Why Does My Child Need a Pediatric Dental Crown?

What Are Pediatric Dental Crowns?

Crowns are tooth-shaped dental restorations that cover and protect the visible portions of teeth, restoring their shape, size, strength, and function. For the front teeth, we offer several tooth-colored crown options, designed to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. At Hurst Pediatric Dentistry, we offer high quality restorations using cutting-edge technology and techniques to help your child enjoy a healthy, happy smile for a lifetime. Dr. Lin will determine which type of crowns or restorations are best suited for your child’s unique needs.

When Is A Pediatric Dental Crown Needed?

Left untreated, a cavity can grow so large and destroy so much of a tooth that there is insufficient tooth structure left to support a filling. A pediatric dental crown encases the remaining tooth, providing protection and preventing further damage. Dr. Lin may also recommend a pediatric dental crown if a tooth needs nerve treatment (pulpotomy), if it is not formed properly and is breaking down even without cavities, or if it is cracked or fractured due to trauma or grinding. 

Are Dental Crowns Necessary on Baby Teeth?

Parents often wonder whether crowns are really necessary on primary (“baby”) teeth. After all, baby teeth are going to fall out eventually anyway, so why not just extract a problematic baby tooth rather than restoring it?

Even though your child’s baby teeth are temporary, it’s important to maintain their health. Baby teeth help children speak clearly and chew properly, and they help permanent teeth come in correctly, reducing the chances that your child will need orthodontic treatments down the road. Failure to properly care for primary teeth can result in pain, infection, premature loss of teeth and impairment of overall health.  

How Can I Prevent My Child From Needing Dental Crowns?

Safeguard your child’s smile and avoid the need for pediatric dental crowns or other restorations by encouraging proper oral hygiene habits:

• Make sure your child brushes at least twice a day, beginning as soon as your child’s very first tooth emerges, and flosses daily as soon as your child has two teeth that touch. Not sure how? Check out our tips for brushing baby and toddler teeth and our guide to flossing kids’ teeth.
• Limit your child’s consumption of sugary and starchy foods and beverages, which can lead to tooth decay.
• Schedule a dental exam and professional dental cleaning every six months to ensure your child’s smile stays in tip-top shape. 

Pediatric Dental Crowns in Hurst, TX

Contact Hurst Pediatric Dentistry at (817) 510-6400 to learn more about pediatric dental crowns and whether they are the right option for restoring your child’s smile.

Hurst Pediatric Dentistry is located in Hurst, Texas, and provides preventative and restorative dental services, including dental crowns, to children from Hurst, Bedford, Euless, Colleyville, Keller, North Richland Hills, Fort Worth, Arlington, Irving and the surrounding area.

This article is intended to provide general information about oral health topics. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition or as a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional who is fully aware of and familiar with the specifics of your case. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with regard to any questions you may have relating to a medical condition or treatment.