Pediatric Crowns Near Me – Dental Crown for kids

Oral health for children is essential because it creates a healthy foundation for developing adult teeth. However, getting them to practice good oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing, can be challenging. Eventually, this can result in dental issues that compromise the appearance and functionality of the teeth. When that happens, parents often begin searching for solutions—such as pediatric crowns near me—to restore and protect their child’s smile.

This is where you need to visit your dentist to get a dental crown for kids. Dental crowns are caps with the color and size of a natural tooth that we place over a natural tooth. Children’s tooth crowns ensure that the baby tooth remains in place before reaching maturity and adult teeth start developing.

Luna Pediatric Dentistry has the best kids dentist in Richmond Texas. Below is a detailed guide from our experts on things to know before getting dental crowns for children.

When Are Pediatric Crowns Recommended?

At Luna Pediatric Dentistry, we don’t recommend dental crowns for toddlers to every child with dental issues. Below are some of the instances we deem children’s tooth crowns appropriate.

• Severe tooth decay may require the placement of a crown to protect the tooth structure.

• Badly broken teeth often benefit from crowns to restore their shape and function.

• Excessive wear from grinding or erosion can damage the enamel, making crowns a strong restorative option.

• Teeth that haven’t formed correctly, such as in cases of dentinogenesis imperfecta or amelogenesis, may need crowns for protection and aesthetics.

• After procedures involving the nerves of deciduous molars, like a pulpectomy, a crown helps preserve the tooth.

• Developmental defects that alter the color, size, or shape of teeth may also call for crowns to improve appearance and function.

• In some cases, we recommend dental crowns for 5-year-old children who have undergone a root canal to protect the treated tooth.

Types Of Crowns For Toddlers

There are different types of pediatric crowns to choose from. We choose them depending on the child’s issues, age, and how long they have before the teeth fall out. We also explain the pediatric dental crowns cost to parents to choose one within their budget.

Stainless Steel Pediatric Crowns

This is the most popular type of dental crown for 5 year old children and the one we recommend the most. Also known as silver crowns, it is made from a combination of different metals.
That combination makes it the most durable dental crown for kids.

Therefore, it does not wear and tear fast from saliva and constant chewing. We usually recommend them for molars at the back of the mouth because of their strength and shiny color.

We can, however, install them in front teeth for children who don’t want natural-looking white pediatric dental crowns.
If a parent still wants these caps on children’s teeth, we can add a white facing to the crown.

It allows the child to enjoy the durability of stainless steel crowns. It also gives the natural look of white pediatric dental crowns. Stainless steel pediatric crowns are also the most affordable.

Composite Pediatric Crowns

These caps on children’s teeth are the most natural looking, made from mixtures of glass and plastic. Therefore, we primarily use these white pediatric dental crowns on the teeth that are visible when a child smiles or talks.

However, these dental crowns for toddlers are less durable than stainless steel pediatric crowns. They are also more expensive and prone to stains and chips.

Polycarbonate Pediatric Crowns

We use these children’s tooth crowns for front baby teeth and as a temporary restoration. They are less durable than other pediatric crowns but are also among the cheapest.

Resin Veneer Pediatric Crowns

These dental crowns for children combine stainless steel durability and composite beauty. Therefore, we use them for front and back teeth. However, they are among the most expensive option.

Zirconia Ceramic Pediatric Crowns

Also called white pediatric dental crowns, these are the best crowns for toddlers in terms of beauty and durability. They are made of porcelain materials that don’t bend, adjust, or mold, like stainless steel pediatric crowns. We use them on the back and front teeth, and they are the most expensive.

How To Prepare For Dental Crown For Kids

Many children don’t love dental clinics. Getting them to go without crying or making a fuss can be challenging. Here are some things we advise clients to do before bringing their child in to get dental crowns for children.

Explain The Procedure To The Child

One of the effective ways to get children to be calm during the visit is psychologically preparing them for what to expect. We advise parents to explain the basic steps of getting dental crowns for toddlers. They should, however, leave out details that might scare the child more.

We also advise them to tell children about the procedure’s benefits to get them excited.

Act It Out

After explaining it theoretically, it helps to play doctor and show children what will happen. It helps ease the child’s uneasiness that might remain even after the verbal explanation. We encourage parents to practice it on each other in turns.

Carry Toys And Snacks

Waiting in the reception for the child’s turn could re-introduce the child’s fear of the procedure. We recommend that parents bring their children’s favorite toys and snacks. This way, they will remain focused and be patient before the procedure.

At Luna Pediatric Dentistry, we have a children-friendly environment to help keep your child calm and comfortable. We also have the best kids dentist in Richmond Texas, who is friendly and engaging with kids.

Be Calm

Children can sense their parents’ uneasiness and anxiety, which they can replicate. We advise parents to remain as calm and collected as possible and answer their children’s questions patiently. In addition, they should not let other people tell the child scary stories about the procedure.

