Crowns are a great way to repair a damaged tooth. When a tooth is broken or decayed, a crown can be placed over it to protect the remainder of the tooth and provide normal functioning to the mouth. Crowns are a necessary procedure in primary (baby) teeth since these teeth are so small to begin with. If a tooth presents with decay on several surfaces or has broken the sides of the tooth, a crown is the best long-term option. A large white filling is never the best treatment for large cavities in primary teeth. Most posterior teeth in children remain in their mouth until the ages of 11-13. Should your child require a dental crown, the Tiny Teeth team will guide you through the process. We offer stainless steel crowns (silver crowns) as well as zirconia crowns (white crowns). Zirconia crowns are mainly used for esthetic purposes and they require excellent cooperation from the child to be placed properly.
What is the process of getting a dental crown placed?
Stainless steel crowns and zirconia crowns can both be placed in one treatment visit. Dr. Pagé will numb your child’s mouth so that they are kept comfortable and she will remove any decay that has damaged the tooth. Then, she will prepare the tooth so the crown can fit over it without changing your child’s original bite. If a nerve treatment is necessary, this will be performed after the tooth preparation. She will then try on crowns to find the perfect size. Once the proper size is determined, the crown will be placed with a dental cement. The crown may feel different in your child’s mouth at first, but Dr. Pagé will make sure it is the correct shape and size for your child’s mouth. After a day or two, your child will become accustomed to the feel of the new tooth in their mouth. A crown on a posterior primary tooth will usually exfoliate (fall out) around ages 11-13. The tooth and crown will fall out together.
