Paediatric crowns
If your child has a small cavity, we can still fix the tooth with a simple filling. However, if the decay has significantly damaged the tooth, it may be necessary to place a crown on the tooth. Crowns are usually placed on teeth that have large areas of decay.
Types of crowns
Metal crowns
Metal crowns are the most common type of crown used for children. These are shiny, silver crowns that are very strong and durable and a great option if you aren’t too concerned about aesthetics.
Porcelain crowns
Porcelain crowns provide the best and most natural look. They match the surrounding teeth in shape, size, and colour. Porcelain crowns aren’t as strong as metal crowns, but they can last a long time if they’re well taken care of.
What to expect at an appointment
Dental crowns for children are generally fitted in one visit, and will usually stay in place after they are replaced by adult teeth.
During the procedure, we numb the treated area with local anaesthesia, and all of the affected tooth structure is removed. This is done to get rid of any decay present.
After this, the tooth is prepared in a certain way so a premade crown can fit on top of it. We will determine the size of the crown that best fits the tooth. When the semi-permanent crown is ready, it will be cemented in place.
Aftercare
Immediately after treatment, it's important that your child does not eat anything sticky or hard. For instance, chips and popcorn pieces can get stuck under the tooth-shaped crown, making it uncomfortable. Hard or sticky candies can also displace the crown by accident. We recommend that your child eat soft foods after the procedure.
At times, the gums may become slightly irritated by the new crown. It is important for your child to continue to brush around the gums of these teeth to prevent infection or irritation.
If the crown gets displaced, you should bring your child back to the dental office to have it re-cemented.