Children’s Dentistry in Apex
Last updated
Children’s dentistry supports healthy tooth development from the earliest years through adolescence. Regular dental care allows Dr. Michael Kim to monitor each child’s changing needs, identify concerns early, and provide age-appropriate treatment in a supportive environment. Green Level Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics provides personalized care designed to preserve developing teeth, restore dental health, and help children feel more comfortable receiving treatment.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-Colored Resin Fillings for Children in Apex: Tooth-colored fillings repair cavities and minor tooth damage using a durable composite resin selected to blend with the natural tooth. The material bonds directly to the tooth, allowing Dr. Kim to preserve as much healthy structure as possible while restoring function and appearance.
Pediatric Crowns
White and Stainless Steel Pediatric Crowns in Apex: Pediatric crowns protect teeth that have extensive decay, fractures, or insufficient structure for a filling. White crowns provide a natural-looking option for visible teeth, while stainless steel crowns offer dependable protection for primary molars exposed to greater chewing pressure.
Dental Trauma Management
Prompt Treatment for Children’s Dental Injuries in Apex: Dental trauma management addresses chipped, fractured, loosened, displaced, or knocked-out teeth following an accident or sports injury. Prompt evaluation allows Dr. Kim to assess the tooth and surrounding tissues, relieve discomfort, and recommend treatment intended to preserve the tooth whenever possible.
“Every child deserves dental care that considers both their immediate needs and their long-term development. Whether we are repairing a small cavity, protecting a weakened tooth with a crown, or responding to a dental injury, our goal is to provide thoughtful treatment that restores health while helping the child feel safe and supported.”
Dr. Michael Kim
Read Verified Reviews From Apex Parents
“My kids have been going to this practice since they were toddlers, and having one doctor who understands their complete dental history and growth patterns has made such a difference. Dr. Kim treats them like they’re his own children and recommends only what’s truly necessary. The convenience of having both their regular checkups and orthodontics in one place has been a game-changer for our family.”
“What impressed me most was how honest the doctor is about treatment recommendations. He explained exactly why each step was needed and never pushed unnecessary procedures. Having someone I trust completely managing both my kids’ dental and orthodontic care gives me peace of mind. The staff is incredibly kind and patient with nervous children.”
“We switched practices specifically because we wanted someone who could handle both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof. The continuity of care is amazing, and our kids actually look forward to their appointments. The whole team treats every patient like family, and the clinical expertise is evident in every interaction.”
Research-Backed Outcomes for Children’s Dental Care
Sealed Molars Avoiding Restorative Treatment
87%
Light-Cured Sealants Retained After Five Years
84%
Cavities Prevented by Sealants During Two Years
80%
Lower Risk of New Pit-and-Fissure Cavities
73%
Early Enamel Lesions Remineralized With Fluoride Varnish
64%
Reduction in Childhood Tooth Decay With Fluoridated Water
60%
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| Children’s Dental Outcome | Percentage | What the Research Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Sealed Molars Avoiding Restorative Treatment | 87% | In a four-year JADA study, only 13% of sealed permanent first molars required restorative treatment, meaning 87% did not receive a restoration during the study period. |
| Light-Cured Sealants Retained After Five Years | 84% retained | A meta-analysis estimated that 83.8% of light-cured resin sealants remained completely retained after five years. |
| Cavities Prevented by Sealants During Two Years | 80% prevented | The CDC reports that sealants can prevent approximately 80% of cavities in permanent molars during the first two years after placement. |
| Lower Risk of New Pit-and-Fissure Cavities | 73% lower risk | A JADA systematic review found a 73% reduction in the risk of developing new pit-and-fissure cavities among participants who received sealants. |
| Early Enamel Lesions Remineralized With Fluoride Varnish | 64% remineralized | A systematic review found that professionally applied sodium fluoride varnish remineralized 63.6% of early enamel cavity lesions in children. |
| Reduction in Childhood Tooth Decay With Fluoridated Water | More than 60% reduction | An NIDCR-supported study of approximately 30,000 schoolchildren found that childhood cavity rates decreased by more than 60% following community water fluoridation. |
Sources: Bhuridej P et al., “Natural History of Treatment Outcomes of Permanent First Molars: A Study of Sealant Effectiveness,” Journal of the American Dental Association, 2005; Kühnisch J et al., “Longevity of Materials for Pit and Fissure Sealing: Results From a Meta-Analysis,” Dental Materials, 2012; CDC, “About Dental Sealants”; Wright JT et al., “Sealants for Preventing and Arresting Pit-and-Fissure Occlusal Caries in Primary and Permanent Molars,” Journal of the American Dental Association, 2016; Gao SS et al., “Caries Remineralisation and Arresting Effect in Children by Professionally Applied Fluoride Treatment: A Systematic Review,” BMC Oral Health, 2016; NIDCR, “The Story of Fluoridation”
Key Findings
Preserving Developing Teeth
Treating cavities and dental injuries promptly can help preserve primary teeth until they are ready to fall out naturally. Healthy primary teeth support chewing, speech development, and spacing for permanent teeth.
Natural-Looking Cavity Repair
Tooth-colored resin can restore teeth affected by small to moderate cavities while blending with the surrounding enamel and preserving healthy tooth structure.
Protection for Weakened Teeth
A pediatric crown may provide more complete protection than a filling when decay or damage affects a large portion of a primary tooth.
Crown Options Based on Need
White and stainless steel crowns serve different clinical and cosmetic needs. Dr. Kim recommends the appropriate material based on the tooth’s location, remaining structure, and required durability.
Prompt Dental Trauma Care
Early evaluation following a dental injury can improve the dentist’s ability to manage discomfort, detect hidden damage, and preserve the injured tooth.
Prevention Reduces Restorative Needs
Sealants, professional preventive care, and early cavity detection can lower the likelihood that children will require fillings, crowns, or more involved treatment.
Personalized Dental Care for Your Child
Schedule an appointment at Green Level Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Apex. Dr. Michael Kim will evaluate your child’s teeth, explain any recommended treatment, and create a personalized plan designed to restore dental health while supporting a positive and comfortable experience.
Questions Apex Parents Ask About Children’s Dentistry
Are tooth-colored fillings safe for children?
Tooth-colored composite resin is commonly used to repair cavities in children. It bonds directly to the tooth and can be matched to the surrounding enamel for a natural appearance. Dr. Kim will consider the cavity’s size, the tooth’s location, and the child’s individual needs before recommending a filling.
Why might my child need a crown instead of a filling?
A crown may be recommended when a cavity or fracture has weakened too much of the tooth for a filling to provide dependable protection. By covering the visible portion of the tooth, a pediatric crown helps restore its shape and function while protecting the remaining structure.
What is the difference between white and stainless steel pediatric crowns?
White pediatric crowns are designed to resemble natural teeth and may be preferred in visible areas. Stainless steel crowns are highly durable and are frequently used on primary molars. Dr. Kim will explain which option is appropriate based on the affected tooth and the amount of protection it requires.
What should I do if my child chips or breaks a tooth?
Contact Green Level Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics as soon as possible. If a tooth fragment can be located, place it in a clean container and bring it to the appointment. The child can rinse gently with water, and a cold compress may be placed on the outside of the face if swelling is present.
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
Call the dental office immediately. A knocked-out permanent tooth is a time-sensitive emergency. Hold it by the crown rather than the root and avoid scrubbing it. If possible, gently reposition it in the socket or keep it moist in milk while traveling to the office. A knocked-out primary tooth should not be placed back into the socket because doing so could damage the developing permanent tooth.