Restorations in primary teeth: how to treat cavities and protect your child's smile

Dental restoration in primary teeth is the most common treatment in paediatric dentistry and allows the repair of tooth structure affected by decay. The aim is to remove decayed tissue, restore the shape and function of the tooth, and prevent progression of the lesion.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, restorations in primary teeth are carried out using aesthetic and biocompatible materials, adapted to the child's dentition, in accordance with the guidelines of the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry).

The type of material and restorative technique are selected according to the extent of the lesion and the location of the tooth.

If your child has decay in a primary tooth or a restoration that needs to be assessed, book an appointment.

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Technology Supporting Restorations in Primary Teeth

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the diagnosis and planning of restorations in primary teeth are supported by digital imaging examinations that allow assessment of the extent of the decay and the condition of the tooth structure.

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Caries Detection with Bitewing Radiographs

Bitewing radiographs are the reference examination for detecting caries between primary teeth — lesions that are often invisible to the naked eye. Early detection of these cavities allows intervention when the lesion is small and the restoration can be conservative.

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Assessment with Periapical Radiograph

The digital periapical radiograph allows detailed assessment of the depth of the caries and its proximity to the dental pulp. This examination is essential when the caries is deep and it needs to be determined whether the tooth can be restored or whether pulp treatment is required.

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Panoramic View with Orthopantomogram

The digital panoramic X-ray provides an overall view of the child's entire dental arch and allows identification of caries in multiple teeth, assessment of dentition development, and planning of the sequence of restorative treatments when several lesions are present.

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“Treating a cavity in a primary tooth is protecting the child's oral health in the long term. A well-executed restoration preserves the tooth structure, maintains function, and contributes to the healthy development of the permanent dentition.”

Dra. Daniela Cardozo

Dentist

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What are dental restorations in primary teeth and when are they necessary?

What are dental restorations in primary teeth and when are they necessary?

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood and can affect primary teeth as soon as they erupt.

When decay causes destruction of the enamel and dentine, dental restoration is the indicated treatment to repair the tooth and restore its shape and function.

The process involves removing the decayed tissue and rebuilding the affected part of the tooth with a restorative material.

The AAPD recommends selective caries removal as the preferred approach in primary teeth with deep decay — a technique that preserves as much healthy tooth structure as possible and reduces the risk of pulp exposure.

The restorative materials most commonly used in primary teeth include composite resin (a tooth-coloured aesthetic material) and resin-modified glass ionomer cement, which releases fluoride and is particularly indicated for children at high risk of decay.

The choice of material depends on the location of the decay, the extent of the lesion, and the child's co-operation during the procedure.

When decay is extensive and the remaining structure is insufficient to support a conventional restoration, a paediatric crown may be necessary to protect the tooth in its entirety.

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What our patients say

My daughter had a cavity in a primary molar and the restoration came out perfectly. You can't tell the tooth was treated at all and she felt no discomfort.

Beatriz Andrade

My son had several small cavities and the dentist treated them all with tooth-coloured restorations. The process was quick and he came out looking great.

Miguel Pinto

I was worried about the cavity in my daughter's primary tooth, but the team explained everything and the restoration was very straightforward. My daughter left the appointment happy.

Inês Carvalho

4 Steps to Restoring Your Child's Primary Tooth

4 Steps to Restoring Your Child's Primary Tooth

Primary tooth restoration at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo follows a structured protocol, from diagnosis through to final verification, to treat decay conservatively and protect your child's dentition.

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Diagnosis and caries assessment

The dentist carries out a clinical examination and, when necessary, requests X-rays (bitewings or periapical) to assess the extent and depth of the decay. Based on this assessment, the type of restoration and the most appropriate material are determined.

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Tooth Preparation

Local anaesthesia is applied when necessary to ensure the procedure is comfortable. The dentist removes the decayed tissue using instruments adapted to the child's oral cavity, preserving as much healthy dental structure as possible.

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Application of the restorative material

The restorative material is applied progressively, layer by layer, and is light-cured (hardened with light) to adhere to the tooth structure. The aim is to restore the original shape and function of the tooth.

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Check and adjustment

The dentist checks the occlusion (the fit between the teeth) and adjusts the restoration to ensure comfortable chewing. Parents are given guidance on oral hygiene and follow-up at routine appointments.

Everything you need to know about restorations in primary teeth

Everything you need to know about restorations in primary teeth

Primary teeth are essential for chewing, speech, and maintaining space for the permanent teeth.

When decay affects a primary tooth, restorative treatment preserves the tooth structure and prevents the lesion from progressing to the dental pulp, which could require more complex treatment such as a pulpotomy.

The restorative approach in primary teeth is conservative.

International guidelines recommend selective caries removal — a technique that removes decayed tissue from the lateral walls of the cavity while preserving the affected (but not infected) dentine close to the pulp.

This approach significantly reduces the risk of pulp exposure and is associated with better clinical outcomes.

For small and medium lesions, composite resin or resin-modified glass ionomer cement are the materials of choice.

For extensive lesions involving multiple tooth surfaces, a paediatric crown may be the most appropriate option to protect the tooth in its entirety.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, each restoration is planned based on clinical and radiographic assessment, and parents are guided on prevention strategies to avoid new cavities. If your child shows signs of decay in a primary tooth, book an assessment appointment.

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Main Problems Treated with Dental Restorations

Dental restoration in primary teeth is indicated in various clinical situations where the tooth structure has been compromised by decay or other factors.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, each case is assessed individually. Find out about the most common indications.

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Tooth Decay in Primary Teeth

Dental Caries in Primary Teeth

Decay in primary teeth is the most frequent indication for dental restoration in childhood. It can affect any surface of the tooth and, when left untreated, progresses and may reach the dental pulp. Restoration allows the tooth structure to be repaired and the progression of the lesion to be halted.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, bitewing X-rays are used to detect decay between primary teeth, and clinical assessment determines the most appropriate type of restoration for each situation.

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Enamel Developmental Defects

Enamel Developmental Defects

Some primary teeth may have changes in enamel formation (hypoplasia or hypomineralisation) that make the tooth more porous, susceptible to decay, and sensitive. In these cases, restoration allows the tooth surface to be protected, sensitivity to be reduced, and the progression of lesions to be prevented.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, early assessment of these defects allows preventive and restorative intervention using materials that release fluoride and contribute to the ongoing protection of the tooth.

Discover Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, restorations in primary teeth are carried out using aesthetic and biocompatible materials, conservative techniques, and individualised monitoring to protect your child's oral health.

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Book your appointment

If your child shows signs of decay in a primary tooth, sensitivity, or has an old restoration that needs to be assessed, book an appointment at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo and receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

  • Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo

    R. Vasco da Gama 6,

    2130-197 Benavente, Portugal

  • Telephone: +351 263 516 773

    Mobile: +351 919 366 534

    geral@clinicapaulocardozo.pt

Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout Dental Restorations in Primary Teeth

Clinical Rigour and International Standards

The clinical team at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo guides its paediatric dentistry practice in accordance with the guidelines of the leading oral health reference bodies, including the FDI World Dental Federation, the Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas (OMD), the World Health Organization — Oral Health, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD).

The continuous training and professional development of the clinical staff at Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo, together with the integration of international recommendations into their practice, ensures that every procedure is carried out with safety and medical responsibility.

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