Are Pediatric Dental Crowns Permanent or Temporary?

When it comes to your child's dental health, knowing the best options for treatment is crucial. Pediatric dental crowns are a common solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth, but parents often wonder whether these crowns are a permanent fixture or a temporary measure. 

Understanding the nature of pediatric dental crowns can help you make informed decisions about your child's oral care. In this blog, we'll explore the purpose of pediatric dental crowns, their longevity, and what you can expect during the treatment process.

Understanding Pediatric Dental Crowns

Pediatric dental crowns are specially designed caps that cover and protect a child's tooth that has been compromised by decay or injury. These crowns are essential in preserving the tooth's structure and function, especially when a filling is not sufficient. Key points about pediatric dental crowns include:

• They are typically made from stainless steel or porcelain and ceramic materials.
• Stainless steel crowns are less expensive but are very strong, and are usually used to repair baby teeth. 
• Porcelain and ceramic crowns are more aesthetically pleasing and used for front teeth, or for permanently restoring adult teeth.

These crowns are a vital part of pediatric dentistry, providing a reliable solution to maintain oral health and function.

Are Pediatric Dental Crowns Permanent?

When applied to a baby tooth, a pediatric dental crown is not meant to be permanent. Instead, it’s designed to last until the tooth falls out naturally and is replaced by an adult tooth. For this reason, stainless steel crowns are typically recommended for pediatric crowns on baby teeth.

Stainless steel crowns are cheaper than ceramic and porcelain crowns, but are durable enough to last until your child’s tooth falls out on its own. And while they do not look as natural, this is not a big deal for baby teeth, since they will fall out in a few years anyway.

In contrast, pediatric crowns made from porcelain or ceramic materials are recommended if your child has a damaged adult tooth that needs repair. These crowns are lifelike, strong, and durable, with a lifespan of 10-20 years or longer. With a porcelain or ceramic crown, you can keep your child’s smile looking natural and bright as they grow.

Benefits of Pediatric Dental Crowns

Pediatric dental crowns offer numerous benefits that make them a preferred choice for treating damaged or decayed teeth in children. Some of these benefits include:

• Protection: Crowns safeguard the tooth from further decay and damage.
• Functionality: They restore the tooth's ability to chew and speak properly.
• Aesthetics: Crowns can improve the appearance of a child's smile.

These advantages highlight why many dentists recommend crowns as a practical solution for maintaining your child's oral health.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The process of getting a pediatric dental crown is straightforward and typically involves two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing decay and shaping it to fit the crown. An impression is then taken to create a custom-fit crown. 

In the second visit, the crown is placed and adjusted for a perfect fit. Throughout the procedure, your child's comfort is prioritized, with local anesthesia used to minimize any discomfort.

Parents can rest assured that the procedure is safe, effective, and designed to ensure the best possible outcome for their child's dental health.

If your child is getting a stainless steel crown, it may be possible to have it fitted and placed in a single visit that combines the above steps. This is because stainless steel crowns are pre-made in a variety of sizes, so your child’s dentist can simply choose the right size and place it on their tooth immediately after preparing it.

Schedule Your Child's Appointment in `

At Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to providing exceptional dental care to children in Garden City and surrounding areas. If you have concerns about your child's dental health or are considering pediatric dental crowns, our experienced team, led by Dr. Manpreet Dhillon and Dr. Ravneet Dhillon, is here to help. Contact us today at (516) 324-8047 to schedule an appointment and ensure your child's smile remains healthy and bright!