Comfort comes first
We use child-focused communication and behavior guidance so your family understands the plan before treatment begins.
Kids First services
Restorative pediatric dentistry in Zanesville, Ohio.
When a tooth needs care, children deserve a plan that protects both today’s comfort and tomorrow’s development. We explain the options clearly and move at a pace that helps your child feel safe.
A patient-first approach
Care built around the child in the chair.
A cavity, broken tooth, or infection can feel urgent to a parent. Our goal is to understand what is happening, preserve healthy tooth structure whenever possible, and protect the developing smile.
Dr. Robert Malek is a board-certified pediatric dentist. That specialty training matters when a baby tooth needs treatment, because baby teeth guide chewing, speech, comfort, and the place where adult teeth develop.
What this care means
The details that make a visit easier.
Preserve what can be saved
When an affected baby tooth can be protected, restoring it may help maintain the spacing and function a growing smile needs.
A plan with the long view
Every treatment recommendation considers your child’s age, tooth development, symptoms, and the health of the teeth to come.
Explore specific services
Choose the question closest to yours.
Dental Fillings
A filling repairs a tooth affected by decay or minor damage, helping your child chew comfortably and preventing a small problem from becoming a bigger one.
Dental Crowns
When a baby tooth needs more protection than a filling can provide, a pediatric crown can act like a protective helmet — restoring function while the tooth stays in place for development.
Pulp Therapy
Hearing “baby root canal” can be alarming. Pulp therapy is a child-specific procedure that may save a damaged tooth, relieve discomfort, and protect the developing smile.
Space Maintainers
When a baby tooth is lost too early, nearby teeth can drift into its space. A space maintainer may help preserve room for the permanent tooth that is still developing.
For restorative care
Why Kids First?
Every recommendation starts with the whole child — their health, comfort, development, and family — not just the tooth in front of us.
Board-certified pediatric expertise
Dr. Robert Malek is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a voluntary credential earned through specialty residency and examination.
We treat the patient
We do not just fix teeth. We treat the patient — taking time to understand comfort, development, health history, and what will make the visit work for your family.
Here for southeast Ohio families
Our Zanesville office welcomes children and adolescents from Newark, Cambridge, Coshocton, Lancaster, New Lexington, and surrounding communities.
Helpful answers
Questions parents often ask
Why treat a baby tooth if it will fall out?
Baby teeth help children chew and speak, hold space for adult teeth, and can cause pain or infection when decay is left untreated. The timing of tooth loss matters.
Will my child be comfortable during treatment?
Comfort planning is part of every treatment discussion. Your child’s needs, medical history, anxiety level, and the procedure are all considered before care begins.
How do I know if a cavity needs a filling or a crown?
The best restoration depends on how much tooth structure is affected, whether the pulp is involved, and the tooth’s location. Dr. Malek will review the findings and recommendation with you.
Kids First Pediatric Dental Care
Ready when your family is.
Tell us what your child needs. We will listen, explain the next step clearly, and help you find an appointment time that works.