Restoring Healthy Smiles with Gentle, Expert Care
A filling repairs a cavity by removing the decayed part of the tooth and restoring it with tooth-colored composite material that blends right in. For most kids it is a single, short visit: the tooth is numbed, the cavity is cleaned out, and the filling is shaped and polished – protecting a baby tooth until it falls out naturally, or a permanent tooth for years to come. Available at all four Kennedy Dental Care offices in Corpus Christi.
An exam – and a digital X-ray when needed – shows exactly how big the cavity is.
The area is numbed so your child feels pressure, not pain; nitrous oxide is available for nervous kids.
The decayed part of the tooth is gently removed.
Tooth-colored composite goes in and hardens under a small curing light.
The bite is checked and the filling polished smooth – most kids are back to normal the same day. One visit, usually quick, and the filling is virtually invisible.
The baby-teeth question and the guilt question – answered honestly.
Yes – and here is why it matters even though the tooth will eventually fall out. Baby teeth hold the space that guides adult teeth into position, and they impact years of chewing and speaking before they go.
A cavity does not stop on its own: left untreated, decay grows deeper, starts to hurt, can become infected, and can spread to neighboring teeth – turning a small filling today into a bigger treatment like a crown or an extraction later. Filled early, the problem ends there. That is the whole case, and it is a strong one.
First: this is common, and it does not mean you are failing. Kids get cavities for a stack of reasons – deep grooves in back teeth that trap food, snacking and sipping habits (juice and crackers are sneakier than candy), brushing skills that are still developing, and enamel that simply varies from child to child.
What actually helps: six-month cleanings, dental sealants that shield those deep grooves, fluoride treatments that strengthen enamel, flossing once teeth touch, and water between meals. Bring the question to your child's next visit – we will look at what is driving it for your child and build a plan to help.
Composite fillings match your child's tooth color, bond directly to the tooth for added strength, preserve more healthy tooth structure, and are mercury-free. If your teen or a family member has an old silver filling that needs replacing, we handle that too.
Book an AppointmentCavities are one of the most common childhood dental issues – and one of the most fixable. Since 1969, families across Corpus Christi, Portland, TX, Annaville, Flour Bluff, and Robstown have brought their kids to Kennedy Dental Care for gentle, tooth-colored fillings that stop decay early and keep growing smiles on track. Whether it is your child's first cavity or a filling that needs replacing, we make the visit calm and the tooth strong.
55+
Years serving the Coastal Bend
04
Convenient locations
4.9★
Average patient rating
The numbness lasts a little while – watch that your child does not chew or bite their cheek, lip, or tongue until it fades, and hold off on very hot or sticky foods for a few hours. After that, resume normal life: brush twice daily, floss, skip the ice-chewing, and keep six-month checkups so we can watch the filling. Fillings in baby teeth are built to last until the tooth falls out on its own; fillings in permanent teeth typically last 7–10 years with good care.
Not every cavity hurts – many are silent until they are big. Watch for sensitivity to cold or sweets, a dark spot or visible hole, pain when biting, or food that always catches in the same tooth – and keep those six-month checkups, where we catch cavities while they are still small. Caught early, it is a quick filling; caught late, it may need a crown. Early always wins.
Book an Appointment
Fillings are core restorative care, and most insurance plans cover them. We accept most insurance plans, as well as Medicaid and CHIP, and with our membership plan, families receive 25% off procedures like fillings. We also review the estimate with you before treatment and offer CareCredit and Cherry financing to patients who need alternative payment options.
Book an AppointmentDentists who fill little cavities in little patients all day long.
Gentle numbing, nitrous oxide when it helps, and parents are always welcome throughout.
Saratoga, Alameda, Staples, and Calallen – with the same gentle standard.
A 4.9-star average across 3250+ Google reviews, serving Coastal Bend families since 1969.
Pediatric Dentistry Team
III, M.S., D.D.S.
Dr. Paul Kennedy, known to his patients as “Dr. Paul,” is a lifelong resident of Corpus Christi with a deep passion for improving children's oral health.
He attended Windsor Park Elementary, Baker Middle School, and graduated from Mary Carroll High School. He then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Baylor University and a Master of Science from Texas A&M – Corpus Christi. Dr. Paul completed his dental degree at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco and received his certificate in pediatric dentistry from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
Dr. Paul is actively involved in professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the Texas Dental Association (TDA).
Outside of the office, he enjoys fishing, boating, and spending time outdoors with his wife, Merritt, and their two children.
Kennedy Dental Care holds a 4.9-star average rating across 3,250+ Google reviews – a reflection of the care our team brings to every visit.
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
It is common and rarely one thing: deep grooves in back teeth, snacking and sipping habits, developing brushing skills, and natural enamel differences all play a part. Sealants, fluoride treatments, six-month cleanings, and small habit tweaks make the biggest difference – ask us to build a prevention plan for your child.
Yes – baby teeth guide adult teeth into place and do years of work before they go. Untreated decay grows, hurts, and can spread; a small filling now prevents a bigger treatment later.
The decay keeps growing – deeper into the tooth, often becoming painful or infected, and sometimes spreading to neighboring teeth – until a bigger treatment like a crown or an extraction is needed. Early treatment keeps it simple.
The tooth is numbed, the decay is gently removed, tooth-colored composite fills the space and is hardened with a curing light, and the filling is shaped and polished – usually all in one short visit.
The tooth is numbed first, so your child feels pressure, not pain – and nitrous oxide is available for nervous kids. Afterward, just watch the cheek-biting until the numbness fades.
Most plans cover fillings, and we accept most insurance plans as well as Medicaid and CHIP. Membership plan families get 25% off procedures, and we review the estimate with you before treatment.
A quick, gentle filling today beats a bigger treatment tomorrow. Book your child's visit at any of our four Corpus Christi offices for clear answers, calm care, and a tooth-colored fix that disappears into their smile.
(361) 992-9500
