No parent wants their child to deal with toothaches or damaged teeth. Pediatric dental crowns are specially made for tiny teeth to restore those that have been too damaged by decay or injury to be repaired with a simple filling. Keep your child’s smile healthy as they grow and develop.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Why should my child get a pediatric dental crown?
Dental crowns are the best way to repair your child’s cracked, broken, decayed, or infected tooth. During the crown process, your child’s pediatric dentist will remove all the damaged material from their tooth. Then, they’ll fit your child for a strong, durable, and long-lasting crown that will cover your child’s tooth and protect it. With a crown, you can prevent further damage, relieve discomfort, and get peace of mind. You’ll know that your child’s tooth will stay healthy for years to come.
Ready to
schedule your appointment?
Did you know…
The first dental crowns were made from porcelain in the early 19th century.
White Zirconia Crowns
A ceramic alternative to traditional stainless steel crowns, zirconia crowns look and feel more natural, and can be color-matched to the rest of your child’s grin. They’re a great option for restoring your little one’s front teeth, so they can smile with confidence.
Stainless Steel Crowns
Extremely durable and affordable, stainless steel crowns are excellent for restoring rear baby teeth, as they’re able to hold up to the wear and tear of chewing. Because of their silver color, they are ideal for rear teeth that don’t show when your little one smiles, as well as for baby teeth that are destined to be replaced with permanent ones.
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Rest assured that your child is receiving top-notch, specialized care with our Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. To be recognized by The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, doctors must undergo extensive training in the pediatric field in addition to their standard dental degrees.
The Benefits of Pediatric Dental Crowns
Cost-Effective
Dental crowns are the most affordable way to repair damaged teeth and protect them for years to come. Stainless steel crowns are particularly inexpensive, making them a great choice for restoring baby teeth and protecting them until they fall out naturally.
Prevent Complications
If your pediatric dentist recommends a crown for your child and they don’t get treatment, they could be at risk of further problems like tooth infections. These complications could cause pain and discomfort, worsen their oral health, and lead to additional costly treatments like root canal therapy. With a crown, you can protect their tooth and avoid these complications entirely.
Minimally-Invasive
Dental crowns only involve removing material from the outside of the tooth, so they're minimally-invasive. Your pediatric dentist will numb your child’s mouth and can also explore sedation options to keep them comfortable during treatment. You can trust us to deliver the expert, child-friendly care your little one needs.
The Pediatric Dental Crown Treatment Process
Tooth Numbing & Preparation
To begin the process, your child’s dentist will numb their mouth. Then, they will use a drill to remove all of the damaged or decayed enamel from their tooth. They will shape the tooth into a strong, stable platform. This ensures the dental crown can attach tightly to the remaining tooth.
Dental Crown Fitting
After your child’s tooth has been prepared, their dentist will take impressions or models of their teeth. These are used to build a custom dental crown. This step is not needed for pre-fitted stainless steel crowns.
Building & Placing The Crown
If your child is getting a stainless steel crown, their dentist will simply choose a pre-fitted crown, then cement it in place. But if they're getting a custom crown, their dentist will send their impressions or models to a dental lab. There, a technician will build a custom-fitted ceramic crown. Your child will get a temporary crown, then you’ll come back in a few weeks to have their ceramic crown permanently attached to their tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What issues can a pediatric dental crown treat?
%402x%20(2).svg){kind=icon}
Most commonly, pediatric dental crowns are used to treat extensive cavities, or to repair a tooth that has been damaged by an infection and was restored with a pulpotomy (baby root canal). Because dental crowns cover up and protect the entire structure of the tooth, they can strengthen the tooth after serious decay and help prevent further complications.
Kids can easily damage their baby teeth during accidents, horse play, or contact sports. A crown may be needed to treat your child’s mouth after a dental injury has cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged one of their teeth.
With a crown, the tooth can be quickly repaired to restore its shape and function, and help your child chew, smile, and bite normally once again. It will be completely protected as your child’s mouth continues to grow and their adult teeth begin to erupt.
How do I know if my child needs a dental crown?
Your child’s dentist will be the best judge of whether or not they need a dental crown. In some cases, an alternative treatment like dental bonding or a dental filling may be a good option. However, if you think that your child has a deep cavity or an infected tooth, it’s likely that a crown is the best way to restore their smile.
Additionally, if your child suffers from an oral injury and you see that one of their teeth is visibly damaged, they may need a dental crown. In both cases, you should contact your child’s dentist right away to get an emergency consultation and ensure they get the treatment they need.
Will my child’s pediatric dental crown last until their baby tooth falls out naturally?
Yes. Pediatric dental crowns are very durable, and usually last 5+ years. They are intended to cover up and protect your child’s tooth until it falls out naturally, and is replaced by an adult tooth.
Does my child’s dental crown require any special care?
No. There is no lengthy recovery process after your child gets a crown. They can resume their day-to-day activities immediately after their appointment and maintain a normal diet. Your child’s tooth may feel a bit sore or tender for a week or two after it’s been placed, but this is normal. Some minor sensitivity is nothing to worry about, as this issue will go away on its own.
To care for your child’s dental crown, all you need to do is treat it like a natural tooth. You will need to brush their teeth at least twice per day for two minutes, and floss their teeth once per day. Depending on their age, they may be able to do this themselves.
Beyond proper oral hygiene, you should make sure your child eats a tooth-friendly, healthy diet low in sugary foods and drinks. You should also set appointments for your child to see their pediatric dentist every six months for a check-up and a teeth cleaning. If you follow these simple steps, your child’s crown will last for years.
Are pediatric dental crowns covered by insurance?
Restorative dental care for children is almost always covered by dental insurance, so you can expect your insurance company to cover the cost of one or more pediatric dental crowns. However, the coverage limits, deductibles, and specifics of each insurance policy differ.
For that reason, we highly recommend consulting with your insurer directly to learn more about your coverage before you schedule your child’s appointment with their dentist. This will ensure that you avoid any unexpected bills, and that your child’s treatment is completely covered.
