Accepting New Patients
Accepting New Patients
Your child’s dentist just found a cavity. Maybe you were expecting it, maybe you weren’t, but either way, now you’re Googling, wondering what happens next. The good news? A filling is one of the most routine things we do, and it’s almost always a lot less dramatic than you think.
At Silicon Beach Pediatric Dental in Culver City, Dr. Ray Klein and Dr. Hayley Botwin take aa conservative approach to treatment, meaning a filling only happens when it’s needed and we have no other options. As part of our pediatric dentistry services, we make sure every treatment decision is grounded in what’s best for your child, there’s never a rush to fix things just because they’re there.
Discovering that your child has a cavity can feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first experience with pediatric dental treatment. We understand how you’re feeling, and we want you to know that treating cavities in children is something we do every day with care and patience.
Dr. Ray Klein and Dr. Hayley Botwin believe in taking an approach focused on preserving your child’s natural teeth. When we find a cavity, our goal is to remove the decay and restore the tooth in the most comfortable way possible.
It might feel surprising when a young child gets a cavity, especially if you’re careful about their diet and brushing habits. But the reality is baby teeth are more vulnerable to decay than adult teeth. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, about 23% of children ages 2 to 5 have had cavities in their primary teeth.
When we find a cavity in a baby tooth, one of the most common questions we hear from parents is, “Can’t you just pull the tooth since it’s going to fall out anyway?” It’s a fair question. But baby teeth aren’t just for eating and smiling. It’s important to understand they act as placeholders – holding the correct space open for the permanent teeth that will replace them which matters more than most people realize. Removing a baby tooth too early can cause the surrounding teeth to shift and create problems down the road. So no, pulling isn’t always the answer.
Dr. Ray takes a measured look at every cavity before recommending treatment. If a cavity is small enough (and a good reason to come for regular visits!), the recommendation might be to wait, come back in six months and see if it’s growing. That’s not procrastination; that’s thoughtful, conservative dentistry. When a filling is recommended, it’s because the decay is progressing and leaving it would cause more harm than treating it.
A filling appointment is typically straightforward for kids, but it’s important not to say anything that could make them worry. You’ll be in the room with them and, depending on their age and behavior, we may recommend nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to keep everything smooth and calm. We start with a topical anesthetic to numb the area, then place local anesthetic which numbs the tooth. This may sound intense or scary but most of our patients don’t feel anything, but this is usually the most nerve-wracking part for parents!
We use tooth-colored composite resin fillings, which blend in with the natural tooth. They bond directly to the tooth surface, are durable, and look like part of the original tooth structure. It’s rare, but if too much tooth structure is missing a crown (porcelain or stainless-steel) may be more appropriate. We’ll always walk you through that recommendation if it comes up.
Our team has worked with children of all temperaments. Some kids do great; others need a little more time and reassurance. We never rush, and we never force anything. If your child is nervous, we have ways to make the appointment easier, and we’re always upfront with you about what to expect. Regular dental exams and cleanings are not just for catching decay early, it’s also a chance for us to gain your child’s trust making it easy to do fillings if needed.
Cavities between teeth, unless they’ve gotten big, aren’t visible to the naked eye. That’s one reason digital X-rays are a routine part of the exam process. They allow us to see what’s happening between teeth and underneath the gumline, which means we catch problems earlier, when they’re smaller and easier to treat. Finding a cavity when it’s tiny is always better than waiting until it’s grown and our options are limited.
After a filling is placed, the conversation shifts back to prevention. We look at your child’s individual risk factors, their diet, brushing habits, and family history, and give you personalized recommendations rather than generic advice. One size doesn’t fit all, and we’re not interested in handing you a one-page pamphlet and calling it a day.
For some kids, dental sealants are worth considering. Typically placed on permanent molars, sealants “seal”the chewing surfaces of back teeth, which on permanent teeth especially are prone to decay, acting as a physical barrier against food and bacteria. As part of our exam process we’ll tell you when and if we think they’re a good fit for your child.
Most children feel little to no discomfort during a filling. We apply a topical numbing gel before any injection, and Dr. Klein takes extra care to make sure your child is completely comfortable before we begin. Some children experience mild sensitivity for a day or two after the procedure, which typically resolves on its own.
Yes, in most cases. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and help your child chew and speak properly. An untreated cavity in a baby tooth can spread to neighboring teeth, cause pain, and even affect the developing permanent tooth underneath. Dr. Klein will always discuss the timeline and whether treatment is the right call based on your child's specific situation.
Most pediatric filling appointments take between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the size and number of cavities being treated. We do everything in our power to keep the appointment calm and efficient so your child can get back to their day.
Modern composite resin fillings are durable and well-suited for pediatric patients. They bond directly to the tooth, require less removal of healthy tooth structure, and are virtually invisible. For very large restorations on back teeth, Dr. Klein may recommend a stainless steel crown for added strength — he'll explain the options clearly so you can make an informed decision.
Early cavities often have no symptoms at all — which is why regular checkups are so important. Signs that a cavity may be present include tooth sensitivity to sweets or cold, visible dark spots or holes on the tooth surface, or your child pointing to tooth pain. If you notice any of these, give us a call and we'll get your child in quickly.
Most PPO dental insurance plans cover composite fillings for children, often at 80% or more after deductible. Silicon Beach Pediatric Dental is in-network with many major PPO plans. Our team is happy to verify your benefits before the appointment so there are no surprises.
Dr. Ray is board-certified in pediatric dentistry with advanced training from USC and a residency at Long Beach Miller Children’s Hospital. Dr. Hayley, also a pediatric dentist trained at USC, brings her own deep commitment to making kids feel at ease in the chair. Together, they’ve built a practice rooted in the belief that treatment only happens when it’s genuinely needed and that every family deserves straightforward, honest communication about their child’s care. We’re in-network with most PPO plans and welcome families throughout Culver City and the surrounding neighborhoods.
If you have questions about a cavity your child’s dentist found, or you’d like a second opinion, we’re happy to take a look. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
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