Pediatric Dental Crowns

About Pediatric Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are protective caps designed to cover and restore damaged or decayed teeth, offering both structural support and aesthetic improvement.

In pediatric dentistry, crowns are used to preserve the health and function of a baby tooth so that the permanent tooth can grow in properly.

They are made from various materials, such as stainless steel or tooth-colored options, ensuring both durability and an appealing appearance.

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Why Do Kids Need Dental Crowns?

Children may require dental crowns for a variety of reasons, including:

• Severe tooth decay that cannot be treated with a dental filling
• Fractured or broken teeth due to injury or trauma
• Large cavities that compromise the strength and structure of the tooth
• Hypoplastic baby teeth, which have not formed properly and are at risk for further damage if left untreated

But can’t you just pull a baby tooth? While it may seem like the easiest solution, prematurely pulling a baby tooth can lead to problems with the development and eruption of permanent teeth. They are also important for speech development and proper chewing function.

Types of Pediatric Crowns

We offer several types of crowns for kids, depending on the specific needs and preferences of each patient.

1. Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless steel crowns are prefabricated and come in many different sizes. They are typically used for posterior (back) teeth because of the color. 

Benefits:

• Strong and long-lasting
• Cost-effective
• Quick and painless placement process

2. NuSmile Bioflx® Crowns

Bioflex crowns are white, tooth-colored options that provide an alternative to stainless steel crowns for back teeth. 

They are made from a flexible material that adapts well to the shape of the tooth, providing comfortable and long-lasting protection.

Benefits:

• Color more closely resemble natural teeth
• Durable
• Stain resistant
• Does not require anesthesia

3. Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are a popular choice for anterior (front) teeth as they closely resemble the natural color and appearance of baby teeth. 

They are strong, durable, and resistant to wear, making them an excellent long-term option for preserving and protecting damaged or decayed teeth.

Benefits:

• Looks like a natural tooth
• Durable and long-lasting
• Resistant to wear and stains

4. Composite Strip Crowns

Composite strip crowns are another tooth-colored option that offers a more conservative approach to restoring anterior teeth. 

They are made from a composite material that is bonded onto the existing tooth, providing a natural-looking restoration with minimal alteration to the original tooth structure. They are more prone to stain and wear than zirconia crowns. 

Benefits:

• Least invasive option
• Natural-looking result
• Preserves more of the original tooth structure
• Economical option

Dental Crown Procedure

Pediatric dental crowns are prefabricated. They come in a variety of sizes and can be placed in one appointment. 

Stainless Steel Crown Procedure

This procedure requires local anesthesia or sedation.

The tooth is prepared by removing any decay or damage, and the appropriate size crown is selected. 

The crown will be crimped to fit the tooth, and any excess material will be removed. It is then cemented onto the prepared tooth.

Bioflx® Crowns Procedure

Unlike traditional crowns, Bioflx crowns require minimal preparation, meaning we do not need to drill or remove a significant amount of tooth structure. In most cases, this procedure can be done without anesthesia.

Bioflx crowns come in different sizes, and the appropriate one will be selected based on the size of the tooth.

The tooth will be cleaned and dried, and SDF may be applied if there is extensive decay. The interior of the crown will then be filled with a composite bonding agent, and it will be placed onto the tooth using a special adhesive.

Zirconia Crowns Procedure

Zirconia crowns require local anesthesia and possibly sedation.

We remove any decay or damage and prepare the tooth for the crown. This involves smoothing out the tooth and shaping it to fit the crown.

Pediatric zirconia crowns come prefabricated in different sizes and colors. We will select the appropriate one for your child’s tooth and place it on using a special adhesive.

Composite Strip Crowns Procedure

Composite strip crowns also require local anesthesia and possibly sedation.

We remove any decay or damage and prepare the tooth for the crown. A clear, plastic-like shell is filled with composite material. It is then placed onto the damaged tooth. We will use a blue light to harden the material. 

Once the composite is hardened, the plastic strip is removed and a tooth-like shell is left behind.  We then shape and polish the tooth.

Comparison Table of Different Dental Crowns

The Hall Crown Technique

In some cases, traditional restorations may not be possible due to behavioral issues or other circumstances. In such situations, we may offer alternative treatment options such as the Hall Crown technique.

This technique involves placing a stainless steel crown on an unprepared tooth without numbing or drilling. This method is only suitable for baby teeth and requires the crown to be specifically made to fit the natural shape of the tooth.

To ensure that there is enough space for the crown, separators (tiny rubber bands) may be placed between the back teeth a few days before the appointment. These will gently bump the tooth, making room for the crown without numbing or drilling it down.

On the day of the Hall Crown appointment, the separators will be removed, and the crown will be held up next to the tooth to determine the correct size. The tooth may also be treated with Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) before placing the crown, which can help prevent further decay.

The crown will then be cemented onto the tooth, and any excess cement will be removed. The entire appointment is quick and painless, taking less than 10 minutes.

Aftercare and Recovery

If your child received anesthesia, they will feel numb for a few hours after the procedure.

Try not to let them eat or drink until the anesthesia has worn off completely to prevent accidentally biting their tongue or cheek.

Dental crowns are very strong, but they are not unbreakable! Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Avoid hard or sticky foods that can pull on or damage the crown.
• Do not use teeth as tools! Some crowns are more fragile than others and can break if too much force is placed on them.
• Crowns can’t get cavities but the adjacent teeth and gums are still susceptible to decay and gum disease. Help your child to have a good oral hygiene routine. They should brush twice a day and floss at least once a day.
• Attend regular check-ups and cleanings to ensure the crown is still in good condition and there are no issues with the surrounding teeth and gums.

With proper care, dental crowns can last for several years. However, if your child experiences any discomfort or issues with the crown, be sure to let us know.

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