No parent wants their kid 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.
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.
Complimentary Meet & Greets
Going to the dentist can be a scary prospect for children (and even some adults!), but it doesn’t have to be. If your child is anxious about visiting the dentist, schedule a meet & greet so they can meet the team and become familiar with the office. Once they’ve gotten to know us, they’ll see there’s nothing to be afraid of after all!
DID YOU KNOW?
The first dental crowns were made from porcelain in the early 19th century.
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 can cause pain and discomfort and negatively impact their oral health. 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.
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.
Little Smiles For Every Budget
Keeping Care Accessible
Every child deserves the chance at a healthy smile. That’s why we have payment options for every budget.
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 select a pre-fitted crown to suit their tooth.
Placing The Crown
Once the crown has been selected, your child's dentist will cement it in place atop the prepared tooth, leaving your child with a restored, healthy smile.
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.
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.
Before & Afters
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Dental Trauma Guide
What to do in the event of trauma to the teeth and mouth:
If bleeding occurs:
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- Apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze
- Try to identify the source of the bleeding
- If the gums or teeth are bleeding see a dental professional
- If the lips or face are injured visit the emergency room
If a tooth is chipped
- If the tooth fragment that chipped off is found, store it in milk, saliva or saline. Do NOT store in alcohol, water or mouthwash
- Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment
If a baby tooth is knocked out
- Baby teeth are not advised to be re-implanted but should be brought to the dentist to be evaluated
If there is a shift in the position of a tooth/teeth
- This is urgent! Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment ASAP
- If injury occurs outside of business hours visit the emergency room
If an adult tooth is knocked out
- Handle the tooth by the crown, try to avoid touching the root
- Rinse the tooth with milk or saline, DO NOT SCRUB
- Place the tooth back into the socket if possible
- If not, store the tooth in milk, saliva or saline. Do NOT store in alcohol, water or mouthwash. Adult teeth can be re-implanted by a dentist
- This is urgent! Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment ASAP
- If injury occurs outside of business hours visit the emergency room
If unsure whether a baby or adult tooth is knocked out
- Store the tooth in milk, saliva or saline and allow the doctor to determine. Do NOT store in alcohol, water or mouthwash
- This is urgent! Contact a dentist for an emergency appointment ASAP
- If injury occurs outside of business hours visit the emergency room
In all cases, focus on controlling bleeding (with gauze/clean cloth and pressure) and managing pain with motrin/tylenol (follow manufacturers instructions for dosing). Some dental emergencies are more urgent than others but all cases of dental trauma should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible.
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How to Reduce the Risk of Dental Trauma
Dental injuries are very common amongst active children. Here are some tips to reduce your child's risk of experiencing serious dental trauma.
Safe Play Environments
- Check play areas for younger children for hard surfaces and sharp corners, try to child-proof or limit access to such areas
- Keep hard objects and toys away from young children especially when they are teething (ages 0-3)
Preventing Sports-Related Trauma
- Helmets, facemasks and mouthguards reduce both the frequency and severity of dental/facial trauma.
- Mouthguards are highly recommended for all collision and contact sports and help prevent injuries such as broken or displaced teeth, jaw-joint injury, lip/cheek/chin lacerations and even concussions
- Custom mouthguards made by a dental provider offer the highest level of protection and can be made for children of all ages
- Pre-formed stock mouthguards and boil and bite mouthguards are more affordable alternatives which offer a lower level of protection than custom mouthguards but still reduce the risk and severity of injury
Education and Preparation
- Even with safeguards in place injuries happen! Learning how to manage dental injuries will help the adults managing the situation stay calm and act fast
- Some children are more prone to dental injury depending on their unique dental anatomy. Regular dental check ups will help identify potential risks and a dental provider can offer personalized suggestions
Frequently Asked Questions
What issues can a pediatric dental crown treat?
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.
