Dental Crowns For Kids

Kids need crowns, too. That’s why we offer dental crowns just for children. Here’s how it works.

In our Washington, D.C. office, we are dedicated to taking care of your child’s smile. A dental crown covers or “caps” a tooth, strengthening and protecting it from further cracking or breaking, while restoring it to its proper size and shape. When a tooth is damaged by decay and a filling will not fully restore the tooth back to optimal health, a dental crown becomes necessary. Dental crowns help your child’s dentist save their tooth and help them get back to optimal oral health.

Stainless Steel versus White Dental Crowns

For dental crowns, dentists typically choose between stainless steel crowns and white dental crowns. Stainless steel crowns are used to cover the back teeth and preserve more of the tooth structure than other types of crowns. Being that they are silver in color, stainless steel crowns are not used on front teeth for cosmetic purposes. They also have the ability to adapt to a growing mouth for young children who are in active occlusion. The stainless steel material allows the crown to withstand excessive biting forces and it is not prone to chipping or breaking.

For decayed front teeth, dentists use white crowns. White crowns are made of a composite resin, or a porcelain fused to metal material, and most commonly used on adult teeth. White dental crowns are more rigid and work best for mouths that are no longer growing. Due to their color being similar to that of natural teeth, this makes white crowns more cosmetically pleasing.

How Many Visits are Required for Dental Crowns to be Completed?

A dental crown procedure is typically complete in just one visit. With proper care, a dental crown should remain in place until it is replaced by a permanent tooth.

What to Expect After Your Visit

Following a dental crown procedure, make sure to keep your child from eating until the numbness has subsided. This decreases the risk of your child biting his or her lip, tongue, or cheek, potentially causing injury. Some discomfort may be felt up to 24 hours after the procedure caused by irritation of the tooth pulp and surrounding soft tissue. Simply give your child over-the-counter medications such as children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help ease any pain or discomfort. If your child’s pain does not subside after 24 hours, please contact your child’s dentist right away.

How to Prevent Needing a Dental Crown

Although accidents happen, there are ways to help your child avoid a dental crown. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Wear a mouthguard during contact sports
• Bite down carefully when eating
• Talk to your dentist about your child’s teeth grinding
• Practice proper teeth brushing
• Floss daily
• Don’t use your teeth as a tool
• Don’t avoid getting a cavity filled

Dr. Charlie and Dr. Jerry can help you with any concerns regarding dental crowns next time you visit our Washington, D.C. office.

Pediatric Dental Crowns FAQs

How Can I Prevent My Children from Needing a Dental Crown?

Here are a few ways to prevent your kids from needing dental crowns:

• Wear a mouthguard during contact sports
• Bite down carefully when eating
• Talk to your dentist about your child’s teeth grinding
• Practice proper teeth brushing
• Floss daily
• Don’t use your teeth as a tool
• Don’t avoid getting a cavity filled

Does a Crowned Tooth Require Special Care?

A crowned tooth does not require special care, but a crowned tooth doesn’t mean the tooth is protected from decay or gum disease. Continue to practice proper hygiene to ensure that the crowned tooth stays happy and healthy.

How Can I Protect a Dental Crown?

Protecting a dental crown is a lot like protecting regular teeth! Through proper dental hygiene habits, like brushing twice daily and flossing every day, you can help keep your child’s dental crown and teeth healthy. Remember, don’t use your teeth as a tool or instrument and wear a mouthguard when playing sports to continue to protect a growing mouth.

How Long Does a Crown Stay on Your Teeth?

With proper care, a dental crown will stay intact for 5 to 15 years. If the crown is placed on a baby tooth, the crowned tooth will be replaced with a permanent tooth, once it falls out.

Is Getting a Dental Crown Painful?

A dental crown procedure is not painful. Your child’s dentist will use local anesthesia for the tooth being crowned and may use laughing gas to help ease any anxiety your child may have about the procedure.