Restorative Care for Children in Asheville, NC
When your child has a cavity or a damaged tooth, restorative care repairs the tooth and protects it for the years it still has to work. Baby teeth matter for chewing, speech, and holding space for permanent teeth, so treating them is often the best way to prevent bigger problems.
5 Stars“Amazing pediatric dentist!! Dr. Dan is great and patient with the kids. All the staff are amazing and sweet.. my son has ADHD so he can be talkative and hyper and they still are patient and funny with him.. 10/10 recommend”Felica A.
5 Stars“Fantastic! Super charming, professional, efficient. My nervous little hypochondriac went in there terrified, and the calm, cool staff at BR pediatric dentistry set her at ease and pulled two teeth in what felt like seconds. Lovely miniature train set, as well! 10/10 would recommend!!!”Jeffrey S.
5 Stars“My boys are 5 & 7 so we have years of experience with Doctor Dan and his staff. We moved to Black Mountain 4 years ago but it’s worth the drive for our children to have a good dental experience. Always a great atmosphere, everyone goes above and beyond to make sure our children feel safe and comfortable. Doctor Dan not only did our sons dental surgery but also personally reached out to us to check on our son after he had surgery! That meant a lot! Great place, Maggie is just the cherry on top🐾”Jolea E.
Restoring damaged teeth is a part of pediatric dentistry Dr. Dan Knechtel especially enjoys. His experience ranges from a single tooth-colored filling to full-mouth restorations under general anesthesia, completed with an anesthesiologist in the office. He completed his pediatric dentistry residency at Yale New Haven Hospital in 2008 and is certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Before any treatment, he reviews the diagnosis with you and builds the treatment plan together.
When a child comes in with a lot of decay, I want parents to know it is fixable and that we will work through it together. Then we focus on keeping it from happening again.
— Dr. Dan Knechtel
Read about the treatments we use to repair and protect children’s teeth:
Why Cavities in Children Need Attention
A cavity is an area of tooth decay that needs dental attention, even when your child has no pain. Restorative care aims to address the affected tooth and support eating, comfort, and oral health. The appropriate treatment depends on the extent of decay and your child’s dental development.
Baby teeth matter even though they will eventually fall out. They support chewing and speech and help hold space for permanent teeth. A treatment decision considers both the tooth’s condition and its place in your child’s developing smile.
Restorative Options We Offer
We offer tooth-colored resin fillings and pediatric crowns, including white and silver crowns. These are among the options that may be discussed when your child has tooth decay. Not every option is appropriate for every tooth.
We also offer nerve therapy, also called pulp therapy, tooth extractions, and space maintainers. Recommendations depend on your child’s individual needs. Ask which options apply to your child and why one may be recommended over another.
When to Arrange a Dental Visit
Contact a dentist if you notice a visible hole, a new dark area on a tooth, sensitivity, or pain when your child eats. Children may also avoid chewing on one side or become reluctant to brush an uncomfortable area. A dental examination is needed to determine what is causing the change.
Do not wait for pain before addressing a known cavity. Tooth decay can progress without obvious symptoms. Facial swelling, fever with dental pain, or worsening discomfort calls for prompt attention; trouble breathing or swallowing requires immediate emergency medical care.
What to Discuss About the Treatment Plan
When a child has tooth decay, the treatment discussion should give you a clear picture of which teeth are affected and why care is recommended. Ask about the goal of treatment, the available options, and how soon the concern needs attention.
Before making a decision, make sure you understand the expected benefits, possible risks, and alternatives. You can also ask how your child’s stage of dental development affects the recommendation and what could happen if treatment is delayed.
Preparing for Your Child’s Care
Before a visit, note any pain, sensitivity, swelling, or changes in eating and sleeping. Bring information about your child’s health, medicines, and previous dental experiences. Mention any worries your child has so those concerns can be part of the treatment conversation.
Use calm, simple language when talking with your child about dental care. Avoid promising that nothing will feel uncomfortable or describing procedures in detail. Ask the practice what to tell your child and whether there are instructions to follow before the planned visit.
Why Choose Blue Ridge Pediatric Dentistry?
When a child needs dental treatment, parents want a clear plan and a comfortable experience. Here is what families can count on:
- A Full Range of Restorative Care: Fillings, white and silver crowns, pulp therapy, extractions, and space maintainers in one office.
- Plans Made With Parents: Dr. Dan Knechtel reviews the diagnosis with you and builds the treatment plan together.
- Options for Extensive Treatment: Full-mouth restorations under general anesthesia, with an anesthesiologist in the office.
- Prevention After Treatment: Follow-up care focuses on keeping new cavities from forming.
Questions About Children’s Restorative Care
A baby tooth with a cavity needs an evaluation, but the recommendation depends on the decay, symptoms, and expected timing of tooth loss. A tooth that will eventually fall out can still develop pain or infection before then.
We offer tooth-colored fillings, white and silver crowns, pulp therapy, tooth extractions, and space maintainers. Dr. Dan Knechtel explains which option fits each tooth and why.
Sooner is usually better. Enamel on baby teeth is thinner than on permanent teeth, so decay can reach the inner part of the tooth more quickly. Dr. Dan Knechtel will explain how urgent each cavity is when he reviews the treatment plan with you.
Often, yes. When a child needs extensive treatment, Dr. Dan Knechtel can complete a full-mouth restoration under general anesthesia, with an anesthesiologist in our office providing the anesthesia care. Learn more about comfort options.
A tooth still needs evaluation even if the pain stops. Symptoms can change without the underlying problem resolving, so keep the dental appointment and report the earlier pain.
Discuss Your Child’s Restorative Care in Asheville, NC
Contact Blue Ridge Pediatric Dentistry in Asheville, NC, to arrange a visit for restorative care. If your child has a known cavity, tooth discomfort, or a change you have noticed, take the next step toward discussing their dental needs and treatment options.
Medically reviewed by Dan Knechtel, DDS on
