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At Dr. Leslie Jacobs Pediatric Dentistry, we know that healthy teeth play a big role in your child's overall well-being. When a child has a damaged, decayed, or missing tooth, it can affect how they eat, speak, and feel about their smile. That is why we offer complete restorative dentistry in Lafayette, LA, built specifically for children and adolescents.
Our team is trained in pediatric dental care, which means every treatment is approached with your child's comfort, safety, and long-term oral health in mind. Whether your child needs a simple tooth repair or a more involved restoration, we are here to make the experience as easy and positive as possible for both you and your child.
Restorative dentistry is the area of dental care focused on repairing and replacing teeth that have been damaged, decayed, or lost. The goal is to bring the tooth back to its normal shape, strength, and function so your child can eat, speak, and smile without discomfort or difficulty.
In a pediatric setting, restorative dentistry also focuses on protecting baby teeth long enough for permanent teeth to come in properly. Even though baby teeth are temporary, they play an important role in your child's development. Losing them too early or leaving them untreated can affect spacing, jaw development, and the health of incoming permanent teeth.
Restorative dentistry is for children and teens who have dental problems that are affecting their oral health or daily life. Your child may benefit from restorative dental care if they:
If you have noticed any of these signs in your child, scheduling a consultation at our Lafayette office is a great first step.
Our pediatric dental team treats a wide range of common childhood dental problems. Here are some of the issues we address with restorative care.
Children can lose teeth early due to decay, injury, or other dental issues. While some early tooth loss is a natural part of growing up, losing a baby tooth too soon can cause the surrounding teeth to shift and create problems for the permanent tooth trying to come in underneath. We can use space maintainers and other restorative solutions to keep everything on track until the adult tooth is ready.
Active kids are prone to dental injuries. A fall, a sports collision, or biting down on something hard can crack or break a tooth. Depending on the severity, we may use a dental crown, bonding, or an inlay or onlay to restore the tooth and protect it from further damage or infection.
Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood health issues. When a cavity goes untreated, it can spread deeper into the tooth and cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss. We treat severe decay with crowns, pulp therapy, or other restorations, depending on how far the decay has progressed and whether the affected tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent one.
Some children grind their teeth at night, which can wear down the enamel and weaken the tooth over time. Others may have teeth damaged by acid from frequent sugary drinks or acid reflux. Restorative treatments can rebuild the structure of worn teeth and protect them from getting worse.
If your child's teeth do not come together properly, it can affect how they chew, speak, and even how their jaw develops. Restorative dentistry can help correct bite issues by repairing or rebuilding teeth that are disrupting normal function.
We offer a full range of pediatric restorative dentistry services at our Lafayette office. Every treatment plan is customized to meet the needs of your child at their specific stage of dental development.
Dental implants are typically reserved for older adolescents whose jawbones have finished developing. A small titanium post is placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root, and a natural-looking crown is attached on top. Implants are the most permanent solution for tooth replacement and look and feel just like natural teeth.
For older teen patients or young adults who have experienced significant tooth loss, All-on-4 is a full arch restoration supported by four dental implants. It provides a fixed, permanent set of replacement teeth and is a strong alternative to traditional dentures for appropriate candidates.
Dental crowns are one of the most commonly used restorative treatments in pediatric dentistry. A crown covers the entire visible part of a damaged or decayed tooth, protecting it and restoring its function. We use tooth-colored crowns for front teeth and durable stainless steel or white crowns for back teeth, depending on what works best for your child.
A dental bridge can replace a missing tooth by anchoring an artificial tooth between two healthy teeth on either side of the gap. This helps restore chewing function and prevents surrounding teeth from shifting while your child waits for a permanent solution.
While dentures are not common in young children, they may be recommended for adolescents or teens who have experienced significant tooth loss due to trauma, disease, or a developmental condition. Partial dentures can fill gaps while preserving remaining natural teeth.
Inlays and onlays are used when a tooth has more damage than a filling can address, but does not require a full crown. An inlay repairs the inner surface of the tooth, while an onlay covers a larger area. Both are made from tooth-colored materials and blend naturally with your child's smile.
With CEREC technology, we can design, create, and place a custom dental crown or restoration in a single visit. This is especially convenient for busy families because it eliminates the need for multiple appointments and temporary crowns. Your child leaves with a finished, permanent restoration the same day.
Full mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive treatment plan for children or teens who have multiple dental problems that need to be addressed at the same time. It may combine crowns, pulp therapy, extractions, space maintainers, and other treatments to fully restore the health and function of your child's mouth. This is typically recommended for patients with widespread decay or significant dental damage.
Every child's dental needs are different. During your child's consultation, we will evaluate their oral health and recommend the most appropriate treatment options. Here is a general overview of who benefits most from each type of treatment.
Dental implants are only appropriate for older teens whose jawbones have fully developed, typically around age 17 to 18 or older. The patient should be in good general health and free from untreated gum disease. We will take X-rays and evaluate bone density to determine if your teen is a good candidate.
Crowns are recommended for children with teeth that are cracked, severely decayed, or have undergone pulp therapy. They work on both baby teeth and permanent teeth. Bridges may be considered for older children or teens who are missing a tooth and are not yet candidates for an implant.
