Pediatric Dental Services in Corona, CA
At the office of R. James Richardson II M.S., D.D.S., Inc., we offer the dental services kids need. Learn more about our pediatric treatments and dentistry in Corona, California, below!
Stainless Steel Crowns for Baby Teeth
Baby teeth may be temporary, but they’re important for your child’s health and development. When a baby tooth has severe decay, a filling might not be enough. In these cases, our pediatric dentist may recommend a stainless steel crown to protect the tooth.
These crowns are:
Strong and durable
Cost-effective
Great at preventing future problems
Less likely to need retreatment
Especially helpful for younger children or those needing general anesthesia
Stainless steel crowns are often the best choice for kids with serious decay or after a baby tooth root canal (pulpotomy).
Protecting Your Childs Smile
To help protect your child’s teeth, we provide fluoride treatments during regular checkups. We also offer dental sealants—a thin, protective coating applied to the back molars. Sealants help block out food and bacteria from deep grooves in the teeth and can last for many years before needing to be replaced.
Pediatric Root Canals (Pulpotomy’s)
A baby tooth root canal is used when a cavity or injury reaches the inside of the tooth (the pulp), causing pain or sensitivity. If not treated, the tooth can become infected and may need to be pulled.
During the procedure, the damaged part of the pulp is removed and the area is cleaned. In some cases, healthy pulp is left in place and protected with special medicine. Afterward, we usually place a stainless steel crown to keep the tooth strong and protected.
Fillings
A filling is used to fix small to medium damages in a tooth like a cavity, chip, or minor crack. Fillings help restore the tooth’s shape and strength so your child can chew comfortably and smile with confidence.
We offer two types of fillings:
Amalgam (metal) – strong and long-lasting
Composite (tooth-colored) – blends in with natural teeth for a more natural look
The procedure is quick and gentle. First, our pediatric dentist removes the decayed or damaged part of the tooth. Then we clean the area and place the filling material. The filling is shaped to fit the tooth and then hardened to stay strong. Fillings help protect the tooth from more serious problems in the future and keep your child’s smile healthy and strong!
Preventative Dentistry
Routine checkups and cleanings help catch problems early and keep your child’s smile healthy. During regular visits, your child will receive a gentle cleaning to remove plaque and help prevent cavities. Dr. Richardson will examine their teeth and gums, check for any issues, and keep you updated on their dental growth. At each visit, we check for signs of oral cancer and take X-rays as needed based on your child’s cavity risk. A healthy smile starts with good prevention!
Emergency Dental Care
If your child has any of the following issues, give us a call to schedule an appointment:
Ongoing toothache
Sharp pain from hot or cold
Knocked – out tooth
Unusual lump or sore
Lost filling or crown
Swelling in the mouth or face
We’re here to help when urgent dental care is needed!
Phase One Orthodontic Treatment
Phase One treatment helps your child’s jaw grow the right way so their permanent teeth have room and their bite fits together properly. By watching jaw and tooth development early, we can often prevent bigger issues later on.
At your child’s first visit, our pediatric dentist will check if early treatment is needed and when to begin. If needed, we’ll recommend gentle treatments to guide healthy jaw and tooth growth—often helping avoid future extractions or more complex procedures.
Sedation Dentistry
Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide)
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a safe and easy way to help kids relax during dental visits. It’s given through a small mask over the nose and works within minutes. Your child stays awake and can respond, but feels calm and unbothered by noises or tools. Once the mask is removed, the effects wear off quickly, and your child will feel like themselves again in no time!
General Anesthesia
For more serious procedures or emergencies, general anesthesia may be used. It allows your child to sleep peacefully through their treatment. This option is usually for major dental surgeries and helps both kids and parents feel more at ease.
Space Maintainers
Baby teeth do more than help your child chew—they guide permanent teeth into the right spots. If a baby tooth is lost too early, nearby teeth can shift, and adult teeth might come in crooked or out of place.
Early tooth loss can happen because of:
Cavities or infection
Injuries or accidents
Certain medical conditions
Missing teeth from birth
If your child loses a baby tooth too soon, our pediatric dentist may recommend a space maintainer to keep the spot open for the adult tooth. These can be fixed or removable, depending on your child’s needs.
Dental Care for Children with Special Needs
At our office, Dr. R. James Richardson and our friendly team are here to provide thoughtful, personalized dental care for children and young adults with special needs. We understand that some kids may need extra time, support, or customized treatments to feel comfortable—and we’re here to help make that happen.
We offer special care for children with:
Autism spectrum disorder
Cerebral palsy
Developmental delays
Down syndrome
Multiple sclerosis
And other physical or emotional challenges
Children with special needs may be more likely to get cavities or other dental problems, which is why it’s important to have a dental team who understands their unique needs. We’ll work closely with you and your child to create a treatment plan that works best for them—sometimes even in a single visit to help make things easier.
Our goal is to make every child feel safe, supported, and comfortable. We take the time to explain each step, answer questions, and adjust our approach as needed.