Baby teeth eventually fall out on their own, but that does not mean they are not important! If your child has a broken or decayed primary tooth, we might suggest that they receive a crown, which can protect the tooth until it is ready to fall out on its own. Would you like to learn more about dental crowns for kids in Hamilton? This page explains some relevant details. If you believe your child could benefit from this service, contact our team to request a restorative dentistry consultation.
Why Choose Hamilton Pediatric Dental Care for Dental Crowns?
High-Quality Stainless Steel Restorations
Sedation Available for Nervous Patients
Beneficial for Children’s Long-Term Oral Health
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that we place over the entire portion of a tooth that is visible above the gumline. The purpose of a children’s dental crown is to strengthen and fortify a damaged tooth while protecting it from further harm. Crowns are often recommended in cases where chipped, cracked, broken, or decayed teeth cannot be repaired via more conservative means, such as fillings.
Crowns can be made of various materials. In our office, we favor stainless steel crowns for primary teeth because they are strong and durable. Tooth-colored crown materials are often more suitable for permanent teeth.
The Process of Getting a Dental Crown
To start the crown process, we must first prepare the tooth that will receive the restoration. Often, this involves removing a bit of its enamel. If your child is nervous about this part of the procedure, we may administer sedation to help them remain calm and relaxed.
Next, we may take impressions so a laboratory can design a custom crown for your child. Or, we may simply place a pre-made stainless steel crown. Pre-made crowns come in a variety of sizes, so we should be able to find one that fits your child comfortably and that will serve them well until the baby tooth is ready to fall out.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns for kids can have multiple benefits:
Preventing extraction. By preventing the premature extraction of baby teeth, we can support healthy development of your child’s adult dentition. This may prevent the need for orthodontia and other expensive treatments in the future.
Increased comfort. A crown can protect a damaged tooth and restore its function, so your child can eat a variety of foods with ease. When they are not distracted by dental pain, your child may perform better in school and exhibit a calmer demeanor overall.
Easy maintenance. Taking care of a stainless steel crown is easy. Thorough oral hygiene and routine checkups are always important!
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
There are various factors you can expect your child’s pediatric dentist to go over with you when discussing the cost of dental crowns in Hamilton. Your child’s case is unique, so attempting to provide any kind of estimate before an examination is provided is impossible. Once we have a chance to meet with you and your child, you can expect us to deliver a projected cost as well as additional information on ways you can save. Whether it’s with your dental insurance or through an alternative form of payment, we’re here to help.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
While meeting with Dr. Rullo to discuss your child’s need for dental crowns, he will go over the various factors that determine the cost of treatment, such as:
The type of material that will be used to create the crown(s). In our office, we primarily use stainless steel for primary teeth but can also use tooth-colored options for permanent teeth.
The severity of the damage or decay, and whether your child needs additional preliminary treatment beforehand (i.e., pulp therapy).
While we know you want what is best for your child, we also understand that finding ways to save is important. However, inquiring about cheaper materials will not necessarily lend the best or longest-lasting results. You can expect we will go over this detail during your child’s appointment.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
The good news is that if you plan to use your dental insurance, there’s a good chance your insurer will help cover a portion of the total cost. Generally, dental crowns are considered a major restorative service, which means many companies will cover up to 50% of the cost. Of course, they will determine if you’ve first met your deductible and if there are funds remaining as part of your annual maximum before agreeing to pay a specific portion.
No matter what they decide, you can expect us to work on your behalf and help maximize your available benefits.
Other Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
At Hamilton Pediatric Dental Care, we know not everyone has dental insurance, which is why we also partner with Healthy Smiles Ontario. If your child is covered as part of the program, you can bring them to our dental practice for high-quality, affordable oral healthcare.
Dr. Rullo follows their fee guide, and the program will typically cover all preventive and emergency treatments as well as other essential services.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Though they are technically not permanent, your child’s dental crowns are definitely a long-term solution. On average, they can protect teeth for anywhere from five to 15 years. On baby teeth, they can often last until the tooth falls out on its own.
When Dr. Rullo reshapes your child’s tooth for a crown, that procedure is irreversible, as tooth enamel cannot grow back. Thus, that tooth will always need a crown for protection moving forward. Once it has fallen out and a new, healthy tooth grows in, your child should not need to replace the crown on that tooth unless future damage occurs.
Dental crowns protect the underlying tooth from additional damage, helping it survive for much longer than it would otherwise.
To keep your child’s crown in great condition, make sure they take care of their oral hygiene by brushing their teeth daily, flossing, wearing any prescribed mouthguard or nightguard, and attending regular check-ups with Dr. Rullo.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
On average, you can expect your child’s crown to last between five and fifteen years. Metal crowns typically last much longer than other materials, but the longevity of the crown depends more on individual factors like your child’s diet, oral hygiene, and if they have any bad oral habits like nail biting or teeth grinding.
Crowns on their front teeth may also last slightly longer than those on molars, as they’re not subjected to as much wear and tear from chewing.
How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?
The only way to know for sure whether your child’s crown needs to be replaced is to have X-rays taken, or to have it visually examined by Dr. Rullo.
That said, there are several warning signs that could indicate a crown is approaching the end of its lifespan, including:
Pain – If your child has decay underneath their crown, it must be removed and the cavity treated. From there, Dr. Rullo can evaluate whether the crown can be reseated onto the tooth or if it needs to be replaced.
Instability– If your child’s crown appears loose, especially when chewing, please contact Dr. Rullo as soon as possible.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
Technically it is impossible for your child’s crown to develop cavities, however the tooth underneath the crown still can. In fact, a crowned tooth has about the same risk of decay as an uncrowned tooth!
Poor oral hygiene can allow bacteria and plaque to form around the gumline where the tooth meets the crown. It can then travel underneath the crown, wreaking havoc on the underlying tooth.
To prevent cavities in crowned teeth, your child can care for their crown the same way they do their uncrowned teeth: by daily brushing and flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings with Dr. Rullo.
