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Treatment of Tooth decay

Dr. Naru Baliga, DMD | Pediatric Dentist | Damascus & Frederick

Gentle, Effective Cavity Care for Children of All Ages

At NSK Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that even with the best brushing and flossing habits, cavities can still happen. Our compassionate, kid-friendly team specializes in treating tooth decay using modern techniques designed to make dental treatment as painless, stress-free, and comfortable as possible.
Our goal is to restore your child’s smile while helping them feel confident and safe during every visit.
The good news is that there are ways to fix and stop cavities. Dentists have treatments that can help keep your child’s teeth healthy.
Finding out that your child has a cavity can be scary, but you should know that lots of kids get cavities. In fact, millions of young children have tooth decay. It is one of the most common health problems for kids.
Cavities happen when a sticky layer called plaque builds up on teeth. Plaque is made of germs that like to eat the sugar in our food. These germs make acid that can hurt the teeth and cause holes, called cavities.
If a cavity is not fixed, it can get bigger and go deeper into the tooth. This can hurt and sometimes cause swelling or an infection. Sometimes, the dentist might need to do a special treatment or even take out the tooth if it gets really bad.
Even if a baby tooth falls out before it causes big problems, it is still not good to lose it too soon. Baby teeth help keep space for grown-up teeth. If a baby tooth is lost early, grown-up teeth might not come in the right way.

Schedule Your Child’s Cavity Treatment Today

Early treatment can prevent pain and future complications. Whether your child has a small cavity or requires more extensive care, we’re here to help them smile again—with compassion and expertise.
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How We Treat Cavities at NSK Pediatric Dentistry

We use gentle, minimally invasive methods to remove decay and restore teeth to health—focusing on your child’s comfort every step of the way.
Tooth-Colored Fillings (Composite Fillings)

We restore small to moderate cavities using mercury-free, white composite fillings that blend naturally with your child’s teeth for a clean, healthy look.

Pulpotomy (Baby Root Canal Treatment)

If decay reaches the nerve of a baby tooth, a pulpotomy (removing the affected nerve tissue) allows us to save the tooth and relieve pain—helping maintain proper chewing, speech development, and space for adult teeth.

Tooth Extractions (When Necessary)

In cases of severe decay where the tooth cannot be saved, we perform gentle extractions and may recommend space maintainers to ensure proper development of surrounding teeth.

Dental Crowns (Stainless Steel or Zirconia)

For larger cavities or after pulpotomies, we protect the tooth with a durable crown:
Stainless Steel Crowns: Strong, reliable protection for molars
Zirconia Crowns: Tooth-colored crowns for a more natural appearance

What Causes Cavities in Children?

Tooth decay (cavities) is caused by bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugars from food and drinks, producing acids that erode tooth enamel. Children are especially vulnerable due to:
  • Thinner enamel on baby teeth
  • Irregular brushing and flossing habits
  • Frequent snacking and sugary drinks
If left untreated, cavities can lead to pain, infections, and problems with adult tooth development.