If your child has a damaged or decayed tooth, you might hear your dentist mention a baby dental crown. This can sound surprising at first, especially when baby teeth fall out eventually. But sometimes, placing a crown is the best way to protect your child’s smile as it grows.
Here are the most common questions parents ask about baby dental crowns.
What Is a Baby Dental Crown?
A baby dental crown is a small cap that covers a child’s tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, strength, and function. Dentists usually use crowns when a baby tooth is badly damaged from decay or injury and can’t be fixed with a regular filling.
Even though baby teeth aren’t permanent, they play a big role in your child’s overall health. They help with chewing, speaking, and holding space for the adult teeth that come in later.
When Does a Baby Tooth Need a Crown?
A baby tooth may need a crown if:
- There’s a large cavity that a filling can’t fix
- The tooth is cracked or broken
- The tooth had a nerve treatment like a pulpotomy
- There’s a birth defect in the enamel that makes the tooth weak
Crowns help save the tooth until it falls out on its own. This helps prevent shifting teeth, chewing problems, or pain that could affect your child’s daily life.
What Are the Different Types of Baby Dental Crowns?
Dentists use several kinds of crowns, depending on which tooth needs fixing and how much durability or appearance matters.
Stainless Steel Crowns
These are the most common type for baby molars. They’re strong, last a long time, and work well in the back of the mouth where chewing pressure is high. They’re silver-colored and not as visible in back teeth.
Zirconia Crowns
These crowns are tooth-colored and look more natural. They’re made from a hard ceramic material and often used on front teeth or when appearance is important. They take longer to place and may need more space on the tooth.
Composite Strip Crowns
These are mostly used for front teeth. A clear plastic shell is filled with a tooth-colored material, then removed after it hardens. They look nice but aren’t as strong as other options and can stain over time.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
These are less common in baby teeth but may be used when both strength and appearance matter. They have a metal base with a porcelain surface.
How Is a Baby Crown Placed?
Placing a baby dental crown is a simple process and usually takes one visit.
- The dentist numbs the area with a local anesthetic.
- Decay or damage is removed from the tooth.
- The tooth is shaped so the crown can fit over it.
- The crown is placed and cemented to the tooth.
The visit may take a little longer if the tooth needs nerve treatment first.
Is It Safe for Kids to Get a Crown?
Yes. Crowns have been used for many years in pediatric dentistry. The materials used are safe and made for children’s mouths. Stainless steel crowns have a long track record of safety and durability. Zirconia and other tooth-colored crowns are also considered safe and biocompatible.
Some children may feel sore or numb after the appointment, but that usually goes away within a few hours.
What Happens After the Crown Is Placed?
Right after the appointment, your child may need to avoid crunchy or sticky foods until the numbness wears off. It’s normal for the gums to feel a little sore for a day or two.
The crown will feel normal in your child’s mouth after a short time. If it ever feels loose or causes discomfort, it’s important to contact the dentist for a check-up.
How Long Does a Baby Crown Last?
A baby crown is designed to last until the tooth naturally falls out, which can be anywhere from a few months to several years depending on your child’s age and which tooth was treated. Most crowns hold up well if your child practices good brushing habits and avoids biting hard objects.
How Do You Care for a Crown?
Taking care of a crown is just like caring for any other tooth. Your child should:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once a day, especially around the crown
- Avoid biting on hard objects like ice or pencils
- Visit the dentist every six months for check-ups
Keeping the area around the crown clean helps prevent gum problems or cavities on nearby teeth.
Are There Alternatives to Baby Crowns?
In some cases, there may be other options, like a filling or extraction. However, fillings don’t work well for large areas of damage. Removing the tooth is usually a last resort because it can affect how other teeth grow in.
Your dentist will recommend a crown if it’s the best way to protect your child’s tooth and support their oral development.
Call to Schedule an Appointment
Baby teeth may not last forever, but they play a big role in your child’s health and development. If your child has a cavity or damaged tooth, a baby dental crown may be the right solution to keep their smile strong. Have questions or want to schedule a visit? Call Dentists of Hinsdale Lake today at (630) 323-5333 to talk to our friendly team and book your child’s appointment.