Restorative Dentistry
Why might my child need a dental crown?
Dental cavities can come in all shapes and sizes. Dr. Parks will take the time to ensure your child's condition is accurately diagnosed and gets a customized treatment plans. If your child has a large cavity, needs treatment with sedation or needs "a baby root" canal (pulpotomy) Dr. Parks will recommend a dental crown. For children, dental crowns can be silver, however, your child could have a white crown placed here at Parks Pediatric dentistry. Call our office today and schedule an evaluation to find out more!
White Crowns
Zirconia White Crowns
Zirconia crowns are a tooth-colored alternative to stainless steel crowns, offering a natural look that blends beautifully with your child’s smile. Made from strong, biocompatible ceramic, they’re an ideal choice for restoring teeth so your little one can smile, speak, and laugh with confidence.
White Resin Crowns
White resin crowns are also tooth-colored solutions that we occasionally offer depending on your child's unique needs.
The Benefits of Pediatric Dental Crowns
Longevity
Dental crowns are the longest lasting restorations to repair damaged teeth according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. We offer stainless steel crowns as well as white zirconia and resin crowns to help restore your child's smile.
Prevent Complications
If Dr. Parks recommends a crown for your child and they don’t get treatment, they could be at risk of further problems like tooth infections. These complications could cause pain and discomfort, worsen their oral health, and lead to additional costly treatments like root canal therapy. With a crown, you can protect their tooth and avoid these complications entirely.
Little Smiles For Every Budget
Insurance-Friendly Office
Healthcare Financing Options
Membership Plans Available
Keeping Care Accessible
Every child deserves the chance at a healthy grin. That’s why we have payment options for every budget.
The Pediatric Dental Crown Treatment Process
Tooth Numbing & Preparation
To begin the process, Dr. Parks will numb (freeze the sugar bugs) in their mouth and use a drill (power toothbrush) to remove all of the damaged or decayed enamel from their tooth. They will shape the tooth into a strong, stable platform. This ensures the dental crown can attach tightly to the remaining tooth.
Building & Placing The Crown
Dr. Parks will choose a pre-fitted crown according to your child's tooth size, then cement it in place. After the treatment your child will be able to eat normally on their new tooth!
What makes us different
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Rest assured that your child is receiving top-notch, specialized care with our Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. To be recognized by The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, doctors must undergo extensive training in the pediatric field in addition to their standard dental degrees.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
Most commonly, pediatric dental crowns are used to treat extensive cavities, or to repair a tooth that has been damaged by an infection and was restored with a pulpotomy (baby root canal). Dr. Parks, as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry also recommends placing crowns when treating children in the hospital or during sedation in order to prevent future needs. Because dental crowns cover up and protect the entire structure of the tooth, they can strengthen the tooth after serious decay and help prevent further complications.
Kids can easily damage their baby teeth during accidents, horse play, or contact sports. A crown may be needed to treat your child’s mouth after a dental injury has cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged one of their teeth.
With a crown, the tooth can be quickly repaired to restore its shape and function, and help your child chew, smile, and bite normally once again. It will be completely protected as your child’s mouth continues to grow and their adult teeth begin to erupt.
Dr. Parks will be the best judge of whether or not they need a dental crown. In some cases, an alternative treatment like dental bonding or a dental filling may be a good option. However, if you think that your child has a deep cavity or an infected tooth, it’s likely that a crown is the best way to restore their smile.
Additionally, if your child suffers from an oral injury and you see that one of their teeth is visibly damaged, they may need a dental crown. In both cases, you should contact your child’s dentist right away to get an emergency consultation and ensure they get the treatment they need.
Yes. Pediatric dental crowns are very durable, and usually last 5+ years. They are intended to cover up and protect your child’s tooth until it falls out naturally, and is replaced by an adult tooth.
No. There is no lengthy recovery process after your child gets a crown. They can resume their day-to-day activities immediately after their appointment and maintain a normal diet. Your child’s tooth may feel a bit sore or tender for a week or two after it’s been placed, but this is normal. Some minor sensitivity is nothing to worry about, as this issue will go away on its own.
To care for your child’s dental crown, all you need to do is treat it like a natural tooth. You will need to brush their teeth at least twice per day for two minutes, and floss their teeth once per day. Depending on their age, they may be able to do this themselves.
Beyond proper oral hygiene, you should make sure your child eats a tooth-friendly, healthy diet low in sugary foods and drinks. You should also set appointments for your child to see their pediatric dentist every six months for a check-up and a teeth cleaning. If you follow these simple steps, your child’s crown will last for years.
Restorative dental care for children is almost always covered by dental insurance, so you can expect your insurance company to cover the cost of one or more pediatric dental crowns. However, the coverage limits, deductibles, and specifics of each insurance policy differ. Traditionally, silver pediatric crowns are covered by dental insurance, however, white zirconia crowns may need to be paid for out-of-pocket.
For that reason, we highly recommend consulting with your insurer directly to learn more about your coverage before you schedule your child’s appointment with their dentist. This will ensure that you avoid any unexpected bills, and that your child’s treatment is completely covered.
