When Children Need Dental Crowns
Pediatric dental crowns are recommended when a tooth has decay too extensive for a filling, after pulp therapy to protect the treated tooth, when a tooth is cracked or fractured, for teeth with developmental defects affecting enamel, and to protect teeth at high risk for future decay.
Baby teeth need to stay in place until permanent teeth are ready to come in. Losing a baby tooth too early can cause neighboring teeth to shift, leading to crowding and orthodontic problems later. Crowns help preserve damaged baby teeth until they're ready to fall out naturally.
Types of Pediatric Crowns
At our Pickering office, we offer several crown options depending on the tooth's location, your child's age, and your preferences.
Stainless steel crowns are the gold standard for back teeth in children. They're extremely durable, require minimal tooth preparation, and can typically be placed in a single visit.
For front teeth or when appearance is a priority, we offer tooth-colored options including white-faced stainless steel crowns and zirconia crowns that look like natural teeth.
Our pediatric dentists will recommend the best option for your child's specific situation, explaining the benefits of each approach.
The Crown Procedure
Most pediatric crowns are completed in a single appointment. After numbing the area, we remove decay and shape the tooth to fit the crown. The crown is then fitted, adjusted as needed, and cemented into place.
Stainless steel crowns for baby teeth come in pre-made sizes, allowing same-day placement without impressions or temporary crowns. Zirconia crowns may require slightly different procedures depending on the system used.
What to Expect After
Your child may feel some pressure sensitivity for a day or two after crown placement, which is normal. The crown will feel different at first, but children adapt quickly. The crown will remain in place until the baby tooth naturally falls out, usually coming out with the tooth.
Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups keep crowned teeth healthy. We monitor all restorations at your child's regular appointments to ensure they're functioning properly.
Families from Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and throughout Durham Region trust Hi Five Kids Dental & Braces for pediatric crowns that restore damaged teeth and protect developing smiles.
