Dental Crowns
No parent wants their kid to deal with toothaches or damaged teeth. Pediatric dental crowns are specially made for tiny teeth to restore those that have been too damaged by decay or injury to be repaired with a simple filling. Keep your child’s smile healthy as they grow and develop.
Why should my child get a pediatric dental crown?
Dental crowns are often the best way to repair your child’s cracked, broken, decayed, or infected tooth. During the crown process, your child’s pediatric dentist will remove all the damaged material from their tooth. Then, they’ll fit your child for a strong, durable, and long-lasting crown that will cover your child’s tooth and protect it. With a crown, you can prevent further damage, relieve discomfort, and get peace of mind.
What to Expect
Infant Frenectomy
The days and weeks following your baby's frenectomy can be a mix of relief and worry. It's normal to have questions about how your baby will recover. Knowing what to expect and how to care for them will help you feel more confident.
The First 24 Hours
- Managing Pain and Discomfort: Your pediatric dentist will likely suggest pain relief such as infant acetaminophen/ibuprofen. Follow the recommended dosage instructions. Gently using cold compresses on the area can also reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Monitoring Bleeding: It's normal for a bit of bleeding to occur. If needed, use gauze pads to apply gentle pressure. If bleeding continues or seems excessive, contact your pediatric dentist immediately.
Feeding Your Baby
- Breastfeeding Adjustments: Breastfeeding might be challenging initially as your baby adjusts to their improved mouth movement. Patience is important. Consult a lactation consultant if needed for comfortable positions and techniques.
- Bottle Feeding: If you're bottle-feeding, make sure the nipple flow matches your baby's new sucking abilities. Some babies may prefer a different flow speed post-surgery.
Oral Exercises and Stretching
To prevent the frenulum from reattaching and to promote healing, your pediatric dentist will recommend specific oral exercises. These will include gently lifting and moving the tongue several times a day. Following these exercises as prescribed is crucial for a successful recovery. Frenectomy Aftercare
Signs of Successful Healing
- Improved Feeding: One of the main goals of the frenectomy is to enhance feeding. You may notice better latching, more efficient feeding, and steady weight gain in your baby.
- Less Irritability: As feeding becomes easier and less painful, many parents see a decrease in their baby's fussiness and irritability.
Potential Complications and When to Seek Help
- Signs of Infection: Infections are rare but watch for fever and/or increased redness, swelling, or actual pus (wound sometimes looks white or yellow) near the surgical site. Call our office for any of the following:
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Refusal to nurse or take a bottle
- Fever >101.5
- Reattachment: Sometimes, the frenulum can reattach if post-surgery exercises aren't done correctly. If feeding problems return, contact your pediatric dentist.
Long-term Benefits of a Frenectomy
- Enhanced Oral Development: Proper tongue movement is crucial for speech and oral health. Addressing tongue-tie or lip-tie early can prevent future issues.
- Improved Quality of Life: Resolving feeding issues through a frenectomy can significantly improve bonding and overall well-being for both parents and babies.
Caring for Your Baby
Navigating the post-frenectomy period might seem overwhelming, but with knowledge and support, you can provide a smooth recovery. Stay connected with your pediatric dentist at Dance Dentistry for Kids with any concerns.
Stainless Steel Crowns
Extremely durable and affordable, stainless steel crowns are excellent for restoring rear baby teeth, as they’re able to hold up to the wear and tear of chewing. Because of their silver color, they are ideal for rear teeth that don’t show when your little one smiles, as well as for baby teeth that are destined to be replaced with permanent ones.
The Pediatric Dental Crown Treatment Process
Tooth Numbing & Preparation
To begin the process, your child’s dentist will numb their mouth. Then, they will use a drill to remove all of the damaged or decayed enamel from their tooth. They will shape the tooth into a strong, stable platform. This ensures the dental crown can attach tightly to the remaining tooth.
Dental Crown Fitting
After your child's tooth has been prepared, their dentist will fit a crown to their tooth, ensuring the correct size and fit.
Building & Placing The Crown
If your child is getting a stainless steel crown, their dentist will simply choose a pre-fitted crown, then cement it in place. But if they're getting a custom crown, their dentist will send their impressions or models to a dental lab. There, a technician will build a custom-fitted ceramic crown. Your child will get a temporary crown, then you’ll come back in a few weeks to have their ceramic crown permanently attached to their tooth.
%20(2).webp)
Keeping Care Accessible
Every child deserves the chance at a healthy grin. That’s why we have payment options for every budget.
Insurance-Friendly Office
Healthcare Financing Options
Membership Plans Available
The Benefits of Pediatric Dental Crowns
Cost-Effective
Dental crowns are the most affordable way to repair damaged teeth and protect them for years to come. Stainless steel crowns are particularly inexpensive, making them a great choice for restoring baby teeth and protecting them until they fall out naturally.
Prevent Complications
If your pediatric dentist recommends a crown for your child and they don’t get treatment, they could be at risk of further problems like tooth infections. These complications could cause pain and discomfort, worsen their oral health, and lead to additional costly treatments like root canal therapy. With a crown, you can protect their tooth and avoid these complications entirely.
Minimally-Invasive
Dental crowns only involve removing material from the outside of the tooth, so they're minimally-invasive. Your pediatric dentist will numb your child’s mouth and can also explore sedation options to keep them comfortable during treatment. You can trust us to deliver the expert, child-friendly care your little one needs.
White Zirconia Crowns
A ceramic alternative to traditional stainless steel crowns, zirconia crowns look and feel more natural, and can be color-matched to the rest of your child’s grin. They’re a great option for restoring your little one’s front teeth, so they can smile with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
Did you know…
The first dental crowns were made from porcelain in the early 19th century.
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Rest assured that your child is receiving top-notch, specialized care with our Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists. To be recognized by The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, doctors must undergo extensive training in the pediatric field in addition to their standard dental degrees.
