When tooth decay or injury damages a child’s tooth extensively, a simple filling may not provide adequate protection and restoration. Pediatric dental crowns offer a comprehensive solution that completely covers and protects damaged primary or permanent teeth, restoring both function and appearance. Many parents feel concerned when told their child needs a crown, but these restorations are often the best way to preserve natural teeth and prevent more complex problems in the future.
At ChildSmiles OC, we provide high-quality pediatric dental crowns using the most advanced materials and techniques available. Dr. Mehdi Dowlaty’s board certification in pediatric dentistry and over 15 years of experience ensure that your child receives gentle, effective crown treatment designed specifically for young patients. Our comprehensive approach prioritizes both immediate comfort and long-term oral health, helping preserve your child’s natural teeth whenever possible.
When Children Need Dental Crowns
Several situations may indicate that your child would benefit from a dental crown rather than a traditional filling. Extensive tooth decay that affects multiple surfaces of a tooth often requires crown coverage to provide adequate strength and protection. Large fillings can weaken teeth and may be more prone to breaking, making crowns a more durable long-term solution.
Dental trauma from sports injuries, falls, or accidents can fracture teeth in ways that require crown restoration. Some children are born with developmental defects in their tooth enamel that make teeth more susceptible to decay and breakage, often necessitating crown protection. After pulp therapy or root canal treatment on primary teeth, crowns are typically recommended to protect the treated tooth from further damage.
Children with special needs or medical conditions that affect their oral health may require crowns to protect teeth that are at higher risk for decay or damage. Some medications or treatments can affect tooth development or make teeth more vulnerable to problems, making protective crowns beneficial.
Benefits of Pediatric Crowns
Dental crowns provide complete coverage and protection for damaged teeth, helping prevent further decay or fracture. Unlike large fillings that may fail over time, crowns distribute chewing forces evenly across the entire tooth surface, providing superior durability. This comprehensive protection often allows children to keep their natural teeth until they’re naturally ready to be lost.
Crowns restore normal chewing function, allowing children to eat comfortably and maintain proper nutrition. They also help maintain proper spacing for permanent teeth by preserving the full size and shape of the restored tooth. Modern pediatric crowns are designed to look natural and blend well with surrounding teeth, helping preserve your child’s confident smile.
Types of Pediatric Dental Crowns
Several types of crowns are available for pediatric patients, each with specific advantages depending on the location of the tooth and individual patient needs. Stainless steel crowns are the most commonly used option for primary back teeth, offering exceptional durability and longevity. These pre-formed crowns can be placed in a single appointment and provide reliable protection until the primary tooth is naturally lost.
For front teeth where appearance is more important, tooth-colored crowns provide excellent aesthetics while maintaining durability. These crowns are carefully matched to your child’s natural tooth color and shaped to blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth. The choice between different crown types depends on factors such as the tooth’s location, the extent of damage, and your child’s specific needs.
Zirconia Crowns for Superior Results
Zirconia crowns represent the latest advancement in pediatric dental crown technology. These tooth-colored crowns offer exceptional strength and natural appearance, making them suitable for both front and back teeth. Zirconia crowns resist staining and wear, providing long-lasting results that maintain their appearance throughout the life of the primary tooth.
The biocompatible nature of zirconia makes these crowns gentle on surrounding gum tissue, reducing the risk of irritation or inflammation. These crowns can often be placed with minimal tooth preparation, preserving more of the natural tooth structure while providing comprehensive protection.
The Crown Placement Process
Placing a pediatric dental crown typically requires one or two appointments, depending on the type of crown selected and the complexity of the case. During the first visit, we carefully prepare the damaged tooth by removing decay and shaping it to accommodate the crown. Local anesthesia ensures your child’s comfort throughout the procedure, and sedation options are available for anxious patients.
For stainless steel crowns, we select the appropriate size from our inventory of pre-formed crowns and carefully fit it to your child’s prepared tooth. The crown is then cemented in place and adjusted to ensure proper bite and comfort. The entire process typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and can usually be completed in a single appointment.
