Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 5 minutes
When it comes to your child’s dental health, ensuring they receive the best care possible is crucial. If your child needs a dental crown, you might have many questions about what a crown is, why it’s needed, and how it affects their smile.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dental crowns for kids—from the types available to the procedure and aftercare.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Dental crowns are important for protecting your children’s teeth from decay and damage. They help maintain oral health, prevent further issues, and ensure proper tooth function..
Understanding Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are caps placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and function. For children, crowns are often necessary due to tooth decay, damage, or other dental issues. They help protect the tooth and ensure it continues to function properly.
Why Are Crowns Necessary for Kids?
Crowns for children are important for:
- Protecting decayed teeth: When a tooth has extensive decay, a crown can protect it and restore its function.
- Preserving primary teeth: Primary teeth (baby teeth) are important for eating and speaking, and they also hold space for permanent teeth.
- Preventing further damage: Crowns can prevent further damage to weakened or damaged teeth.
- Supporting tooth fillings: Crowns provide added strength to teeth that have large fillings.
Types of Crowns for Kids
Crowns for Primary Teeth
Crowns for primary teeth are premade and come in various sizes. They only require one appointment to apply and are available in the following materials:
- Stainless steel crowns: These metal crowns are durable and typically used for back teeth. They are cost-effective and completed in one appointment. They’re perfect for teeth that are extensively damaged or decayed.
- Zirconia crowns: These are strong, tooth-colored crowns that offer a natural look.
- Resin crowns: These are another type of tooth-colored crown, often made from composite resin. They are available in prefabricated sizes for same-day placement.
- Pre-veneered crowns: These crowns have a metal base covered with a tooth-colored material. They come in prefabricated sizes and offer a good balance of strength and aesthetics.
Crowns for Permanent Teeth
For permanent teeth, the process and materials are a bit different. They are custom-made and require 2 appointments.
- Porcelain crowns: These crowns are designed to match the natural color of the teeth and are commonly used for front teeth. They provide a natural appearance but may require more time and appointments.
- Ceramic crowns: Similar to porcelain, these crowns are tooth-colored and blend well with natural teeth. They’re ideal for areas visible when you smile.
- Zirconia crowns: Zirconia crowns are a popular choice for back teeth for their strength.
The Procedure for Getting a Crown
Here’s what to expect during the crown procedure:
- Initial assessment: Your dentist will examine the tooth and determine if a crown is necessary.
- Preparation: The tooth is prepared by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. If the tooth is a baby tooth, a premade crown will be fitted to the tooth and cemented into place. If the tooth is a permanent tooth, an impression will be taken and sent to the lab where the custom crown will be made.
- Placement: When the crown comes back from the lab, you will return for a second appointment. The crown will be fitted and cemented into place.
Post-Care Instructions
After getting a dental crown, encourage your child to follow these guidelines to ensure the best results:
- Oral hygiene: Help your child maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and teach them to floss regularly.
- Avoid hard foods: Don’t let them eat hard or sticky foods that could damage the crown.
- Regular check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor the crown and overall oral health.
- Watch for discomfort: If your child experiences any discomfort or notices any issues with the crown, contact your dentist.
FAQs About Crowns in Kids
Is getting a crown painful for kids?
Dentists use local anesthesia to numb the area.Your child will not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. If this is a concern for you and your child, speak to your dentist about sedation options.
What do I do if my child’s crown falls off?
Have your child avoid chewing on that side of the mouth to prevent further damage. Try to find the crown and bring it to your dentist, as it may be possible to reattach it. Contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.
Is it common for kids to need crowns?
Yes, it’s common for kids to need dental crowns. Children’s teeth are more susceptible to decay and injuries,making crowns a necessary treatment in many cases.
Dental Crown for Kids in Denver, CO
Dental crowns are an effective solution for various dental issues in children. At Denver Youth Dentistry, we offer expert dental services for kids in a fun and welcoming environment.
If you are searching for ‘kids dental crowns near me’ or ‘best kids dentist in Denver, CO’ we can help! We have locations in Denver, Aurora, Hampden and Thornton. To book an appointment at one of our locations, call (303) 953-8801 or complete the online inquiry form.
