Protect Your Child’s Smile: A Guide to Children’s Dental Crowns

Key Takeaway

What Are Dental Crowns for Children?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire tooth to protect it from further damage or decay.

For children, dental crowns are used to protect primary teeth (baby teeth) that have been damaged by tooth decay or trauma. Crowns also support your child’s oral health by preserving the natural structure of the tooth.

Why Children Might Need Dental Crowns

• To protect decayed teeth: Sometimes, tooth decay is too extensive for a simple filling. The crown restores the shape and function of the tooth. 
• To restore a broken or cracked tooth: If your child’s tooth is fractured, a crown helps maintain the tooth’s structure and function.
• To support teeth after root canals: Following a root canal, a crown strengthens the tooth and keeps it intact.
• To address developmental defects: Some children are born with enamel defects that make their teeth more vulnerable to decay, and crowns can protect these teeth.

Benefits of Dental Crowns for Children

Pediatric dentists recommend dental crowns for children because they help to preserve baby teeth and restore function to the mouth. Here are a few of the benefits of dental crowns for children: 

• Protection: Crowns provide powerful and long-lasting protection for your child’s teeth.
• Preservation: They help maintain the natural tooth until the permanent tooth comes in.
• Durability: Crowns, especially stainless-steel crowns and zirconia crowns, can withstand the daily wear and tear of chewing.
• Aesthetic appeal: Some crowns, like composite crowns and porcelain crowns, blend seamlessly with your child’s natural smile, making them a great option for front teeth.

Pediatric dental crowns play an important role in maintaining the health of baby teeth until they naturally fall out and permanent teeth come in.

When Is It Too Late for a Crown?

If the decay has reached the point where the tooth’s structure is no longer stable, or if the root has been seriously compromised, a crown may not be enough to save it.

In such cases, a tooth extraction will be the only option. Pulling a baby tooth is always the last resort, but if the decay is too extensive, it may be the only option. If a baby tooth has to be pulled, a space maintainer will be placed to maintain that space until the permanent tooth comes in. 

Types of Crowns

We offer a variety of dental crowns, each designed for specific needs. 

1. Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless steel crowns are the most common type used for children’s back teeth.

• They cover the entire tooth and provide excellent protection against decay.
• Metal crowns are durable and cost-effective, making them a popular choice for molars.

2. Zirconia Dental Crowns

Zirconia dental crowns are made from a biocompatible material and are an excellent option for children with metal allergies.

• These crowns offer a natural tooth color and are aesthetically pleasing.
• Non-toxic and safe for use in the body. 
• Resistant to plaque and decay.
• Zirconia crowns are strong, providing long-lasting protection with minimal wear on the natural tooth structure.
• Comes pre-manufactured in different sizes. The fitting process is quick and easy and does not require any impressions to be taken! 

3. Pre-Veneered Dental Crowns

Pre-veneered dental crowns are stainless-steel crowns with a white facing, offering the durability of metal with the appearance of a tooth-colored crown.

• They combine the strength of stainless steel with a plastic white facing for a more natural look. 
• The white facing mimics natural enamel, making them a more appealing option for front teeth.

4. Bonded Resin Composite Strip Crowns

Composite strip crowns are tooth-colored crowns made from a resin composite material.

• These crowns blend with your child’s natural teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing look.
• They are ideal for restoring decayed or damaged front teeth, particularly in children with decayed teeth who need a more natural-looking restoration.

5. White Zirconia Crowns

These ceramic crowns are highly durable and biocompatible, made from zirconium oxide, which is extremely tough.

• They are designed to fit perfectly over your child’s teeth, offering strength and an aesthetically pleasing result.
• Because they are made from ceramic material, they are a good choice for children with sensitivities to metals.

Dental Crown Procedure for Children

The dental crown procedure is straightforward. Here is what you can expect:

1. The pediatric dentist will numb the area around your child’s tooth using local anesthesia.
2. The decayed or damaged part of the tooth will be removed to prepare it for the crown.
3. The crown will be placed over the tooth, restoring the natural tooth structure.
4. The dentist will check the fit and make adjustments if necessary.
5. The crown will be secured using a dental adhesive, ensuring it stays in place.

The entire procedure is usually completed in a single visit.

Aftercare for Your Child’s Dental Crown

All crowns require good oral hygiene practices. Here are some tips for taking care of their crowns:

• Brush and floss regularly to keep the gums and soft tissue around the crown clean.
• Avoid sticky foods like caramel or chewy candies, which can pull on the crown.
• Schedule regular visits to the dentist for a check-up and cleaning to ensure the crown remains in good shape.

Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry: Your Pediatric Dentist in McKinney, TX

Whether it is to repair a decayed tooth, prevent further damage, or preserve the natural alignment of your child’s teeth, crowns offer a safe and effective solution.

We offer several types of crowns to meet your child’s specific needs. To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in McKinney, TX, call (214) 436-5555 or complete the online contact form.

If you are in the area, stop in and say hello! We are located at 5323 W University Dr #100 McKinney, TX 75071. We look forward to meeting you and helping your child maintain a healthy, beautiful smile!