What To Expect When Getting Dental Crowns For Children

One of the things you should understand when going in is that the procedure differs from that of adults. Unlike adults, it only takes one dental visit to get children’s tooth crowns. This is because there does not need to be impressions since the pediatric crowns are pre-made.

The first thing we will do is examine your child’s dental health and the conditions of their teeth. It helps them determine whether they need crowns, plus the size and type of crowns that suit them.

We then administer anesthesia, mostly Novocaine or laughing gas. Both will help make the procedure comfortable while keeping the child conscious. Laughing gas is a mild anesthesia we administer through the nose while we inject Novocaine into the gums around the affected tooth.

Thirdly, we drape a rubber dam over the child’s mouth, isolating the affected tooth. It also helps us keep the target area free of moisture, increase the field of view, and keep your child from swallowing debris.

The next step is reducing the tooth’s chewing surface by around 1.5mm. We follow that by opening the contact area between the affected tooth and the neighboring tooth. It helps create space for the children’s tooth crowns. Before applying dental crowns for toddlers, we remove any decay from the tooth and clean it.

Afterward, we chose, size, trim, and fit the crown to the prepared tooth, then wash and dry the crown and the tooth. Afterward, we mix cement, also called tooth glue, and apply it on the crown’s sides before placing it on the tooth. We remove the rubber dam and ask your child to bite down on the crown to help remove excess cement. Finally, we clean the excess glue and dry it.

After the procedure, we advise parents not to let their children eat or drink anything before the anesthesia wears off. It helps ensure that they don’t bite their cheek, lip, or tongue unknowingly.

We also prescribe some over-the-counter medication to help with any sensitivity or discomfort. This is usually normal and goes way after two to three days.

Benefits Of Dental Crowns For Toddlers

Preserves Baby Teeth

We usually use crowns for toddlers on teeth that are severely damaged or decayed. The alternative to this is usually extraction, which we don’t recommend.

This is because extracting baby teeth before they mature could result in complications that become more challenging and costly to treat in the future.

These complications include blockage, crowded permanent teeth, or tipping and misaligning baby teeth. Having caps on children’s teeth allows the baby teeth to act as a placeholder until permanent teeth reach full maturity.

Caps on children’s teeth also help improve baby teeth’ aesthetics, anatomy, strength, and functionality. That allows the child to eat and speak properly.

They Boost The Child’s Self-Esteem

Like adults, children can suffer low self-esteem if their teeth are damaged or misshapen. White pediatric dental crowns give the teeth a new and perfect look, making it easier for children to interact with peers.

It Helps Avoid Tooth Decay

While many people get a dental crown for 5 year old children with severe tooth decay, we can install it before the tooth decay expands. Tooth decay causes much pain and discomfort, and pediatric crowns can help keep it from getting there.

That saves the child from the pain and parents from emergency pediatric dentistry.

Issues You Might Face With Crowns For Toddlers

Sensitivity Or Discomfort

While this is normal a few days after the procedure, it could indicate a deeper issue. Sensitivity to temperature or touch may be a sign of discomfort, and in that case, we recommend using sensitive teeth toothpaste. When the sensitivity continues beyond a few days, we advise parents to visit us immediately.

Pain during chewing could suggest that the caps on the child’s teeth are too high, in which case a dental visit is necessary.

Chipped Pediatric Crown

This could happen because of chewing on hard or chewy food. It mostly happens on porcelain-fused-to-metal or all-porcelain pediatric crowns. We can repair minor cracks and maintain the crown, but we might need to replace it if the chips or cracks are extensive.

Loose Of Falling Crowns

One of the main reasons this happens is because the cement used to attach the crown has washed away over time. If this happens, we advise the parent to call us immediately and book an appointment.

However, if left for a long time, it could create a place for bacteria to grow, making the baby teeth underneath decay. Eventually, this could make the crowns fall off. If they fall off, we recommend that the parent washes the crowns for toddlers and books an appointment immediately.

How To Take Care Of a Dental Crown For 5 Year Old Child

• Brushing and flossing twice a day.
• Ensure your child does not bite or chew hard foods like ice and candy.
• Have a mouth guard on your child whenever they are playing.
• Schedule regular pediatric dentistry visits and cleanings.

Pediatric Dental Crowns Cost

The average pediatric dental crowns cost is between $300 and $500. However, the pediatric dental crowns cost might vary depending on the type, materials used, number of affected teeth, and the person performing the procedure. Before booking an appointment to get a dental crown for 5 year old children, call us for a cost valuation.

How To Choose The Best Kids Dentist In Richmond Texas

• Consider their experience.
• Look at their credentials.
• Ask about their pediatric dental crowns cost.
• Look at their past pediatric crowns procedure.
• Read reviews and ratings.

Work With The Best Kids Dentist In Richmond Texas

Luna pediatric dentistry is dedicated to offering the best and most comfortable dental experience for our client’s children. We have the best kids dentist in Richmond Texas known for giving the best dental crowns for children.

We also offer advice and repeat appointments to keep the caps on children’s teeth in the best condition.

See more: A recent clinical review discusses the advancements and considerations in esthetic treatment options for children.