Tooth-colored crowns may require impressions and laboratory fabrication, though some can be made chairside using advanced CAD/CAM technology. We take great care to match the color and shape of surrounding teeth to ensure natural-looking results.
Ensuring Comfort During Treatment
We understand that crown placement can seem intimidating to children, so we use various techniques to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. Our child-friendly environment includes iPads and TVs in treatment rooms to help distract young patients during treatment. Dr. Dowlaty’s gentle approach and extensive experience working with children helps put patients at ease.
For children who experience anxiety about dental procedures, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or other sedation options to ensure comfort. Our team takes time to explain procedures in age-appropriate terms, helping children understand what to expect and feel more comfortable about their treatment.
Caring for Pediatric Dental Crowns
Dental crowns require the same good oral hygiene practices as natural teeth, including regular brushing and flossing. We provide detailed instructions on proper cleaning techniques and may recommend special tools to help maintain optimal oral health around crowned teeth. Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor the crown and surrounding tissues to ensure everything remains healthy.
While dental crowns are very durable, certain precautions help ensure their longevity. Children should avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pencils, or hard candies that could potentially damage the crown. Sticky foods that could pull on the crown should also be limited, though most normal foods can be enjoyed without concern.
Long-Term Crown Maintenance
Most pediatric dental crowns last for many years with proper care, often remaining in place until the primary tooth is naturally lost. We monitor crowned teeth during regular checkups, watching for any signs of wear, loosening, or gum irritation around the crown margins. Occasionally, crowns may need minor adjustments or repairs, which can usually be completed quickly and comfortably.
If a crown does become loose or damaged, prompt attention helps prevent complications and ensures continued protection of the underlying tooth. We provide families with guidance on recognizing potential problems and encourage contact if any concerns arise.
Crown Success and Long-Term Outcomes
Pediatric dental crowns have an excellent success rate when properly placed and maintained. These restorations often allow children to keep their natural teeth until they’re naturally ready to be lost, preventing the need for space maintainers or more complex treatments. Many children forget they even have crowned teeth because the restorations function and feel like natural teeth.
The protection provided by dental crowns often prevents the need for more extensive procedures like tooth extraction and replacement. By preserving natural teeth, crowns help maintain proper chewing function, speech development, and facial support throughout childhood development.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?
We offer two durable and kid-friendly crown options:
- Stainless Steel Crowns (SSC): $200 – $350
- Zirconia (Tooth-Colored) Crowns: $400 – $600+
Crowns are typically recommended for restoring teeth after large cavities or pulpotomies.
Crown Cost Depends On:
- Type of crown (stainless steel vs. zirconia)
- Tooth location
- Whether other treatments are required
With all major dental insurance plans accepted and membership plans available, we make long-lasting dental protection accessible for every family. Reach out today to schedule your child’s visit.
Expert Crown Care in Fullerton
At ChildSmiles OC, we take pride in providing exceptional pediatric dental crown services using the most advanced materials and techniques available. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every child receives personalized treatment designed for their specific needs and comfort level. Dr. Dowlaty’s extensive training and experience in pediatric dentistry guarantee the highest quality crown treatment in a child-friendly environment.
Our convenient Fullerton location serves families throughout Orange County with flexible scheduling options to accommodate crown appointments. We work with most insurance plans and provide clear information about treatment options and costs to help families make informed decisions about their child’s dental care.
Restore Your Child’s Healthy Smile
Don’t let extensive tooth damage compromise your child’s oral health or comfort. Pediatric dental crowns offer an excellent solution that can preserve natural teeth while restoring full function and appearance. Early treatment with appropriate crown restoration often prevents more complex problems and helps ensure your child maintains a healthy, confident smile.
If your child has damaged teeth or you have concerns about their dental health, prompt evaluation is essential for the best outcomes. Contact us today at (714) 253-3172 or schedule your appointment online to learn how pediatric dental crowns can restore your child’s smile and protect their long-term oral health.
