Sometimes a cavity is too big for a filling to hold together. A crown is a small cap that covers the whole tooth, protecting what’s left of it until the adult tooth is ready to take its place. Our San Antonio pediatric dentists place both stainless steel and tooth-colored crowns, usually in a single appointment.
When does a child need a crown?
Your child’s dentist may recommend a crown when:
- Decay has spread across several surfaces of a baby molar
- A tooth has had Pulp Therapy and needs protection afterward
- A tooth is cracked, badly worn or weakened by a developmental enamel defect
- A previous filling has broken down and the tooth needs more support
A crown holds the tooth in one piece so your child can chew normally, and it keeps the space the adult tooth will need later.
Types of crowns we offer
Stainless Steel Crowns are pre-formed silver-colored caps that are sized and fitted to your child’s tooth. They’re strong, dependable and well studied, which is why the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes them as a standard option for baby molars with extensive decay.
Esthetic Crowns are tooth-colored crowns for families who prefer a natural look. We offer zirconia crowns, made from a strong white ceramic, and BioFLX crowns, a newer tooth-colored option. Both can be used on front or back teeth.
For tooth-colored crowns, your child’s doctor will discuss which esthetic crown is right for your child. The choice depends on the tooth, your child’s bite, how much healthy tooth remains and how cooperative your child is likely to be during placement.
What to expect at a crown visit
Most crowns are placed in one visit, with no impressions and no temporary crown to keep track of. We numb the tooth with Local Anesthesia, remove any decay and shape the tooth so the crown can sit snugly. Then we select a crown in the right size, check the fit and cement it in place.
For children who need extra help relaxing, Nitrous Oxide and Sedation Dentistry are available, and we’ll talk through which option fits your child. Parents are welcome in the room for most treatment.
Why not just take the tooth out?
Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and help with chewing and speech. Removing a tooth too early can let neighboring teeth drift and crowd the adult tooth coming in behind it. Crowning the tooth usually keeps it working until it falls out on its own. If a tooth truly can’t be saved, Tooth Extractions and Space Maintainers are the next step.
Are crowns on baby teeth safe for kids?
Yes. Both stainless steel and tooth-colored crowns are widely used in pediatric dentistry. Your child’s dentist will recommend the type that best protects the specific tooth.
Will my child’s crown fall out with the baby tooth?
Yes. A crown stays on the baby tooth and comes out with it when the adult tooth pushes through, just like a regular baby tooth.
Does my child need a white crown or a silver one?
Either can work well on many teeth. We’ll show you what we see, explain the trade-offs and help you choose. Our team can also help you review how your dental plan handles each type.
Related: Stainless Steel Crowns, Esthetic Crowns, Pulp Therapy, Fillings