Fillings | Crowns

Dental Fillings and Crowns for Children in San Marcos, CA

When a child has a cavity, a filling or crown restores the tooth’s strength and function. At San Marcos Kids Dentistry, we use tooth-colored fillings for smaller cavities and durable stainless steel or natural-looking zirconia crowns when more support is needed, with gentle, comfort-focused care. Call (760) 744-8600.

Cavities are common in children, and with timely care they are treated comfortably and effectively. At San Marcos Kids Dentistry, Dr. Nikki Shafiei provides gentle, kid-focused restoration using tooth-colored fillings and, when needed, crowns that restore strength, function, and a healthy smile. This page is about how we fix a cavity once it is there. To understand what causes decay and how to prevent it, see our tooth decay and cavities page.

How We Treat Cavities in Children

When we find a cavity, Dr. Shafiei evaluates the tooth carefully and recommends the most appropriate restoration based on the size of the cavity, the tooth’s location, and how much healthy tooth structure remains. Our goal is always to treat decay early and preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible. If decay has reached the nerve, a pulpotomy may be needed before placing a crown, and for very early decay or kids who cannot yet tolerate a filling, no-drill silver diamine fluoride is sometimes an option.

What Decides Between a Filling and a Crown?

Every cavity is different, and the best option depends on several factors:

• How much of the tooth is affected by decay
• The location of the cavity, such as a front tooth versus a molar
• How much chewing pressure the tooth must handle
• Whether the tooth can be fully restored with a filling alone
• The most durable material for long-term success

We walk you through the recommendation and why it fits your child’s tooth.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

For many cavities, we can restore the tooth with a tooth-colored composite filling. These blend with the natural tooth, so treatment stays discreet, and they are:

• Natural-looking and color-matched to the tooth
• Strong and durable for many cavities
• A great choice for visible teeth where appearance matters

A filling is usually completed in a single, comfortable visit.

When a Crown Is the Better Choice

If a cavity is large or a tooth has significant decay, a filling may not provide enough support. In those cases, a crown covers and protects the whole tooth. Crowns help:

• Restore normal chewing function
• Prevent future breakage or damage
• Support the tooth until it is naturally replaced

For children, we use two main crown types. Stainless steel crowns are time-tested, highly durable, and ideal for back molars that take heavy chewing force. Zirconia crowns are tooth-colored and natural-looking, a great option when appearance matters, such as on front teeth. We will help you choose the right one for the tooth and your child.

Keeping Treatment Comfortable for Nervous Kids

We work hard to make every visit calm and positive. For children who feel anxious or need extra support, we offer nitrous oxide and oxygen, also known as laughing gas, to help them relax, and we draw on real experience with comfort and sedation care and special-needs dentistry. Many parents are surprised by how smoothly treatment goes.

What to Expect Before Treatment

Before starting, Dr. Shafiei explains what treatment is recommended and why, what to expect during the visit, how many visits may be needed, and the estimated cost, so you feel informed and confident. We verify your insurance and provide a clear estimate up front.

Schedule Your Child’s Visit in San Marcos

If your child has a cavity, gentle treatment is close by. Call San Marcos Kids Dentistry at (760) 744-8600 or request an appointment online. Find our hours and directions on our San Marcos office page.