Pediatric Restorative Dentistry in Falmouth, ME
Fillings, crowns, extractions, and restorative care for growing smiles
At Falmouth Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. John M. Willis, DDS, provides restorative dental care for children who need fillings, crowns, extractions, emergency treatment, or more extensive full-mouth care.
What pediatric restorative dentistry includes
Reviewed by Dr. John M. Willis, DDS, board-certified pediatric dentist. Last reviewed September 2026.
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or protecting teeth after decay or damage. Depending on what your child needs, treatment may include:
- Fillings: Repair cavities while preserving healthy tooth structure
- Pediatric dental crowns: Cover and protect teeth that need more support than a filling can provide
- Extractions: Remove a tooth when it can’t be predictably restored
- Full-mouth restoration: Coordinate multiple restorative procedures for children with more extensive dental needs
- Emergency dental care: Address sudden pain, dental injuries, or other urgent concerns
Dr. Willis will explain what he sees, what treatment he recommends, and why before moving forward.
Does my child need a filling or a crown?
The answer depends on how much of the tooth is affected. A filling is commonly used when a cavity or damaged area can be repaired while leaving enough healthy tooth structure intact.
A pediatric crown may be recommended when a tooth is more extensively decayed or damaged and needs additional coverage and protection. Dr. Willis bases the recommendation on:
- How much tooth structure is affected
- Which tooth needs treatment
- Your child’s age
- How long the tooth is expected to remain
- The condition of the surrounding tooth structure
- Your child’s individual treatment needs
The goal is to use the treatment that appropriately restores the tooth without doing more than necessary.
What is pediatric full-mouth restoration?
Some children need more than one filling or crown. A pediatric full-mouth restoration is a coordinated treatment plan for children with multiple teeth that need restorative care.
That plan may include a combination of:
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Extractions
- Other restorative treatment based on your child’s needs
Dr. Willis will review the full plan with you before treatment is scheduled so you understand what needs to be done, why it’s recommended, and what to expect.
Restorative care from a dentist who gets to know your child
For established patients, restorative treatment is part of the same ongoing care Dr. Willis provides at routine visits. That continuity can help because he may already know:
- How your child’s teeth have developed
- Their previous cavity history
- How they usually respond during dental visits
- What has helped them feel more comfortable in the past
New families are welcome, too.
Falmouth Pediatric Dentistry accepts new patients through age 10. If your child needs restorative treatment, Dr. Willis can evaluate the problem, explain the options, and build a treatment plan from there.
New to the practice? Learn what to expect at your child’s first visit.
Support for anxious children during restorative treatment
Fillings, crowns, and extractions can feel intimidating for some children. Dr. Willis and the team adjust the visit based on your child’s age, comfort level, and treatment needs. For children who need additional support, sedation may be discussed when appropriate.
Learn more about sedation and comfort-focused care.
What happens if my child needs an extraction?
An extraction may be recommended when a tooth can’t be predictably restored or when removing it is the better option for your child’s oral health.
Before scheduling an extraction, Dr. Willis will explain:
- Why the tooth can’t be saved
- What the procedure involves
- How we’ll help keep your child comfortable
- What to expect after the extraction
- Whether any follow-up care is needed
If removing a baby tooth early may affect space for a future permanent tooth, Dr. Willis can also evaluate whether additional monitoring or a space maintainer is appropriate.
What if my child has a dental emergency?
Sudden dental pain, a broken tooth, or another urgent concern may need prompt evaluation.
Call our Falmouth office if your child:
- Has significant tooth pain
- Breaks or chips a tooth
- Has swelling around a tooth or gum
- Injures a tooth during sports or play
- Has another dental concern that can’t wait for a routine visit
Our team can help determine the appropriate next step.
What to expect if your child needs restorative treatment
If Dr. Willis finds a cavity or another problem during an exam, he’ll walk you through the next step.
You can expect him to explain:
- What he found
- Which tooth is affected
- What treatment he recommends
- Whether there are reasonable alternatives
- How the procedure works
- How to prepare your child
- What to expect afterward
For more extensive treatment, we’ll review the full plan with you before scheduling.
Insurance and payment for restorative dentistry
We are in-network with Delta Dental and work with all other dental insurance carriers, including MaineCare. We also accept cash, checks, most credit caCoverage for fillings, crowns, extractions, and other restorative treatment varies by insurance plan.
Falmouth Pediatric Dentistry:
rds, and CareCredit.
- Is in-network with Delta Dental
- Accepts MaineCare
- Works with other major dental insurance carriers
Our team can help verify available benefits and submit claims on your behalf.
Parents are sharing
the good news
200+ 5-Star Reviews
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“Dr. Willis and his team were great with my son during his first awake filling. He was caring and gentle, and explained everything to both of us.”
– Erica A.
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“They’re wonderful with my kids. Fillings were done with ease, and the team made them feel comfortable.”
– Sheena M.
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“My daughter is autistic, and the team was incredibly patient while working through a filling without anesthesia. We drive from Lewiston, and it’s absolutely worth it.”
– Laura B.
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“My son had teeth extracted, and it was an overall stress-free experience. They supported him through his nerves and were great.”
– Meggan M.
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“After several referrals and an abscess, we finally found Falmouth Pediatric Dentistry. They took my 4-year-old in for an emergency and did an amazing job.”
– Morgan G.
Questions parents ask about pediatric restorative dentistry
What restorative treatments does Falmouth Pediatric Dentistry provide?
We provide fillings, pediatric dental crowns, extractions, emergency dental care, and full-mouth restorative treatment for children with more extensive dental needs.
What’s the difference between a filling and a crown?
A filling repairs a smaller area of decay or damage. A crown covers more of the tooth and may be recommended when there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure for a filling alone to provide adequate protection. Dr. Willis will explain which option fits your child’s tooth and why.
What is a pediatric full-mouth restoration?
It’s a treatment plan that combines multiple restorative procedures for a child who has several teeth that need care. The plan may include fillings, crowns, extractions, or other treatment depending on your child’s needs.
What happens if my child’s tooth can’t be saved?
Dr. Willis may recommend an extraction if the tooth can’t be predictably restored. He’ll explain why removal is recommended, what the procedure involves, and whether your child will need follow-up care afterward.
Can an anxious child still get fillings or crowns?
Yes. Many children can complete restorative treatment with a comfort-focused approach. If your child needs additional support, Dr. Willis may discuss sedation or other appropriate options with you.
Does Falmouth Pediatric Dentistry treat dental emergencies?
Yes. We evaluate urgent concerns such as dental pain, injured teeth, and other problems that may need prompt attention. Call the office at (207) 781-2272 so our team can help determine the next step.
Do I need to already be a patient to get restorative dental care?
No. New families can schedule an initial visit for evaluation. Falmouth Pediatric Dentistry accepts new patients through age 10.
Does insurance cover pediatric fillings and crowns?
Coverage depends on your specific dental plan and the treatment your child needs. We’re in-network with Delta Dental, accept MaineCare, and work with other major carriers. Our team can help you understand your available benefits before treatment.
Small fix or bigger treatment, we’ll help you know what comes next
Cavities, broken teeth, and dental pain can feel urgent, especially when it’s your child. Dr. Willis will take a careful look, explain what’s going on in plain language, and help you understand the treatment options before anything is scheduled.
Right here
in Falmouth
Our office is conveniently located in Falmouth, making it easy for local families to visit for pediatric dental and orthodontic care.
VISIT US
6 Fundy Rd. Ste. #200
Falmouth, ME 04105
Monday-Wednesday: 7:30am-4:00pm
Thursday: 7:30am-3:00pm