Dentures are rarely needed in childhood but may be appropriate for teens who have lost multiple teeth due to a medical condition, trauma, or severe decay. Partial dentures can be a practical option while waiting for more permanent restorative solutions.
Full mouth reconstruction may be the right approach if your child has multiple areas of decay, several broken or damaged teeth, or a combination of issues that cannot be addressed with a single treatment. We will put together a detailed, step-by-step plan that prioritizes your child's health and minimizes the number of visits needed.
We make the restorative process as smooth and stress-free as possible for children and parents alike. Here is what to expect from start to finish.
Your child's first visit starts with a full exam. We review their dental and medical history, examine their teeth and gums, and take any X-rays or scans that are needed. We also take time to talk with both you and your child about any concerns, symptoms, or dental anxiety they may have. Creating a comfortable environment from the very first visit is something we take seriously.
Using our digital imaging tools, we get a detailed look at the condition of your child's teeth and jaw development. This information allows us to build an accurate treatment plan that accounts for both current problems and what is best for your child's long-term oral health.
After the exam, we sit down with you to explain exactly what we found and what we recommend. We use clear, simple language and never rush through this conversation. You will understand what treatment is needed, why it is needed, and what the process will look like before anything is scheduled. We welcome all your questions.
Once your treatment plan is in place, we will complete the procedures according to the agreed schedule. We use child-friendly techniques and age-appropriate communication throughout each visit to keep your child calm and comfortable. After each procedure, we will give you clear aftercare instructions and schedule any follow-up visits needed to monitor healing and progress.
Proper aftercare helps your child heal comfortably and protects their restoration for the long term. Here is what you need to know after leaving our office.
If your child received local anesthesia during their procedure, their mouth may remain numb for up to three hours after the appointment. During this time, watch your child closely. Children sometimes bite, suck, or rub their lips, cheeks, or tongue without realizing it because they cannot feel the sensation properly, which can cause accidental soft tissue injuries.
Keep a close eye on your child until the numbness has fully worn off and remind them gently not to chew or touch the numb area.
Some mild soreness after a dental restoration is completely normal. To help keep your child comfortable, you can give them Children's Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin, every six hours as needed. Always follow the dosage instructions based on your child's age and weight. If discomfort seems severe or does not improve after a couple of days, contact our office, and we will be happy to help.
Good oral hygiene should continue as normal, starting the same evening of the procedure. Brush and floss your child's teeth gently before bed. Keeping the area clean helps the restoration settle properly and protects the surrounding teeth from decay. If your child experiences sensitivity near the restored tooth, use a soft-bristle toothbrush and be gentle around that area.
To protect your child's restoration, encourage them to avoid the following:
These can crack or chip the restoration and may also fracture the natural tooth structure around it. Fractured areas of teeth are more prone to developing decay, so a little extra caution goes a long way.
If your child had a restoration placed on a front tooth, keep in mind that these restorations are designed for cosmetics and protection, not for heavy biting or breaking food. Encourage your child to avoid biting directly into hard foods with their front teeth, such as apples, crusty bread, or raw carrots.
Restored teeth are never quite as strong as they were before treatment. Taking extra care with front teeth will help the restoration last as long as possible. If you notice any chipping, staining, or changes to the restoration, give our office a call so we can take a look early.
The lifespan of a restoration depends on the type of treatment and how well the teeth are cared for at home. Crowns on baby teeth are designed to last until the tooth naturally falls out. Crowns on permanent teeth typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. Dental implants placed in older teens can last a lifetime with proper care. Regular checkups and good brushing and flossing habits will help any restoration last as long as possible.
For older teens who are good candidates, dental implants are generally the better long-term option because they replace the tooth root and preserve the jawbone. However, implants are only appropriate once jaw growth is complete. For younger patients, a bridge or space maintainer may be a better fit in the meantime. We will help you determine the right option based on your child's age and needs.
Most restorative procedures are performed with local anesthesia, so your child will not feel pain during treatment. Some mild soreness or sensitivity afterward is normal and typically goes away within a few days. We also offer sedation options for children who experience dental anxiety, so the overall experience can be as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Costs vary depending on the treatment needed. A single dental crown may range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, while more involved treatments cost more. We provide full cost transparency before beginning any treatment and offer financing options to help manage expenses. Insurance coverage can also significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Many dental insurance plans cover restorative procedures that are considered medically necessary, such as crowns, fillings, and pulp therapy. The amount covered depends on your specific plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your visit, and our team is happy to assist with benefit verification and claims.
The best way to find out is to bring your child in for a consultation. Our team will examine their teeth, review their dental history, and recommend the treatment that makes the most sense for their age, oral health, and specific situation. We explain everything clearly and never recommend more treatment than your child actually needs.
Dr. Leslie Jacobs specializes in pediatric dentistry and has extensive experience for children. Our entire team is trained to work with kids and make them feel safe and comfortable.
We understand that every child is different. We take time to understand your child's specific needs and fears. Our goal is to provide high-quality dental care while creating positive experiences.
Your child's safety and comfort are our top priorities. We follow strict safety protocols and monitor children closely throughout their visit.
Don't let worry keep your child from getting the care they need. We're here to help make every visit comfortable and stress-free.
113 Rue Fontaine, Lafayette, LA 70508, United States
113 Rue Fontaine, Lafayette, LA 70508, United States
