Objective To explore the effect of different restoration methods on restoration effect and adverse reactions of dental defect of deciduous teeth in children. Methods A total of 75 children with dental defect of deciduous teeth admitted to the Department of Stomatology, Guangyuan Central Hospital from October 2023 to March 2024 were selected as the research subjects. According to the random number table method, they were divided into group A, group B and group C, with 25 children in each group. Group A received preformed metal crown restoration, group B received ceramic inlay restoration, and group C received glass ionomer filling restoration. The restoration effect, adverse reactions and satisfaction were compared among the three groups. Results The excellent and good restoration rate of group A and group B was 100.00% and 96.00% respectively, which was higher than 72.00% of group C (P <0.05). The satisfaction of group A and group B was higher than that of group C, and the incidence of adverse reactions was lower than that of group C (P <0.05). The excellent and good restoration rate and satisfaction of group A was higher than that of group B, and the incidence of adverse reactions was lower than that of group B, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P >0.05). Conclusion The restoration effects of preformed metal crown and ceramic inlay restoration for dental defect of deciduous teeth in children are better than glass ionomer filling restoration, and they have higher safety and satisfaction, which are worthy of clinical application.