Dental Crowns for Children in Silverdale, WA
When a child's tooth has extensive decay, a large fracture, or has undergone nerve treatment (pulpotomy), a pediatric crown provides full-coverage protection that keeps the tooth functional until it naturally falls out. At The Kids' Dentist Silverdalein Silverdale, WA, we offer multiple crown options including stainless steel and tooth-colored (white) crowns to restore and protect your child's damaged teeth.
Crown Options for Children
Stainless Steel Crowns
Stainless steel crowns are the most durable and time-tested option for baby molars. They are pre-formed, require minimal tooth preparation, and can typically be placed in a single visit. Their silver appearance makes them most appropriate for back teeth that are not visible when your child smiles. They are the standard of care recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for baby teeth with extensive decay.
White (Zirconia) Crowns
For front teeth or when appearance is a priority, we offer white zirconia crowns that match your child's natural tooth color. These pre-formed crowns are strong, biocompatible, and provide excellent esthetics. They require slightly more tooth preparation than stainless steel but deliver a natural-looking result that parents and children appreciate.
White-Faced Stainless Steel Crowns
These hybrid crowns combine the durability of stainless steel on the biting surface with a tooth-colored facing on the visible front. They offer a balance between strength and appearance for teeth that are partially visible when your child smiles.
When Is a Crown Needed?
- Large cavities that are too extensive for a filling to support
- Teeth that have received pulpotomy (nerve treatment)
- Fractured or broken teeth that need structural protection
- Teeth with developmental defects affecting enamel strength
- Baby teeth that need to last several more years and are at risk of further breakdown
The Crown Placement Process
Pediatric crowns are placed in a single appointment. After numbing the tooth (with sedation options available for anxious children), we carefully shape the tooth to accept the crown, select the proper size and type, and cement it in place. The entire process typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Your child can eat normally once the numbness wears off.
Caring for Your Child's Crown
Crowned teeth require the same care as natural teeth: twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. Your child should avoid very hard or sticky foods that could loosen the crown. Regular dental visits allow us to monitor the crown and ensure it remains secure. The crown stays in place until the baby tooth naturally falls out, at which point the crown comes out with it.
Pediatric Crowns FAQs
Pediatric crowns are designed to last for the remaining life of the baby tooth. They typically stay in place until the tooth naturally falls out, which may be several years depending on your child's age and which tooth is crowned.
Ready to Schedule Your Child’s Visit?
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