A pediatric dental crown, often referred to as a “cap,” is a custom-made covering that restores a child’s damaged or decayed tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance, allowing it to function properly. It protects the underlying tooth structure from further damage and decay, maintaining its integrity until it naturally falls out.
Primary Reasons for Pediatric Crowns
Extensive tooth decay is one of the most common reasons for a pediatric crown. When cavities are too large or deep, a traditional filling may not adequately strengthen the weakened tooth structure. A crown provides full coverage and strength, protecting the tooth from further decay and breakage.
Accidents and trauma can also lead to fractured or chipped teeth. If the damage is significant, a crown restores the tooth’s original shape and strength, preventing further injury or infection. This protective cap safeguards the tooth until natural exfoliation.
Following pulp therapy (sometimes called a “baby root canal” or pulpotomy), a tooth often becomes more fragile. A crown reinforces the treated tooth, preventing fracture and ensuring it remains functional until natural shedding.
Some children are born with developmental conditions affecting tooth enamel, like enamel hypoplasia, making teeth weaker and more susceptible to decay or breakage. A crown provides a durable protective barrier, enhancing strength and appearance, and supporting proper chewing and overall oral health.
Preserving primary teeth is important. They play a role in proper chewing, speech development, and maintaining space for permanent teeth. Early loss due to severe damage can lead to adjacent teeth shifting, causing alignment issues for incoming permanent teeth and potentially necessitating orthodontic treatment. Crowns help keep these teeth in place until natural exfoliation.
Types of Crowns for Children
Pediatric dental crowns come in various materials. Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are common for back teeth due to their durability, cost-effectiveness, and quick placement. While their metallic appearance is noticeable, they are often preferred for molars where aesthetics are less of a concern.
For more visible teeth, such as those in the front, tooth-colored or aesthetic crowns are recommended. These can be made from materials like composite resin or zirconia. Zirconia crowns are durable, offer a natural tooth-like appearance, and are biocompatible.
While aesthetic crowns offer visual benefits, they may be more costly than stainless steel options. Material choice depends on the tooth’s location, damage extent, and discussions with parents. Both stainless steel and zirconia crowns can often be placed efficiently in a single visit.
Caring for a Child’s Crown
Maintaining a child’s dental crown involves consistent oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing around the crowned tooth prevents plaque buildup and decay at the crown margins. Parents should supervise brushing for younger children to ensure thorough cleaning.
Dietary considerations also play a role. Limit sticky, hard, or overly chewy foods that could dislodge or damage the crown, such as sticky candies, nuts, and ice.
Routine dental check-ups are important for monitoring the crown’s condition and overall oral health. If a crown comes loose or falls off, contact the pediatric dentist promptly. The crown may be cleaned and re-cemented, or a new one may be needed. Parents can temporarily reattach an intact crown using toothpaste or denture adhesive until the dental appointment.
A crown on a primary tooth is designed to last until the permanent tooth naturally erupts, typically between ages 10 and 12. Proper care helps ensure it fulfills its purpose for the necessary duration.