(920) 667-0038 [email protected] 2805 Libal Street Suite B, Green Bay, WI 54301
Book Appointment

Pediatric dental restorations in Wisconsin

— treating cavities in children gently, quickly, and with lasting results

When your child has a cavity, the goal isn’t just to fill it — it’s to treat it in a way that protects their oral health, preserves their bite, and keeps them comfortable in the dental chair for years to come. At Green Bay Smiles Dental, we use child-appropriate techniques and materials to make restorations a positive experience.

Gentle pediatric dental restorations — children warmly welcomed from age 1

Overcoming Common Misconceptions

"They're just baby teeth" — Why Treating Decay Matters

“My child’s baby teeth are going to fall out — do I really need to fill a cavity?”

It’s one of the most common questions we hear — and it makes intuitive sense. But baby teeth serve critical functions beyond chewing: they hold space for the permanent teeth developing below. When a baby tooth is lost too early due to untreated decay, neighboring teeth drift into the gap — crowding the permanent tooth’s eruption path and often requiring orthodontic treatment that could have been avoided.

Space preservation

Baby teeth act as natural space maintainers that permanent adult teeth need to erupt into correct alignments. Early, unmanaged tooth loss causes structural crowding that frequently requires extensive orthodontics.


Pain and infection

Untreated dental decay progresses steadily into the nerve, resulting in severe pain, acute abscesses, and deep infections. This can spread to surrounding permanent teeth and jeopardize a child's overall health.


Chewing and nutrition

Children experiencing chronic tooth pain naturally avoid chewing on that side of their mouth. This compromises efficient food processing and impacts proper nutrition during critical developmental years.


Dental anxiety prevention

A child who experiences a painful dental abscess or an emergency surgical extraction can develop deep dental trauma that follows them into adulthood. Treating cavities early keeps procedures simple and completely pain-free.


Restoration Menu

Our Pediatric Restorative Menu

Tooth-colored composite fillings

For small to moderate cavities in primary and permanent teeth. Matched precisely to your child's natural tooth color — rendering the boundary completely invisible in the smile line. Bonded directly to the enamel structure to maximize conservation.

Stainless steel crowns

For extensively decayed, structurally undermined, or fractured baby molars where a basic composite filling lacks the durability to hold. These pre-fabricated covers are fitted inside a single appointment, permanently protecting the back tooth until it naturally exfoliates.

Tooth-colored crowns (zirconia)

A highly aesthetic, premium alternative to stainless steel crowns for visible front teeth arches. Crafted from solid, bio-inert white zirconia ceramic, these durable pediatric crowns blend seamlessly and provide exceptional fracture resistance.

Pulp therapy (pulpotomy)

When bacterial decay has traveled deep enough to reach the living nerve chamber of a baby tooth. A pulpotomy clears out the infected nerve tissue exclusively from the crown while preserving the healthy root. This avoids extraction and saves the tooth.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF)

An advanced, completely non-invasive liquid therapy that instantly stops active cavity progression without any drilling or numbing injections. Highly ideal for very young children or highly anxious profiles. It turns the treated decay spot permanently dark.

Behavior Management & Comfort

Making Restorations Comfortable for Children

Choosing a pediatric dental home involves balancing technical clinical excellence with genuine child friendliness. We treat behavioral comfort as a priority.

Tell-show-do technique

We explain every clinical step using age-appropriate, positive language before we do it. Demystifying the dental instruments removes surprises and helps children cooperate willingly.


Topical anesthesia first

We always apply a high-strength, sweet-flavored numbing gel to the gum tissue surfaces before administering any local anesthesia. Children often don't even feel the injection step.


Nitrous oxide available

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is safely available to help anxious or highly fidgety children remain calm and relaxed. It takes effect quickly and wears off completely before you leave.


Sedation for complex cases

For extensive multi-tooth decay or children with severe dental phobias, we coordinate gentle oral conscious sedation or hospital dentistry options to complete care safely.


Gentle, experienced pediatric restorations — building trust with your child, one appointment at a time

Child-experienced team

Our dedicated team works with young children and teenagers every single day. We understand how to communicate clearly, use positive reinforcement, and build cooperation rather than fear.

