Does My Child Need a Dental Crown?

What Are Dental Crowns and Why Do Kids Sometimes Need Them?

Dental crowns are protective caps that cover and restore damaged or weakened teeth. While many people associate crowns with adult dentistry, they’re often a valuable tool in pediatric care too. At Mission Peak Pediatric Dentistry, we use crowns to help preserve your child’s baby teeth when damage or decay is too extensive for a standard filling. This not only protects their oral health but also keeps their bite and speech development on track.

Common Signs Your Child May Need a Crown

Not sure if your child’s tooth issue is serious enough for a crown? Here are a few signs to watch for:

• Persistent tooth pain or sensitivity
  
  
• Visible cracks, chips, or dark spots on the tooth
  
  
• Large cavities or decay that keep coming back
  
  
• Swelling or tenderness around a specific tooth

 If your child has had repeated dental work on the same tooth or experienced an injury, it’s also worth asking whether a crown could offer more lasting protection.

2. What Causes the Need for a Crown?

There are a few common reasons a child might need a dental crown:

• Tooth Decay: Large cavities, especially in molars, may weaken a tooth too much for a filling to do the job.
  
  
• Trauma: Falls or sports injuries can lead to cracked or broken teeth that need reinforcement.
  
  
• Enamel Defects: Some children are born with enamel that didn’t form properly, leaving teeth vulnerable to damage.

Whatever the cause, our goal is to preserve the natural tooth structure as long as possible while keeping your child pain-free and confident in their smile.

Why Fillings Aren’t Always Enough

Fillings work well for small areas of decay, but they have limitations—especially in baby teeth with larger or multi-surface cavities. If the decay is deep or the tooth structure is compromised, a filling may not stay in place or protect the tooth from further damage. Crowns provide full coverage and can last until the tooth naturally falls out. This is especially important for back molars, which play a major role in chewing and often remain in place until age 10–12.

How We Determine the Right Treatment Plan

At Mission Peak Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Michael Wang takes a conservative yet thorough approach to treatment planning. We’ll start with digital X-rays and a gentle exam to assess the tooth’s condition. If a crown is the best option, we’ll talk you through the type of crown recommended—whether that’s a stainless steel crown for durability or a tooth-colored option for esthetic areas.

Our goal is to ensure your child gets the care they need without any unnecessary treatments, always keeping comfort and function in mind.

What to Expect at the Appointment

Getting a pediatric crown is a straightforward and kid-friendly process. First, we’ll numb the area and gently prepare the tooth by removing any decay. Then, the crown is carefully shaped and fitted over the tooth. In most cases, the entire treatment is completed in a single visit. For extra comfort, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help your child feel relaxed during the procedure.

Our team goes above and beyond to create a calm, supportive environment that puts both kids and parents at ease.

Let’s Protect Your Child’s Smile Together

If your child is experiencing tooth pain or you’ve been told they might need a crown, we’re here to help. At Mission Peak Pediatric Dentistry in Fremont, Dr. Michael Wang and our team are known for our gentle approach, personalized care, and commitment to doing what’s best for your child’s long-term health. Schedule an evaluation today by calling (510) 980-7325—we’re happy to answer your questions and guide you through every step with kindness and clarity.