What to Expect After Your Child Gets a Dental Crown

After a tooth gets a large cavity, cracks or breaks, or generally weakens, it often needs a dental crown to ensure it continues functioning well. You might be surprised to learn that children of all ages can benefit from dental crowns.

Pediatric dentists Brent Herrin, DMD, and Allison Petty, DMD, provide safe, same-day dental crowns at Herrin Pediatric Dentistry in Marietta, GA, for children to ensure their teeth remain healthy and strong. 

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a prefabricated cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth. These crowns are designed to protect the tooth and restore its function, allowing your child to chew and speak comfortably. 

Dental crowns are necessary when your child’s tooth isn’t strong enough to withstand activities like chewing independently. Our team might recommend a dental crown if your child has a:

• Cracked or broken tooth
• Severe cavity
• Deformed tooth

Children can get dental crowns on baby teeth or permanent teeth. A baby tooth crown is sometimes necessary to ensure the tooth stays in place as long as possible before the permanent tooth is ready to emerge.

Our team only recommends dental crowns when absolutely necessary to keep your child’s tooth safe.

The process of getting a dental crown

At Herrin Pediatric Dentistry, all pediatric dental crown procedures are completed in a single visit, making the process quick and convenient for you and your child. Here’s what to expect:

Preparing the Tooth

Our dentist will first prepare your child’s tooth by removing any decay and shaping the tooth to accommodate the crown. This step ensures the crown will fit securely and function properly.

Placing the Prefabricated Crown

Once the tooth is ready, the dentist selects a prefabricated crown that best fits your child’s tooth. The crown is placed over the prepared tooth and secured with dental cement.

Final Adjustments

After the crown is in place, our dentist checks to ensure it fits comfortably and allows for proper chewing. Once everything looks and feels right, the procedure is complete.

Recovery

Your child’s recovery after getting a dental crown is typically straightforward. While there may be some mild sensitivity or tenderness around the treated tooth, this usually subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease any discomfort.

Here are a few tips for aftercare:

• Avoid sticky or chewy foods for 24 hours after the procedure to allow the crown to set securely.
• Maintain a regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing, to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy.

Crowns placed on baby teeth typically last until the tooth naturally falls out. For permanent teeth, the crowns are designed to last for several years with proper care.

If your child needs a dental crown, our team is experienced in keeping children of all ages comfortable throughout the process. Contact us to schedule your child’s consultation.