Gentle Care for Growing Smiles
Modern pediatric dentistry has come a long way from the drill-and-fill approach most parents grew up with. At Kind Kids Dental, Dr. Kasey Hall, DMD, takes a conservative, evidence-based approach to treating cavities and decay — which means reaching for the least invasive option that will genuinely protect your child’s oral health. In many cases, we can slow or stop decay without drilling, numbing, or causing the anxiety that traditional procedures sometimes bring. For families in Clackamas and Happy Valley, this approach means fewer stressful appointments and a better experience for your child from the very start. You can explore our complete range of pediatric services or visit the new patients page to schedule your first visit.
Dr. Kasey completed a two-year pediatric dental residency at St. Joseph Hospital for Specialty Care in Providence, Rhode Island, gaining hands-on experience with the full spectrum of pediatric treatment options. The tools listed below are not experimental — they are well-established techniques used by pediatric dentists who prioritize minimizing trauma and maximizing preservation of healthy tooth structure. Not every option is right for every child or every cavity; Dr. Kasey will discuss the most appropriate approach for your child’s specific situation at their appointment.
We are committed to creating a calming, predictable, and supportive environment tailored to your child’s unique requirements. If you have questions about any of these treatment options before your appointment, please reach out — we are happy to explain what each involves and whether it may be appropriate for your child.
Why Non-Invasive Dentistry Matters for Kids
Baby teeth are not permanent, but they matter enormously. They hold space for incoming adult teeth, support speech development, and allow your child to chew properly. Losing them too early — or subjecting a young child to extensive drilling — can have real developmental consequences. Non-invasive treatments like Silver Diamine Fluoride and the Hall Technique allow us to address decay while preserving tooth structure and minimizing procedural anxiety. This is especially important for young children, anxious patients, and children with special healthcare needs who may find traditional restorative procedures difficult to tolerate. The goal is always to do what is best for your child’s long-term oral health, not simply what is easiest to perform.
Kind Kids Dental serves families in Clackamas, Happy Valley, and the surrounding area. Dr. Kasey will discuss the best approach for your child at their first visit.
Schedule an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions About Non-Invasive Dental Treatments
What is Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) and does it hurt?
Silver Diamine Fluoride is a liquid applied directly to a cavity that stops decay from progressing — no drilling, no anesthesia, no discomfort. It works by killing the bacteria causing the cavity and hardening the softened tooth structure. The main trade-off is that it stains the treated area black, which is why it is typically used on baby teeth or in situations where appearance is a secondary concern. For many young or anxious children, it is an excellent first-line option.
What is the Hall Technique?
The Hall Technique is a way of placing a stainless steel crown over a decayed baby molar without drilling or anesthesia. A prefabricated crown is cemented over the tooth, sealing the decay inside and stopping its progression. It sounds counterintuitive, but extensive research has shown it to be highly effective and far better tolerated by young children than conventional crown preparation. Dr. Kasey will discuss whether your child’s cavity is a good candidate for this approach.
What is Curodont Repair?
Curodont Repair is a biomimetic material applied to early-stage cavities — particularly smooth surface lesions — that promotes natural remineralization of enamel. Unlike SDF, it does not stain teeth, making it a good option when appearance matters. It works best on lesions caught early, which is one reason regular check-ups at Kind Kids Dental are so valuable.
Are these treatments covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. SDF is increasingly covered by most PPO dental plans, particularly for children. The Hall Technique (stainless steel crown) is typically covered as it is a recognized restorative procedure. Other treatments like Curodont Repair or Nano-Hydroxyapatite varnish may not be covered, depending on your specific plan. Our team will review your benefits before any treatment and help you understand your out-of-pocket costs.
Will my child still need fillings?
Sometimes, yes. Non-invasive options are most effective for early or moderate decay. Larger cavities or teeth that have progressed beyond what conservative treatment can address may still need a conventional restoration. The goal at Kind Kids Dental is always to recommend the least invasive option that will genuinely protect your child’s tooth — we will never recommend more treatment than is necessary. See also our dental sealants page for information on prevention.
What are at-home protocols and what do they involve?
Depending on your child’s cavity risk level, Dr. Kasey may recommend specific at-home protocols to support treatment in the office. These can include fluoride rinses, prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste, xylitol products, or specific brushing techniques. We provide clear, written instructions so parents know exactly what to do and why. These protocols are tailored to your child’s age, diet, and oral health status.
Book an appointment
Let’s keep those tiny teeth shining! Schedule your child’s visit with our team by clicking the link below or calling our office at 503-658-3384. We look forward to seeing you!
