Restorative Dentistry in San Tan Valley, AZ

Repairing broken teeth and replacing missing ones in children, restoring normal shape, function and appearance.

Services→Pediatric Dentistry→Restorative Dentistry in San Tan Valley, AZ

When a child's tooth is broken or missing, restorative treatment puts back its shape and function — so eating, speaking and smiling work normally again.

Restorative Dentistry at Flossed Family Dentistry in San Tan Valley, AZ

About Children's Restorative Dentistry

We are usually able to fill in broken teeth to make them look like normal teeth. We even use a cement that is the color of your child's teeth. If that does not work, we offer veneers and caps to cover up any broken teeth. We can also fix missing teeth and have many options for how we do so. Typically, we like to place implants, which will act like the tooth's replacement root. On top of the implants, we use crowns, which are artificial teeth, to restore your child's mouth with normal-sized and shaped teeth.

Repairs broken and damaged teeth
Tooth-colored materials that blend naturally
Caps and coverings for teeth too damaged to fill
Options discussed with parents before treatment
Restores normal eating and speech

Why Restoring Children's Teeth Matters

A damaged tooth affects more than appearance. Children chew, speak and form sounds with teeth that are still developing, and a broken tooth can interfere with all three. Sharp edges can also cut the tongue and cheek. Baby teeth hold space for the permanent teeth developing beneath them. Repairing a damaged one keeps that spacing intact, which can prevent the crowding and alignment problems that follow when a tooth is lost too early. There is a confidence dimension as well. Children are aware of a visibly broken or discolored front tooth, and restoring it matters to them more than adults sometimes assume.

What to Expect

Dr. Gifford assesses the extent of the damage, which tooth is involved, and whether it is a baby tooth or a permanent one — that distinction shapes the whole plan, since a baby tooth needs to last only until it is naturally replaced. Everything is explained to you as the parent before treatment is agreed, and explained to your child in terms they can follow before it begins. Where a tooth can be repaired directly, tooth-colored material is used so the result blends in. Comfort is managed throughout, and nitrous oxide is available where appropriate for children who are anxious. Afterward we will explain what to watch for and how to care for the restoration.

Common Questions

My child chipped a tooth — is that urgent?

Call us and describe what happened. A small chip may be straightforward, but damage exposing the inner part of the tooth needs prompt attention. If a permanent tooth has been knocked out entirely, that is an emergency: keep it moist and call immediately.

Should a broken baby tooth be repaired?

Often yes. Baby teeth matter for eating and speech and hold space for the adult teeth beneath them. Sharp broken edges can also irritate the tongue and cheek. Dr. Gifford will advise based on the tooth and how long it has left.

Will the repair match my child's other teeth?

Tooth-colored materials are used where possible, shaded to blend with the surrounding teeth. Where a tooth needs full coverage, options are discussed with you beforehand.

What if my child is too anxious for treatment?

Tell us when you book. We allow extra time, explain everything before doing it, and nitrous oxide is available where appropriate. Dr. Gifford has particular experience with anxious patients, including children.

How do I prevent this happening again?

If it happened during sport, a custom mouth guard is the single most effective protection. If it happened through decay weakening the tooth, the focus shifts to prevention — cleanings, sealants and home care.

Terms You May Hear

Restoration: Any treatment that rebuilds a damaged tooth to its normal shape and function — a filling, a cap or a crown.
Crown (Cap): A covering placed over a tooth that is too damaged to be repaired with a filling alone.
Space Maintenance: Keeping the gap where a baby tooth was, so the permanent tooth beneath has room to come through in the right position.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

Has your child damaged a tooth? Call (480) 581-7681 — the sooner we look, the more options there usually are.