Conservative clinical approach

We customize our restorations strictly to your child's developmental age. Small micro-cavities receive conservative sealants or fillings, protecting as much natural structure as possible.

Transparent communication

We detail our findings, discuss materials, explain behavior options, and review home maintenance tips at every step. Parents are kept fully informed and in autonomous control.

Real Patient Feedback

Google reviews

Trusted by local families

4.9 ★★★★★ Google
Laurie Caebe
Laurie Caebe5 months ago
★★★★★

Finding a provider that could work with my insurance was challenging, but luckily my search…

Tim Ahtonen
Tim Ahtonen3 months ago
★★★★★

At Green Bay Smiles, the dentist and staff provided a friendly and professional experience, putting…

Leda
Leda3 months ago
★★★★★

Thank you so much for the outstanding care and professionalism. I truly appreciate how detailed…

JANETTE DREWS
JANETTE DREWS3 months ago
★★★★★

Dr Messer is excellent.

Jesse Greene
Jesse Greene6 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Messer exemplifies what outstanding dental care should be. The approach is thoughtful, precise, and…

Michael Sule
Michael Sule4 months ago
★★★★★

Courteous, explains thoroughly and timely.

Richard Reimer
Richard Reimer3 months ago
★★★★★

My appointment was on time and the people that worked on me were great and…

Kelly Nelson
Kelly Nelson4 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Messer & her dental care team are very knowledgeable and have taken excellent care…

Mike
Mike2 months ago
★★★★★

Very understanding and informative to my own situation.

Janet Wickman
Janet Wickman6 months ago
★★★★★

Awesome dental office with friendly staff who really care about your concerns. They fit me…

Kathleen Warren
Kathleen Warren6 months ago
★★★★★

Very professional and friendly

Patricia Love
Patricia Love5 months ago
★★★★★

I mistakenly went on the wrong day and Green Bay Smiles graciously worked me in….

Barb Wickham
Barb Wickham3 months ago
★★★★★

They are amazing! All the staff are super efficient and very professional! I would highly…

Patti Van Eyck
Patti Van Eyck4 months ago
★★★★★

The employee was very nice. She listened to what I was saying was wrong.

Steve Seyler
Steve Seyler4 months ago
★★★★★

Always a great place to visit. Staff is always friendly and helpful.

Brittany Schmidt
Brittany Schmidt4 months ago
★★★★★

Very welcoming staff. The hygienist was patient, kind, and explained everything that was occurring. The…

Paula Culligan
Paula Culligan6 months ago
★★★★★

Took me on time. Good results. No pain. This place is great! I always feel…

Paula Colling
Paula Colling1 month ago
★★★★★

Is it possible to say that you look forward to the dentist?? YES. Love Green…

Thijs Dewey
Thijs Dewey3 months ago
★★★★★

Great atmosphere and customer service all the staff was very friendly and helpful

Jan Charles
Jan Charles1 month ago
★★★★★

You were ALL very professional, kind, knowledgeable, etc, etc. I appreciate entrusting my smile to…

Kevin O'Connor
Kevin O'Connor5 months ago
★★★★★

Everything was on time and handled very professionally.

Monica Golomski
Monica Golomski2 months ago
★★★★★

Great team work – all levels. Office, dental associates and of course, Dr. Casey. A…

Jill Baeten
Jill Baeten5 months ago
★★★★★

Love Dr. Messer! She's speedy, fun, kind and does quality work. Will never go anywhere…

Bailey Hintz
Bailey Hintz4 months ago
★★★★★

I used to go to Green Bay Smiles, but after moving, I started seeing a…

LYNN MOORE
LYNN MOORE3 months ago
★★★★★

I’m so happy with Dr Messer in her care and friendliness. She knows what she…

Katherine Smits
Katherine Smits4 months ago
★★★★★

I arrived for my appointment in a state of very high anxiety. I was given…

Joann Wanek
Joann Wanek3 months ago
★★★★★

Very thorough, and friendly, but they listened to what I wanted after I explained what…

Edwin Miller
Edwin Miller6 months ago
★★★★★

Great place to get your teeth fixed/cleaned.

