When Might a Child Need a Dental Crown?

Most people don't immediately think of dental crowns as being used in pediatric dentistry, but there are a number of scenarios when a child may need a crown. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA, Dr. Jeni Kong and our dedicated pediatric dental team are here to help you and your family protect your child's oral health and development with the most modern and effective treatments and technologies available today — including dental crowns for kids. Find answers to pediatric dental crown FAQs here, including important information on when a crown may be recommended for a child's tooth — and why.

Can kids get crowns on their teeth?

Yes. Children can — and often should — have dental crowns placed to protect a weak, damaged, or previously repaired tooth.

When should kids get dental crowns?

To determine whether your child needs a dental crown, you'll need to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced pediatric dentist. Generally speaking, some of the most common reasons for placing pediatric dental crowns include:

• To protect a weak tooth
• To protect a cracked, chipped, or compromised tooth from further damage
• To protect a tooth that has previously undergone endodontic treatment or another type of repair
• To repair a tooth that has severe decay or damage not suitable for a traditional filling

Why do baby teeth need a crown if they will eventually fall out?

Many parents understandably wonder why a dental crown would be placed on a baby tooth that will inevitably fall out. Whenever possible, Dr. Jeni attempts to use the most conservative treatment suitable for the patient's needs and avoid a dental crown, but there are cases when a dental crown is required to provide critical protection for a child's tooth. Placing crowns on baby teeth that are damaged, worn, or weakened can help reduce a child's discomfort, improve their ability to eat and chew, boost their confidence, prevent further damage, and maintain the integrity of their dental and oral structures to prevent spacing issues and other problems that may develop otherwise.

Will my child's dental crown be visible?

Our office proudly provides a range of options for pediatric dental crowns in Lawrenceville, GA, including stainless steel and tooth-colored crowns to meet the diverse needs of our patient families. Oftentimes, crowns placed on baby molars are made from stainless steel, while teeth that are more visible with everyday activities like smiling, talking, and laughing may be treated with tooth-colored zirconia crowns for discretion and confidence.

How do I brush my child's teeth if they have a crown?

Caring for pediatric dental crowns is as simple as following your pediatric dentist's recommendations for caring for a child's teeth, including brushing and flossing twice daily, using a children's mouthwash if recommended, and attending their regularly scheduled dental cleanings and exams. In addition, parents should help minimize their child's intake of hard, crunchy, sugary, or sticky foods that could potentially damage the crown or contribute to tooth decay in healthy teeth. Following the placement of a dental crown, Dr. Jeni will go over detailed care instructions with you and your child to ensure you feel comfortable and confident about caring for your pediatric dental restorations.

Protect your child's weak or damaged tooth from further compromise with pediatric dental crowns in Lawrenceville, GA

Whenever possible, Dr. Jeni Kong attempts to save a natural tooth with a filling or more conservative measure, but there are times when it may be necessary to place a dental crown on a child's tooth to prevent further damage and restore their comfort and oral health. To learn more about whether your child may need a dental crown, call our knowledgeable team at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA to schedule your private consultation or dental exam with Dr. Jeni today.