For deeper decay, we may recommend pulp therapy or crowns
• Sedation options are available to keep your child calm and comfortable

Every treatment is explained clearly, with no surprises—just honest care that puts your child’s well-being first.

Yes, baby teeth can often be restored. We only recommend extractions when there’s no viable alternative. Preserving baby teeth whenever possible helps your child:

• Maintain a healthy bite
• Develop proper speech
• Avoid orthodontic issues later in life
• Help develop confidence in their smile

When a crown or filling can save a tooth, we’ll always take that route first.

Absolutely. Even after significant injury or decay, many teeth can be saved through timely treatment. Our emergency team offers:

• Same-day appointments for dental trauma
• Pulp therapy to save inflamed or infected baby teeth
• Full-coverage crowns to protect damaged enamel

Don’t wait—early intervention can preserve the tooth and prevent long-term complications.

The cost of pediatric dental restorations depends on the type of procedure, sedation needs, and insurance coverage. At Lenahan Smiles:

• We accept most major insurance plans
• We accept Medicaid
• We offer transparent pricing before treatment begins
• We can help you explore financing options for larger procedures

Our team is happy to walk you through coverage details and help you plan for your child’s care.

We believe that complete dental care for children should be accessible and stress-free. Preventive visits are often fully or partially covered by dental insurance. For families without insurance, we provide clear, upfront pricing and work with you to find the best path forward.

Our team is happy to help with insurance questions or payment planning—so you can focus on what really matters: your child’s health.

• Our dentists are board-certified specialists in pediatric care
• We create a calm, friendly, and supportive atmosphere
• We believe in no unnecessary treatments—just honest guidance
• Our team has deep experience with children who have special needs
• We’re a part of the St. Louis community—trusted by families for generations

You’re not just choosing a dental office. You’re choosing a team that truly cares for your child.

At Lenahan Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in St. Louis, MO, restoring your child’s smile is about more than fixing teeth—it’s about building trust, easing anxiety, and creating positive experiences. If your child has a cavity, dental injury, or needs a dental treatment plan tailored just for them, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to schedule a restorative dental visit. Let’s rebuild your child’s smile—together.