A crown is required when a tooth has extensive decay or cracks or has a root canal. Crowns restore the tooth’s function and shield it from additional harm. They are ideal for:

• Severely Decayed Teeth: Large cavities can cause significant damage. When there is insufficient tooth structure to support a filling, crowns are necessary.
• Fractured Teeth: Crowns restore fractured or cracked teeth to full function, which can be caused by trauma or bad habits like chewing on ice.
• Post-Root Canal: Often, large cavities will penetrate the nerve of a tooth, requiring pulp therapy or a “baby” root canal. Teeth that undergo a root canal need the strength of a crown for long-term protection.

One of the common questions to address is: Since a baby tooth will eventually fall out, why treat it? An infection or dental decay may cause the baby’s tooth to fall out too soon. The immediate concern is ruined aesthetics and diminished eating and speaking ability, but there is more.

In the long term, losing a baby tooth earlier than expected could lead to dental misalignment and the need for orthodontic care. Permanent teeth require the use of baby teeth as placeholders. If a baby tooth is lost too soon, the permanent teeth may become misaligned because neighboring teeth may move or tilt into the empty space. A pediatric dental crown avoids the immediate and long-term consequences of premature tooth loss.

At Simply Kids Dental, we offer the main types of crowns:

• Stainless steel dental crowns: Ideal for back teeth, stainless steel crowns are the most common type seen in children, particularly for teeth that will eventually fall out. They are affordable, easy to place, and durable. However, they may not be the best option if you are concerned about their silver appearance.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns: PFM crowns have a metal base and a porcelain layer on the outer surface.PFM crowns look good and are long-lasting. Over time, though, the porcelain layer might crack and expose the metal underneath.
• All-ceramic dental crowns: These dental crowns can be created from porcelain, zirconia, or composite. Composite is the same material used to fill cavities. The material is natural-looking but not durable enough, especially for molars.

Applying a dental crown is a straightforward process that involves the following steps:

1. Examination and Preparation: Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Sean Vostatek, examines the tooth and may use local anesthesia for your child’s comfort.
2. Cleaning: The decayed part of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is shaped to fit the crown.
3. Crown Placement: A custom crown is placed over the prepared tooth and adjusted for a perfect fit.
4. Final Check: Our pediatric dentist ensures the crown fits comfortably and your child’s bite is aligned.

Pediatric dental crowns are designed to last for several years. Stainless steel crowns typically last longer and are ideal for back teeth, while tooth-colored crowns may have a slightly shorter lifespan but still provide excellent durability. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene help prolong their effectiveness.

If your child’s tooth is severely decayed, fractured, or has had a root canal, a pediatric dental crown may be necessary. Early intervention helps prevent further damage and keeps your child’s smile healthy.