He did not say they were infected, just that he could not save the teeth. Kim Loos, DDS Dr. Kimberly A. Loos practices general dentistry in San Jose, California. She is also a clinical instructor at University of Pacific School of Dentistry and an editor for Dentistry On-Line. If very little tooth structure remains, or if decay exists well below the gumline, these teeth may not be restorable. Any restorations a dentist may place will also be partially dependent upon the cooperation of the child.
Composite resins are generally the most technique-sensitive restorations.
Occasionally, a restorative material called glass ionomer can be used. These are also tooth- colored, but may not be as durable as the composite resin. Stainless steel crowns may be another option to restore the front teeth. The esthetics of stainless steel crowns can be improved by using crowns that have tooth-colored facings. This will help with cosmetics, chewing, and possibly phonetics as your son's speech develops.