A parent walking out of a routine cleaning near NewPark Mall might expect a fluoride treatment reminder, not a suggestion that their five-year-old needs a crown. Baby teeth crowns can sound intimidating, but they are one of the most common ways pediatric dentists protect a tooth that still has years of work to do.
At Mission Peak Pediatric Dentistry, our team meets Newark and Fremont families with this exact conversation on a regular basis, and we always take time to explain the reasoning behind our recommendation. Our pediatric dental crowns are built specifically for growing mouths, so your child can keep eating, talking, and smiling with confidence while the tooth holds its place until it is ready to fall out naturally.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, untreated tooth decay still affects a meaningful share of preschool-age children, and cavities in baby teeth can grow quickly because the enamel and dentin are thinner than in adult teeth. A crown covers the whole surface of the tooth, so it can often stop that decay from spreading and protect the tooth from a fracture.
Crowns typically come into the conversation when a cavity is too large for a standard filling, when a tooth has had pulp therapy, or when the enamel did not form normally. If you are noticing a dark spot, a chip, or new sensitivity, our post on whether your child needs a dental crown walks through the signs we look for during an exam, so you always know what to expect at your next visit.
We designed our crown visits to feel calm and predictable for young patients, and most appointments take about the same amount of time as a routine filling. Your child stays comfortable throughout, and we walk you through every step before we begin so nothing feels like a surprise.
Many visits include comfort options like numbing gel or a lighter form of sedation, depending on what helps your child stay relaxed and cooperative. We also encourage parents to stay close by, because familiar voices often make the whole process easier for younger kids.
Not every crown looks or feels the same, and the material we recommend depends on the tooth’s location and how much of it needs coverage. Here are the options we use most often for baby teeth.
We can talk through which option fits your child’s smile and comfort at the visit, so you always feel part of the decision.
A crown on a baby tooth can feel like a big step, but it is often the simplest way to protect a smile that still has years of growing left to do. With Dr. Wang’s board-certified training behind every visit, our goal is always to make that step feel small and manageable for your whole family.
We welcome new and returning patients from Newark, Fremont, and the surrounding area, and we are glad to answer any questions about crowns, costs, or what to expect before your child’s first visit. When you are ready, our team can help you find a time that works, so you can schedule a visit for your child.
Stainless steel crowns are perfect for baby teeth. This is because they are very durable and will last until your child’s baby tooth falls out and is replaced by an adult tooth. Stainless steel crowns are also less expensive than other types, so it makes sense to use them on baby teeth, which will eventually fall out anyway.
Another benefit is that stainless steel crowns come in lots of pre-fitted sizes. This means that Dr. Wang doesn’t have to make a custom crown, and your child can usually get a crown in just one appointment. This saves you both time and money at Mission Peak Pediatric Dentistry.
Stainless steel pediatric crowns could last up to 10 years or longer with proper care. But in practice, they don’t last that long. That’s because they are placed on baby teeth, which fall out naturally and are replaced by adult teeth. Your child will usually lose their last baby tooth by the age of 13.
But because stainless steel pediatric crowns are so durable, you won’t have to worry about your child’s crown failing before their adult teeth come in. With routine brushing and flossing at home, six-month checkups at our office, and a healthy diet, their crown is sure to stay in great shape.
If you’d prefer for your child to have tooth-colored crowns, we also offer pre-fitted zirconia crowns. These crowns are just as durable and strong as stainless steel crowns and help protect your child’s baby teeth until their permanent teeth emerge.
However, they are not metal and do not have the same silver appearance, which makes them a better choice for front teeth. Your child’s zirconia crown will look, feel, and function just like a “real” tooth.
Pediatric dental crowns are typically used to restore baby teeth damaged by dental trauma or extensive decay. For example, if your child’s tooth breaks while they’re playing around, or they have a very deep cavity or an infected tooth, a pediatric dental crown may be necessary to restore their smile.
Crowns are ideal for this because they cover up and protect the entire remaining tooth structure. Not only does this restore the shape, size, and function of your child’s tooth, but it protects their baby tooth and prevents it from being damaged until it’s replaced with a healthy adult tooth.
The best way to find out whether or not your child needs a dental crown is to visit a pediatric dentist in Fremont, such as Dr. Michael Wang. In some cases, either a filling or a dental crown may be an appropriate treatment.
During your child’s consultation at Mission Peak Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Wang will examine their teeth, take any necessary x-rays, and then discuss his findings with you. Together, you will be able to take the next steps needed to restore your child’s oral health, whether it’s a dental crown or any other pediatric dental treatment.
No. You can treat your child’s dental crown just like you would treat a natural tooth. Make sure that they’re brushing their teeth properly twice a day, for at least two minutes. You should also floss your child’s teeth once a day, or make sure they floss on their own if they’re old enough to handle flossing themselves. Beyond that, just make sure you come and see Dr. Wang for a checkup every six months. Regular preventive care like teeth cleanings and oral exams help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy.
In most cases, the answer is “yes.” When they’re medically necessary to treat an issue like a broken, decayed, or infected tooth, dental crowns are covered by dental insurance, up to all applicable policy limits.
If you have questions about your child’s dental coverage, we recommend consulting directly with your policy documents or contacting your insurance company directly. This is the best way to ensure that their treatment is covered, and to learn more about your deductible, yearly maximums, and other details about your insurance coverage.
