When cavities become too large for fillings or teeth suffer significant damage from trauma, dental crowns provide the strongest, most durable restoration option for saving natural teeth. These protective caps cover and strengthen compromised teeth, allowing children to maintain proper chewing function and space for permanent teeth while preventing extraction. Modern pediatric crowns combine durability with improved aesthetics, restoring both function and confidence in young smiles.
Little Bytes Pediatric Dentistry provides comprehensive crown restoration as part of our restorative dentistry services for children in Menlo Park. Our board-certified pediatric dentists expertly place various crown types tailored to each situation’s unique requirements. We understand that needing a crown can feel overwhelming for families, and we take time to explain options, benefits, and what to expect throughout the process.
Several situations necessitate crown placement to save teeth that cannot be adequately restored with fillings alone.
Extensive decay affecting multiple surfaces or undermining cusps requires full coverage restoration for structural integrity. Large fillings leave insufficient tooth structure to withstand chewing forces, making fracture likely without crown protection. When decay reaches the nerve requiring pulpotomy or pulpectomy treatment, crowns seal and protect the treated tooth from reinfection while restoring normal function.
Dental trauma causing a significant tooth fracture often necessitates crown coverage to restore form and prevent further damage. Developmental defects like enamel hypoplasia create weak, cavity-prone teeth that benefit from crown protection. Children with high cavity risk or special needs may receive crowns preventively on vulnerable teeth, avoiding future emergency treatment. Baby teeth requiring restoration but needing to last several more years warrant crown placement for durability.
Different crown materials serve various clinical needs, balancing durability, aesthetics, and cost considerations.
Stainless steel crowns remain the gold standard for posterior baby teeth, offering unmatched durability and reliability. These pre-formed crowns require minimal tooth preparation, preserving maximum natural structure. The procedure typically completes in one visit without laboratory involvement, reducing cost and chair time. While a silver-colored appearance may concern some families, these crowns provide exceptional service for teeth not visible during smiling.
Aesthetic crowns for front teeth combine stainless steel strength with tooth-colored facings for a natural appearance. Zirconia crowns offer superior aesthetics with excellent durability, though requiring more tooth reduction. Composite strip crowns provide the most natural appearance but require ideal conditions for placement and may chip with heavy use. The choice depends on location, the child’s age, and how long the tooth must last.
This minimally invasive approach places stainless steel crowns without any tooth preparation or decay removal. The crown seals in bacteria, depriving them of nutrients and arresting decay progression. No anesthesia or drilling is required, making this ideal for anxious young children. While the crown sits slightly high initially, the bite adjusts naturally within days.
Understanding the crown procedure helps families prepare for the procedure and reduces anxiety about treatment.
Local anesthesia ensures comfort throughout the procedure, though Hall technique crowns require no numbing. Decay removal eliminates all infected tooth structure while preserving healthy tissue. The tooth is shaped to accommodate the crown, with the extent of preparation depending on the crown type chosen. For teeth with nerve involvement, pulp therapy is performed before crown placement.
Pre-formed crowns are tried on and adjusted for proper fit, ensuring appropriate contact with adjacent teeth. The crown is cemented with a strong dental adhesive, creating a sealed restoration. Bite adjustment ensures comfortable closure without interference. The entire process typically takes 20-30 minutes per crown, with multiple crowns often completed in one visit.
Proper care ensures crowns last until baby teeth naturally fall out or permanent crown replacement in adulthood.
Stainless steel crowns typically last until baby teeth are naturally lost. Aesthetic crowns may require replacement if they are chipped or discolored. Crowned permanent teeth need lifetime monitoring and eventual crown replacement as children grow. Good oral hygiene around crowns prevents decay at the margins where the crown meets the tooth.
After crown placement, most children quickly adapt to their restored teeth with minimal adjustment needed.
Initial sensitivity to temperature or pressure usually resolves within days as teeth adjust to their new crowns. The restored biting surface may feel different initially, but it becomes normal within a week. Children can eat normally once anesthesia wears off, though we recommend soft foods initially.
Some children experience pride in their “silver teeth” or “princess crowns,” while others need reassurance about appearance. We help children understand that crowns are protecting their teeth like helmets protect heads. Most importantly, crowned teeth eliminate pain from cavities, allowing comfortable eating and normal activities.
Little Bytes Pediatric Dentistry provides expert crown restoration for children throughout Menlo Park who need this advanced restorative care. Dr. Michelle and Dr. Grover combine extensive pediatric training with gentle technique, ensuring comfortable crown placement even for anxious children. Their hospital privileges at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford demonstrate expertise in managing complex restorative cases, including extensive crown work.
Our fee-for-service model allows adequate time for proper crown preparation and placement without rushing due to insurance constraints. We offer various crown options from durable stainless steel to aesthetic alternatives, helping families choose appropriate restorations balancing durability, appearance, and cost. Whether your child needs a single crown ora comprehensive restoration, we provide the skilled care necessary to save natural teeth and restore healthy function. Schedule a consultation to discuss crown options for your child’s dental needs.
Please complete and submit the form and a member of our staff will contact you shortly.
"*" indicates required fields
Location & Hours