Randy Van Goethem
Randy Van Goethem4 months ago
★★★★★

Jena is awesome. Best of luck with your new born!

John Mandl
John Mandl4 months ago
★★★★★

Excellent service, everyone was friendly and the dentist knew her profession. I’am happy to be…

Brian D
Brian D5 months ago
★★★★★

Green Bay Smiles is a great place for dental work. Dr Messer is a credit…

Steve Perry
Steve Perry5 months ago
★★★★★

Great getting me in waiting list All is good. Great staff Friendly 👍🏻

Linda Havlicek
Linda Havlicek5 months ago
★★★★★

My questions were answered in a patient and caring manner.

Pam Supa
Pam Supa4 months ago
★★★★★

Everyone in the office was very nice and made me feel at ease. It is…

susan casper
susan casper6 months ago
★★★★

An hour after I got home I developed a toothache which still persists tonight. Did…

Alan Holewinski
Alan Holewinski6 months ago
★★★★★

Relaxing and friendly atmosphere. Don’t mind stopping there at all!

Mary Reiter
Mary Reiter4 months ago
★★★★★

Very friendly people. They make it easy and explain everything very clearly. Will be back.

Evan Miller
Evan Miller4 months ago
★★★★★

Efficient and friendly service

Roxanne Cole
Roxanne Cole5 months ago
★★★★★

This was a great office visit. I got more information in the first 15 minutes…

Brandon Schwarz
Brandon Schwarz5 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Messer and staff are always friendly, professional and knowledgeable at Green Bay Smiles. They…

Holly Wegner
Holly Wegner3 months ago
★★★★★

Had a wonderful first time there. Felt very welcomed and my concerns were addressed very…

Carolyn Maritato
Carolyn Maritato2 months ago
★★★★★

The GBS clinic was prompt in confirming appointments and the staff was extremely courteous ….

Maureen Steiner
Maureen Steiner5 months ago
★★★★★

Always a great experience! Fantastic teeth cleaning – very thorough, detailed, and considerate! Highly recommended.

Nic Wessely
Nic Wessely1 month ago
★★★★★

The staff at Green Bay Smiles was incredibly professional, friendly, and gentle in their approach,…

Michael Messer
Michael Messer4 months ago
★★★★★

I had a great experience. Everyone is so friendly and Casey did great with all…

Peter Anderson
Peter Anderson3 months ago
★★★★★

It was very pleasant and they got me in 5 minutes ahead of my scheduled…

Jessica Hamer
Jessica Hamer4 months ago
★★★★★

I needed a lot of dental work and chose Green Bay Smiles as they had…

Laura Alar
Laura Alar1 month ago
★★★★★

Green Bay Smiles is timely, thorough and always has a relaxing environment.

Steve Endter
Steve Endter6 months ago
★★★★★

The assistant was very nice, 5 star!

David Tellock
David Tellock4 months ago
★★★★★

I was in for a 6 month routine checkup and cleaning. As always, Dr Messer…

Sue L
Sue L6 months ago
★★★★★

I took my 95 year old mom to the dentist. First visit in 7 years….

Samantha Tamayo
Samantha Tamayo5 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Casey and her team are truly the best!

Meredith Obry
Meredith Obry1 month ago
★★★★★

The staff at Green Bay Smiles demonstrated exceptional professionalism, providing a consistently polite and courteous…

S Bjar
S Bjar6 months ago
★★★★★

Great dentist great staff great hygenist! Friendly personable helpful!

Kathleen E
Kathleen E4 months ago
★★★★★

My Dental Hygenist was so friendly, professional, knowledgeable, positive, and caring. She shared information relating…

Karen Geiger
Karen Geiger4 months ago
★★★★★

Great dental office. Staff is professional, kind and efficient.

Wayne Richardson
Wayne Richardson5 months ago
★★★★★

I always have a good experience with the people there . They are professional and…

Rebeca Mejia
Rebeca Mejia5 months ago
★★★★★

(Translated by Google) An excellent place, everyone is friendly and very attentive. I especially felt…

Rita Schroeder
Rita Schroeder5 months ago
★★★★★

Professional, friendly and very detailed from when you enter the office till you leave. Dr…

Melony Killian
Melony Killian4 months ago
★★★★★

Excellent service and friendly staff

kevin petasek
kevin petasek2 months ago
★★★★★

Dental staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful!

