Your child’s second molars erupt between the ages of 2 and 3.
A pediatric dental crown procedure begins by cleaning and numbing the site with local anesthesia. Your child may also be sedated during this process to help them feel more safe and comfortable throughout their treatment.
To prepare for the crown, your child’s dentist must remove any damaged or decayed enamel from their teeth. Using a dental drill, your child’s dentist will carefully remove all of the damaged tooth material, and shape the tooth into a strong, stable platform to which the crown can be attached.
Crowns for baby teeth are typically made of stainless steel and come in pre-fitted sizes. Your child’s dentist will choose the right sized crown to completely cover the remaining tooth structure of their baby tooth. It will then be attached using dental cement, completing the treatment.
Stainless steel crowns are very durable and strong, and are perfect for restoring rear baby teeth such as molars and premolars. Steel crowns are affordable, and they hold up well to the wear and tear of chewing, making them a good choice. They do have a silver-gray appearance that looks a bit unnatural, so they are usually not recommended if your child needs to have one of their front teeth repaired with a dental crown.
Zirconia is a ceramic material that can be used as an alternative to stainless steel crowns. The biggest benefit of zirconia crowns is that they look and feel more natural than stainless steel crowns. Your child’s crown can be matched perfectly to the color of their teeth, making them the ideal option for restoring damaged or decayed front teeth. With a zirconia crown, your child’s smile will stay bright and beautiful.
Pediatric dental crowns are usually made of stainless steel or zirconia.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1 in 5 children between the age of 5 and 11 have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
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