Information on Crowns

A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to maintain the integrity of tooth structure. Crowns are cemented over the visible portion of the original tooth that lies above the gumline.

Crowns for children are used in the following situations:

• To save a tooth that has been so severely damaged by decay that it can’t support a filling
• To protect the teeth of a child that is high risk for tooth decay by covering all surfaces of the tooth so new cavities cannot start on the same tooth again.
• Full coverage of a baby molar in a young child under 5. If a child under the age of 5 has multiple cavities fillings have a higher failure rate than full coverage crowns.. Full coverage of the entire tooth protects all surfaces and is recommended for young children with smooth surface caries. Crowns prevent young children with cavities from needing repeated dental work and repeated exposure to sedation drugs.

Stainless steel crowns are commonly used for children. We also have white zirconia crowns if esthetics are a concern. Pediatric crowns do not require multiple dental visits to fit.