How we fix a cavity

We put numbing gel on the gum first, then numb the tooth. We clean out the decay and fill the space with a tooth-colored material.
When a crown is the better choice

A large cavity in a baby molar can break a filling. A small crown covers the whole tooth and holds it until the adult tooth comes in.
After the visit

The lip and cheek stay numb for a few hours. Watch that your child does not bite or chew them, and offer soft food until the numbness wears off.
Questions about tooth-colored fillings and crowns
Why fix a baby tooth that will fall out?
Baby back teeth often stay until age 10 to 12. A cavity left alone can cause pain and infection.
Is my child awake for a filling?
Yes. For a nervous child, laughing gas is one option we can talk about.
Reviewed by Dr. Annika Ferrante, DMD, October 7, 2026
