Pediatric dental crowns provide exceptional protection for damaged teeth. At our office, Dr. Linda Ngo (Dr. Linda) and Dr. Hannieh Hassani (Dr. Hani) offer crowns for kids of all ages. If your little one has a damaged tooth, schedule a consultation in Costa Mesa, CA today.
What Are Pediatric Crowns?
At our office, we use white zirconia and stainless steel pediatric crowns. Basically, a crown is a hollow false tooth. Crowns are designed to cover up a damaged tooth, and protect it all the way down to the gum line. Our pre-fitted zirconia and stainless steel crowns will fit perfectly over your little one’s tooth to provide exceptional protection.
Kids typically need a dental crown if they break a tooth, have a large cavity, or get endodontic treatment like a pulpotomy on a baby tooth or a root canal on an adult tooth. A dental crown is the best way to restore both the function and appearance of your little one’s damaged tooth.
Did you know…
The first dental crowns were made from porcelain in the early 19th century.
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The Benefits Of Pediatric Dental Crowns
Superior protection
Compared to other treatments like dental fillings, pediatric dental crowns offer better protection and last longer. This means your child can usually keep their dental crown until their baby tooth falls out naturally.
Prevent pain and discomfort
When a baby tooth is severely damaged or decayed, it can lead to pain, sensitivity, and difficulty in eating and speaking. Dental crowns effectively cover and protect the affected tooth, relieving the child from discomfort and improving their overall quality of life.
Treat them like natural teeth
Dental crowns don’t require any special care beyond regular brushing and flossing. As long as your child is taking good care of their teeth, their dental crown will last for years to come.
The Pediatric Crown Treatment Process
Prep and sedation
To begin the process, Dr. Linda or Dr. Hani will clean and numb the treatment area. We also offer pediatric dental sedation in Costa Mesa, CA. With dental sedation, your child can get the treatment they need without feeling fear, anxiety, or discomfort.
Trimming their tooth
Once your child’s sedation and numbing have taken effect, Dr. Hani or Dr. Linda will use a dental drill to remove damaged or decayed enamel, reshape your child’s tooth, and prepare for their crown. We always do our best to preserve as much of their natural tooth structure as possible. In some cases, trimming may not be needed at all.
Final crown placement
After their tooth has been prepped and trimmed, Dr. Hani or Dr. Linda will pick out a pre-fitted zirconia or stainless steel crown that will fit onto your child’s tooth perfectly, and will match the color of the surrounding teeth. Then, your little one’s dentist will bond the crown to their tooth permanently, restoring their smile.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I help my child take care of their pediatric crown?
Good oral hygiene is crucial in taking care of a pediatric crown. Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day and floss daily. Although a crowned tooth is protected, the gum area around it can still harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned.
It's also important to schedule regular dental check-ups with your Costa Mesa pediatric dentist can monitor the crown and the overall oral health of your child. They can also provide additional tips and guidance on how to care for the crown.
Lastly, try to minimize the amount of sugary foods and drinks your child consumes. These can lead to decay, which can affect not only the crowned tooth but also the other teeth.
Remember, a pediatric crown is an investment in your child's oral health. With proper care, it can help preserve their smile and ensure their future dental health.
What is the process of getting a pediatric crown at Little Roots Pediatric Dentistry?
At Little Roots Pediatric Dentistry, the process of getting a pediatric crown is designed to be as comfortable and stress-free as possible for both the child and the parent. Dr. Linda Ngo and Dr. Hanieh Hassani are experienced in working with children of all ages and are dedicated to providing gentle, compassionate care.
The process can usually be completed in a single visit. Your child’s dentist will prepare the tooth, reshaping it to accommodate the new crown. They will then choose a pre-fitted crown from a selection of sizes, and check the fit and make adjustments if necessary to ensure it fits comfortably and functions properly. The crown is then cemented in place, and that’s it! We’ll also provide you with guidance for aftercare and how to keep their new crown in good shape.
Why might my child need a pediatric crown?
A pediatric crown might be recommended for your child for various reasons. The most common reason is to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay. Despite being temporary, baby teeth play a crucial role in your child's oral development. They not only help in chewing and speech development but also hold space for the permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay or damage, it can lead to future dental problems.
A pediatric crown can help save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. It covers the entire tooth, protecting it from further decay and helping to keep it in place until it naturally falls out. Pediatric crowns are also used in cases where a tooth is broken or chipped due to an injury, or if a tooth is severely discolored.
Does Dental Crown Treatment Cause Any Pain?
No. At Little Roots Pediatric Dentistry, child-friendly and comfortable dentistry is our specialty.
Your child’s mouth will be numb during treatment, and we offer sedation dentistry to ensure that they feel no pain.
Their tooth may be a little sore for a few days as your little one gets used to their new crown, but this is not a big deal. Giving them an over-the-counter pain reliever like children’s Tylenol can help with minor discomfort.