Children's Dental Crowns in Lawrenceville, GA

Crowns are used to treat individual teeth that have too much decay or damage to be restored with a filling. Sometimes called a "cap," dental crowns are used to cover the affected tooth and can be shaded to blend with your child's natural tooth structure for a seamless finish. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA, we use crowns to treat a large cavity, strengthen a damaged tooth, or improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth. Board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Jeni Kong offers crowns using stainless steel or zirconia (tooth-colored), depending on the patient's needs. Make an appointment with Dr. Jeni today to learn more about how a dental crown may repair or strengthen your child's damaged tooth while also improving the total health and appearance of their smile.

Having a healthy, strong, and attractive smile is important for many reasons, like helping your child to chew and eat comfortably and ensuring proper growth and development as new teeth form. Children may also feel more confident about themselves with a complete and natural-looking smile. Some of the primary benefits of pediatric dental crowns for children in Lawrenceville, GA include:

• Help protect teeth from damage or decay
• Strengthen a damaged or weakened tooth
• Can be customized to match your child's other teeth
• Eating, chewing, talking, and other activities are more comfortable

Dental crowns may be used to treat several types of oral needs. They may be placed to cover a tooth damaged by decay, prevent weak teeth from chipping or breaking, or cover and protect teeth that have received endodontic treatment. Dental crowns may also be used to repair teeth that are cracked or extremely worn down. Dr. Jeni will only recommend a dental crown when a filling is insufficient to restore a tooth or when absolutely necessary. During your consult, Dr. Jeni will go over your choices and help you choose the best dental crown option for your child's needs and family budget. Most crowns for baby molars are stainless steel. For parents who prefer a tooth-colored crown for their child’s molars, a tooth-colored crown option is available and made out of zirconia.

During your child's crown visit, Dr. Jeni will numb the area so that they are comfortable throughout the procedure. Often times, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is administered to help relax the child and to provide a comfortable experience. Sedation techniques may be used to help your child feel more relaxed during the procedure if they have any fears, anxieties, or other concerns. Our treatment areas also feature headphones connected to our overhead screens to minimize the sounds of our dental equipment.

Once your child's crown procedure is finished, they are free to resume normal daily activities. Some types of sedation take a few hours to wear off. If sedation was administered, we will provide instructions on when normal activities can be resumed. Dr. Jeni or a member of our team will go over how to care for your child's new crown, including any foods that should be avoided and cleaning techniques. If your child experiences any problems with the crown (if it falls out or becomes loose), call our office for help. Do not try to repair it or reattach on your own as this may cause an infection or bad fit.

Based on your dental insurance coverage, some of your child's costs may be paid. After talking to your insurance company, we can better calculate your out-of-pocket costs. At your child's consultation, Dr. Jeni will help you determine the crown material that best suits your child's needs and family budget. Our team can also go over payment methods along with financing information to help make your child's crown procedure affordable.

Will getting a dental crown be painful for my child?

At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Jeni will numb the tooth to be treated with a local anesthetic before she begins to ensure your child won’t feel any pain or discomfort. Nitrous oxide sedation can also be used to help keep your child relaxed and make the experience more comfortable. We also have headphones and overhead screens to reduce the sounds of dental equipment.

What are the most common reasons a child needs a dental crown?

The most common reasons a child needs a dental crown include:

• Tooth decay
• A damaged tooth or to prevent tooth damage (chips, cracks, breaks, excessive wear)
• To protect a tooth that has received an endodontic treatment

How long does it take to have a children’s dental crown placed?

A children’s dental crown can typically be placed in one 60 – 90-minute-long visit. In some cases, the tooth will be prepared and covered with a temporary crown in one visit. In about two weeks, after the permanent crown has been created at our lab, you will return to have it placed.

Will the dental crown look like a natural tooth?

Dr. Jeni offers zirconia crowns that will look just like your child’s natural teeth.

How long do dental crowns for children last?

The lifespan of a dental crown for children depends on various factors, including the type of crown used, the child's oral hygiene habits, and their dietary habits. Zirconia crowns may last longer and can potentially remain until the primary tooth is lost.

How can I care for my child's dental crown?

Proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing, are essential for maintaining the health of your child's dental crown and surrounding teeth. Avoiding sticky or hard foods can help prevent damage to the crown. Regular dental check-ups at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry are also important for monitoring the crown's condition and ensuring optimal oral health.

A damaged or missing tooth may be easily treated with a dental crown from Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry. Contact our pediatric team in Lawrenceville, GA today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeni.