Reclaim Your Child’s Healthy, Functional Smile with Pediatric Dental Crowns
At Simply Kids Dental in Colorado Springs, Colorado, we understand that a simple filling may not be enough when a tooth is severely decayed or damaged. Pediatric dental crowns are ideal for restoring and protecting damaged teeth, helping your child maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Our team provides gentle, compassionate care to ensure your child’s comfort throughout the procedure.
Ready to schedule a consultation for your child’s pediatric dental crown? Call (719) 249-2030 today!
A crown, commonly referred to as a “cap”, is a dental restoration that is cemented onto an existing tooth. It is the tooth’s new outer surface by covering the area above the gum line.
What Are Pediatric Dental Crowns?
Pediatric dental crowns are custom-made “caps” placed over damaged or decayed teeth. Crowns restore the tooth’s strength, shape, and appearance. They are typically used when a tooth is too damaged or severely decayed for a filling. At Simply Kids Dental, we offer high-quality materials like stainless steel or porcelain crowns to ensure a comfortable and natural-looking restoration.
Why Does My Child Need a Dental Crown?
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.
Is a Dental Crown Necessary? Why Not Just Pull the tooth?
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.
What Materials Are Used for Pediatric Dental Crowns?
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.
How Are Pediatric Dental Crowns Applied?
Applying a dental crown is a straightforward process that involves the following steps:
- Examination and Preparation: Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Sean Vostatek, examines the tooth and may use local anesthesia for your child’s comfort.
- Cleaning: The decayed part of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is shaped to fit the crown.
- Crown Placement: A custom crown is placed over the prepared tooth and adjusted for a perfect fit.
- Final Check: Our pediatric dentist ensures the crown fits comfortably and your child’s bite is aligned.
How Long Do Pediatric Dental Crowns Last?
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.
When Should I Schedule a Crown for My Child?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Dr. Sean determine whether a crown is the best treatment option for my child?
Every child’s situation is different, so the decision begins with a gentle examination and digital imaging. Dr. Sean evaluates the depth of decay, the strength of the remaining tooth structure, and whether the tooth plays a crucial role in guiding the eruption of future permanent teeth. If the tooth requires more strength than a filling can provide, our pediatric dentist may recommend a crown to preserve function, protect the developing bite, and prevent avoidable tooth loss.
Can sedation be used to help my child stay comfortable during a crown appointment?
Yes. Many children benefit from sedation, especially those who are very young, anxious, or require longer restorative appointments. Dr. Sean offers nitrous oxide or oral sedation in liquid or pill form to help children remain relaxed. For more extensive needs, general anesthesia is available in-office. These options allow our team to complete dental crowns safely and comfortably, even for children who struggle with traditional dental visits.
Do pediatric dental crowns affect how my child eats or speaks afterward?
Most children adapt very quickly. Once the crown is placed and the bite is checked, your child should be able to chew and speak normally. Mild sensitivity may occur for a day or two, but this resolves quickly. Because crowns restore proper structure, they often improve chewing efficiency for children who previously avoided certain foods due to discomfort.
What happens if my child accidentally bites hard on something right after getting a crown?
Crowns are designed to be durable, but the first 24 hours are crucial for allowing the restoration to settle into place. If your child unexpectedly bites on a very hard object and experiences discomfort or loosening, our team can evaluate the crown and make necessary adjustments. Fortunately, most children do not encounter issues when following normal eating recommendations.
How much do pediatric dental crowns typically cost?
Costs vary depending on the crown material, the number of teeth needing treatment, and whether sedation is used. After examining your child, Dr. Sean provides a clear estimate tailored to the treatment plan. Crowns are often more cost-effective in the long term, as they prevent complications that could require more extensive procedures.
Does insurance cover pediatric dental crowns?
Many insurance plans provide coverage for crowns when they are considered medically or functionally necessary. Because benefits vary, our team reviews your policy, confirms expected coverage, and explains any remaining financial responsibility so families are never surprised.
What benefits do pediatric crowns offer compared to extracting a damaged baby tooth?
Keeping a baby tooth in place until it naturally falls out helps maintain space for the permanent tooth and supports proper speech and chewing. By protecting a weakened tooth, pediatric crowns help avoid shifting of neighboring teeth, early orthodontic issues, and discomfort associated with premature tooth loss. Dr. Sean evaluates each situation to recommend the most beneficial option for your child’s development.
Can families traveling from outside the area receive same-day crown treatment?
Yes. Because many families travel significant distances to Colorado Springs, CO, to see Dr. Sean, we offer same-day dentistry when appropriate. After an exam, our team may be able to prepare the tooth and place the crown during the same visit, reducing the need for additional travel time and multiple appointments.
How do pediatric crowns hold up for active children who grind or clench their teeth?
Pediatric crowns are built to withstand normal childhood habits, including moderate grinding. Stainless steel crowns are particularly strong for back teeth, and tooth-colored options also provide reliable durability. During your child’s exam, Dr. Sean assesses chewing patterns and uses dental instruments to ensure the crown is shaped for ideal function and long-term stability.
What should I do if my child says a new crown “feels different” after the appointment?
It is normal for children to notice a new sensation at first. If the feeling does not fade within a few days or your child seems to favor one side when chewing, our team can make simple adjustments to fine-tune the bite. Follow-up visits are quick and help ensure your child stays comfortable. If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, call (719) 249-2030 for more details.
Protect Your Child's Smile Today!
Simply Kids Dental in Colorado Springs is here to help if your child needs a pediatric dental crown. We offer both stainless steel and tooth-colored crowns to restore your child's teeth and ensure they maintain a healthy, functional smile.
Call (719) 249-2030 today to schedule an appointment and learn more about pediatric dental crowns!
