When and Why Are Dental Crowns Recommended For Kids?

At Kids Dental Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, we make oral health care easy, gentle, and kid-friendly every step of the way.

Our board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Bosede Adeniji, leads our experienced team in tailoring dental crowns and other dental care solutions specifically for children. Crowns are one of the most common dental restorations in both kids and adults. They help protect natural teeth and prevent early loss.

In our August blog, we discuss when and why a crown might be the best choice for your child.

When kids need crowns

Some of the main reasons kids need dental crowns are:

Tooth decay too severe for a filling

Tooth decay is common in kids, affecting more than 45% of children aged 2-19. Decay can sometimes get so deep or wide that a regular filling just isn’t enough. 

If an extra-large filling is left in place, it can weaken the tooth and increase the risk of breakage. A crown keeps the filling stable and protects the tooth.

Tooth trauma

Even though baby teeth are only around for a few years, they’re essential for chewing, speaking, and making room for permanent teeth later on.

Injuries like a fall or a strike to the mouth can seriously damage a baby tooth and may even cause it to fall out too soon. Placing a crown can help keep the tooth healthy and functional until it’s time to fall out naturally. The crown won't prevent normal baby tooth loss.

Developmental defects or weak enamel

Some children are born with enamel that didn’t form properly. This problem, called a developmental defect of enamel, affects up to 45% of children and is particularly common among premature infants.

Without strong enamel, teeth are more likely to wear out or sustain damage. If your child has an enamel defect, Dr. Adeniji may recommend crowns over the affected teeth to improve the appearance and feel of the teeth while also protecting against early loss.

Teeth treated with a pulpotomy

A tooth infection may require a baby root canal (pulpotomy.) The procedure removes the infection but the tooth is weaker than before. 

A crown can help seal the tooth and protect it from future infection while also restoring full strength.

The dental crown process: It's easy for kids

Getting a crown may sound like a big deal, but at Kids Dental Center, we make it a smooth and stress-free process.

During the first visit, Dr. Adeniji gently cleans and shapes the tooth to prepare it for the crown. She may place a temporary crown to protect your child's tooth while the lab makes the custom crown.

At the second visit, Dr. Adeniji places your child's custom crown. For the front teeth, she usually places porcelain crowns because they blend with the nearby teeth when your child smiles. For the back teeth, most children get stainless steel crowns because they're stronger and easily withstand chewing force on the molars.

We offer nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) in the office to help your child relax. Dr. Adeniji has high-level post-graduate training in pediatric dentistry, including unique expertise in working with kids who feel nervous or scared about dental care.

Whether your child has mild anxiety or a strong fear of the dentist, we work at their pace and keep them comfortable every step of the way.

If your child needs a crown or other tooth restoration, call Kids Dental Center at 301-345-2881 to make your child’s appointment today.