Will my child’s dental crown require special care?

Our pediatric dentist provides dental crowns for children who have severely decayed and broken teeth. A dental crown is a restoration that covers all of a tooth’s surfaces above the gums. While these restorations are extensive, they do not require special care. Children can maintain their crowns with regular oral hygiene.

These restorations make it possible to retain a biological tooth, enjoy comfortable oral function, and maintain a beautiful smile. Since dental crowns are typically associated with adults, parents might have questions about these restorations. Following are answers to commonly asked questions about dental crowns for children.

How should my child clean his or her dental crowns?

Crowns are cleaned the same way that we clean our biological teeth and gums. Children should brush their teeth and their restorations twice a day, preferably about 30 minutes after their meals. They should also floss at night just before bedtime.

Why has my child’s dentist recommended a crown?

Dental crowns for children are typically recommended by a pediatric dentist to protect diseased and damaged tooth structure. A crown may be used to strengthen a tooth after developing a deep cavity or to restore its size after sustaining damage such as tooth wear, a chip, or a crack.

What do dental crowns for children look like?

These restorations can look just like biological teeth. The appearance of a crown will depend on the materials chosen to produce it. Metal crowns like gold and silver are durable but they do not produce a natural appearance. Crowns that are constructed from porcelain or porcelain fused to metal are indistinguishable from natural tooth structure.

Is the procedure uncomfortable?

Receiving dental crowns is not an invasive procedure. Children may feel some pressure from the dental instruments as their tooth is being prepared. We administer local anesthetics to control any discomfort. We may also provide nitrous oxide to help children stay calm and relaxed throughout treatment.

If you have questions about restorative dental care for children, call The Smiley Tooth Pediatric Dental Specialists to reserve a consultation with our team.