is it normal to put crowns on baby teeth?
Yes. Crowns are a safe and effective way to restore baby teeth that are too decayed or damaged to be fixed with a filling. Sometimes called “dental caps,” crowns cover and protect the affected tooth and can be shaded to blend naturally with your child’s smile. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA, Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim often recommend crowns to treat large cavities, strengthen weakened teeth, or improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth. They offer stainless steel and zirconia (tooth-colored) crowns, depending on your child’s needs.
What are the benefits of children's dental crowns?
Crowns help children maintain strong, healthy smiles while ensuring proper function as permanent teeth develop. With crowns placed by Dr. Kong and Dr. Kim, your child can:
Help protect teeth from damage or decay
Strengthen a damaged or weakened tooth in their development
Can be customized to match your child’s other teeth
Eating, chewing, talking, and other activities are more comfortable
Does My Child Need a Dental Crown?
Crowns are recommended only when necessary, usually if a filling is not enough to restore the tooth. Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim carefully review every case and explain all treatment options to parents, ensuring the best choice for the child and family. Common reasons for pediatric crowns include teeth with large cavities, weak or cracked teeth, or teeth that have been treated with a pulpotomy (children’s root canal).
Options include:
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Stainless steel crowns – durable, reliable, and often used on baby molars
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Zirconia crowns – tooth-colored for a natural look
How Is a Children’s Dental Crown Performed?
During a crown appointment, Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim numbs the tooth so the procedure is comfortable. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may be offered to help children relax, and sedation is available if needed. The treatment rooms also feature overhead TVs and headphones to make the experience as stress-free as possible.
How to Care for a Child’s Dental Crown
Once the crown is placed, children can return to normal activities, though sedation may take a few hours to wear off. Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim will review crown care instructions, including foods to avoid and proper cleaning techniques. If the crown becomes loose or falls out, parents should call the office immediately—do not attempt to reattach it at home.
How Long Will a Children’s Dental Crown Last?
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, crowns placed by Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim can last until the baby tooth naturally falls out. Zirconia crowns are especially durable, offering long-lasting protection and a natural appearance.
Does Insurance Cover Children’s Dental Crowns?
Most dental insurance plans cover some or all of the cost of pediatric crowns. Our office team will review your benefits, explain expected out-of-pocket costs, and go over financing options if needed. Dr. Kong and Dr. Kim will also help you choose the crown type that best fits your child’s needs and family budget.
Schedule Your Visit Today
A damaged or weakened baby tooth doesn’t have to affect your child’s comfort or smile. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeni Kong or Dr. Milee Kim at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA, to learn more about how pediatric dental crowns can restore and protect your child’s teeth.
Children’s Dental Crowns FAQ
At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Jeni will numb the tooth to be treated with a local anesthetic before she begins to ensure your child won’t feel any pain or discomfort. Nitrous oxide sedation can also be used to help keep your child relaxed and make the experience more comfortable. We also have headphones and overhead screens to reduce the sounds of dental equipment.
A children’s dental crown can typically be placed in one 60 – 90-minute-long visit. In some cases, the tooth will be prepared and covered with a temporary crown in one visit. In about two weeks, after the permanent crown has been created at our lab, you will return to have it placed.
Dr. Jeni offers zirconia crowns that will look just like your child’s natural teeth. These crowns provide a durable and aesthetic option for parents who prefer a more natural appearance for their child’s smile.
If your child’s dental crown becomes loose or falls off, contact Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry right away to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, avoid giving your child sticky or hard foods, and keep the area clean by brushing gently. Dr. Jeni will assess the situation and determine whether the crown can be reattached or if a new one is needed.
It’s best to wait at least one hour after the appointment before eating. This gives the crown time to set securely without any interference.
Your child’s new crown might feel slightly bulky initially, but it typically settles within two weeks. If discomfort or irritation persists beyond this period, reach out to our team to determine the next steps for your child’s comfort.