Payton Weires
Payton Weires3 months ago
★★★★★

Great experience awesome people. Have been coming here for almost 10 years now and I…

Brenda Beyer
Brenda Beyer6 months ago
★★★★★

Emily was very good at her job

Tim Sass
Tim Sass2 months ago
★★★★★

The friendly staff at Green Bay Smiles were a delight to work with, providing a…

Mariss Cook
Mariss Cook4 months ago
★★★★★

All staff at Green Bay Smiles in Green Bay were very friendly & personable. I…

Robert Kadrlik
Robert Kadrlik6 months ago
★★★★★

Outstanding job, very happy with his work.

Geneva Macco
Geneva Macco4 months ago
★★★★★

Had a very friendly visit every time I go in to have any dental work…

Norma Olivier
Norma Olivier3 months ago
★★★★★

I trust Dr. Messer. Dr. Messer, and the Green Bay Smiles staff are totally awesome!…

Bonnie Plouff
Bonnie Plouff4 months ago
★★★★★

My first experience with Green Bay Smiles. I felt very comfortable with Dr. Messer, the…

Pat Vanden Bergh
Pat Vanden Bergh4 months ago
★★★★★

Very efficient and courteous

Cathy Hedrick
Cathy Hedrick2 months ago
★★★★★

The team at Green Bay Smiles went above and beyond with their friendly, helpful, and…

Emily Boneff
Emily Boneff5 months ago
★★★★★

Always a pleasure with great staff and dentist!

Bonnie VanDeHey
Bonnie VanDeHey3 months ago
★★★★★

Love this dental office! I've been going for a few years now and the staff…

Craig Satori
Craig Satori3 months ago
★★★★★

On time, down to business, good care and conversation with my hygienist!

Sarah Miller
Sarah Miller3 months ago
★★★★★

The dentist and staff at Green Bay Smiles were professional, friendly, and gentle, making me…

Jack Vial
Jack Vial5 months ago
★★★★

Counter staff are friendly and informative. Hygienist was gentle, informative and had a great bedside…

julio
julio5 months ago
★★★★★

Very happy, everyone very nice and helpful, answered all my questions, and explained procedures and…

Rob Themeister
Rob Themeister5 months ago
★★★★★

I've recently had major restorative dental work completed at GB Smiles, and can't speak highly…

Lisa Dillhunt
Lisa Dillhunt5 months ago
★★★★★

Really kind people who do their best to make each experience a good one.

Jeff Hall
Jeff Hall6 months ago
★★★★★

Dental care made easy. I actually enjoy going!

Frequently Asked Pediatric Restorative Questions
No — pulp capping is only appropriate when the tooth nerve is confirmed healthy and vital. If symptoms indicate irreversible pulpitis, or if a root end shadow shows on X-rays, a root canal is the necessary standard of care. Attempting to pulp cap an already infected or dying nerve leads to failure and unnecessary pain.
 
Most standard filling and crown procedures require local anesthesia to secure absolute comfort. We always apply a sweet topical numbing gel beforehand so the numbing injection is barely felt. For minor surface stains or very young children, non-invasive Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) can treat the cavity with zero anesthesia required.
 
A stainless steel crown is a pre-formed metal cap placed over a primary molar that has suffered extensive decay or structure loss. When too much enamel is missing, a standard composite filling lacks the structural support to hold up under chewing forces and can fail repeatedly. The metal crown provides full-coverage durability until the baby tooth falls out naturally.
 
We advocate for twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily as soon as teeth touch, and limiting highly sugary drinks and sticky snacks. Consistent 6-month exams and professional cleanings allow us to catch decay early when it is smallest, while proactive treatments like dental sealants block bacteria from back molars entirely.

Related services

Scaling & root planing

Deep cleaning — often the first treatment step before laser therapy is considered.

Osseous surgery

Traditional surgical option for very advanced cases where laser therapy is insufficient.

Periodontal maintenance

3–4 month maintenance required after laser treatment to sustain outcomes.

Open for Appointments

Schedule your visit with our friendly dental team today.