From Preparation to Placement: 5-Steps of Placing Children’s Dental Crowns

It’s actually not uncommon for children to get dental crowns to help protect their temporary teeth from falling out too early. However, the thought of having to undergo a procedure like this can make you and your little one feel anxious and uneasy, especially if you don’t know what to expect. You’ll be relieved to know that the treatment can be completed in five simple steps by your child’s pediatric dentist. Read on to learn what each step entails.

Step 1: Cleaning the Tooth of Any Debris & Decay

If your child’s tooth has suffered a large cavity, which is a common reason why crowns are needed for temporary teeth, it must be cleaned and treated before the dental crown can be placed. This will involve the pediatric dentist removing any loose debris and clearing away lingering bacteria, ensuring that it doesn’t become trapped beneath the crown. Your child may also need a filling placed under the crown, further sealing off their tooth from bacteria.

Step 2: Preparing the Tooth for the Crown

To prepare your child’s tooth for the crown, their pediatric dentist will start by administering a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring the process is pain-less. A small portion of their tooth’s enamel will need to be buffed down to accommodate the thickness of their crown. This will lead to a more balanced bite once the final restoration is cemented onto the tooth.

Step 3: Taking Impressions of the Tooth

Once the affected tooth has been prepared, their pediatric dentist will take an impression of it using a special dental putty. This part of the process only takes a few moments and is completely pain-free, making this part of the treatment a breeze!

Step 4: Crafting the Dental Crown

After the impression has been made, the dentist will send it off to their trusted dental laboratory where a technician will use it to craft your child’s permanent crown. This can be made from a tooth-colored material like ceramic, or it can be crafted from durable metal. The choice will be up to you!

Step 5: Placing the Crown & Finishing Touches

The last step of the process will be making sure that your child’s permanent crown fits the tooth perfectly. Once their pediatric dentist confirms this, they’ll apply cement onto their prepared tooth that will secure it, making sure that they’re able to eat and speak with ease. Before the process is complete, the bite will be checked, making sure that it’s even, and any finishing touches will be made.

About the Author

Dr. Allen Pearson has over 20 years of experience and is a board-certified pediatric dentist. He is passionate about providing families in Wylie and beyond with high-quality, trustworthy care they can count on. He has a gentle chairside manner, and his personality helps his young patients feel at-ease during treatments. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Wylie Children’s Dentistry’s website or call 972-429-7070.