Cavities remain one of the most common childhood health concerns, affecting children across Portland and nationwide. At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in gentle, effective cavity treatment designed specifically for children’s unique needs. Our Portland pediatric dental team combines advanced techniques with a compassionate approach to ensure your child receives the highest quality care in a comfortable, supportive environment.
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that gradually erode tooth enamel, eventually creating small holes or cavities. Despite being largely preventable, cavities affect approximately 42% of children aged 2-11 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Portland, where our community values both health and holistic approaches to care, we work with families to both treat existing cavities and prevent future decay.
Early detection allows for less invasive treatment. Watch for these potential indicators:
At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, we believe in developing individualized treatment plans based on each Portland child’s specific needs, age, cooperation level, and extent of decay. Our approach emphasizes:
Using child-friendly digital X-rays that minimize radiation exposure, intraoral cameras, and gentle clinical examination, our Portland pediatric dentists accurately identify cavities, often catching decay before it becomes visible to the naked eye.
Whenever possible, we employ conservative treatment methods that preserve maximum healthy tooth structure. For very early decay, we may recommend remineralization treatments that can reverse the earliest stages of enamel damage.
For small to moderate cavities, tooth-colored composite fillings restore both function and appearance. These natural-looking restorations blend seamlessly with your child’s teeth and are free from mercury and other metals.
When decay is extensive or a tooth is severely weakened, a dental crown provides complete coverage and protection. We offer various crown options for Portland children, including aesthetic choices for visible front teeth.
If decay has reached the tooth’s inner pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels, pulp therapy (often called a “baby root canal”) may be necessary to relieve pain and save the tooth until it naturally exfoliates.
This non-invasive treatment option can arrest decay progression in certain situations, particularly for very young Portland children, those with special healthcare needs, or in cases where traditional treatment poses significant challenges.
Our Portland pediatric dental team understands that a positive experience builds trust and reduces anxiety about future dental visits. We provide:
For Portland children who are very young, especially anxious, or require extensive treatment, we offer various sedation options, including:
Treatment is just one aspect of comprehensive care. We partner with Portland families on prevention strategies:
Based on your child’s specific risk factors, our Portland pediatric dentists develop customized prevention plans that may include:
Our Portland team provides guidance on cavity-preventing dietary choices, including:
We work with Portland families to develop effective home care routines, demonstrating:
Our Portland dentists have completed additional years of training beyond dental school, specifically focused on treating children from infancy through adolescence, including those with special healthcare needs.
From our Portland office design to our specialized equipment and trained staff, every aspect of our practice is tailored to make dental visits positive experiences for children of all ages.
We don’t just treat the cavity—we address the underlying factors contributing to decay and work to prevent future problems, supporting your child’s long-term oral health.
We recognize parents as essential partners in their children’s dental health and provide the education and support Portland families need to implement effective home care routines.
Early intervention is key to successful cavity treatment with minimal discomfort and long-term complications. If you notice signs of a cavity or it’s time for your child’s regular check-up, contact Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry at 503-292-9274 to schedule an appointment with our experienced Portland pediatric dental team.
We’re committed to providing gentle, effective cavity treatment in a supportive environment that helps create positive dental experiences for Portland children. Your child’s healthy smile is our top priority!
Q: Why treat cavities in baby teeth when they’ll fall out eventually?
A: Primary (baby) teeth serve crucial functions—they maintain space for permanent teeth, support proper nutrition and speech development, and contribute to facial structure and self-esteem. Untreated decay can lead to pain, infection, and damage to developing permanent teeth.
Q: Will cavity treatment hurt my child?
A: Your child’s comfort is our priority. We use effective local anesthesia, gentle techniques, and age-appropriate distraction methods to ensure a pain-free experience at our Portland pediatric dental office.
Q: How can I prepare my child for cavity treatment?
A: Use positive, age-appropriate language, avoid sharing negative dental experiences, and consider a pre-appointment visit to our Portland office to familiarize your child with our team and environment.
Q: Is fluoride safe for my child?
A: Yes, fluoride is safe and highly effective when used appropriately. Our Portland pediatric dentists prescribe precise amounts based on your child’s age, risk factors, and existing fluoride exposure.
Q: How soon after treatment can my child eat?
A: Typically, children can eat soft foods once the numbness from local anesthesia wears off, usually within 1-2 hours after treatment at our Portland office.
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Copyright ©2025
DBA: Tesha Waggoner DMD, P.C
Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Tesha Waggoner DMD
5415 SW Westgate Dr #207
Portland, OR 97221
503.292.9274
info@pinetreepd.com
