Understanding the Process of Kid’s Dental Crowns

When your child has damaged or decayed teeth, a dental crown or “cap” may be necessary to restore the integrity of their oral health. However, receiving kid's dental crowns can seem daunting and overwhelming to both children and parents. Fortunately, with the help of our kid-friendly dentist, you can ensure a smooth dental crown process from start to finish. This outline aims to help parents better understand their kid’s appointment, so they may better prepare for the painless process and reduce any possible anxiety.

What to expect when receiving a kid’s dental crown

The process of receiving a kid's dental crown is not as daunting as it seems. It usually occurs in three phases: evaluation and preparation, impression and temporary crown, and final placement of the permanent crown.

Evaluation and preparation

Like with any dental operation, the first step to getting a kid’s dental crown involves a thorough evaluation by the dentist. The evaluation includes a comprehensive dental exam and X-rays to assess the extent of damage or decay in the tooth. This process determines if the dental crown is most effective or if an alternative is more appropriate.

They will then prepare the tooth for the crown by removing any decay or damaged tissue and shaping the tooth to accommodate it. If the tooth is severely damaged or decayed, the dentist may perform a pulpotomy before the next step.

Impression and the temporary crown

After the preparation, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth and the surrounding area. They will then send the impression to an off-site lab that creates custom kid's dental crowns.

While the crown is being crafted, the dentist will place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect its vulnerability. The temporary crown usually consists of acrylic material and is secured using temporary cement. The dentist will provide the parent and child with care instructions for the temporary crown, as it is less durable than the permanent crown. These instructions will include information on their diet and cleaning.

Permanent crown placement

The final step, occurring about two weeks after the first, is the permanent crown placement. During this appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and test the fit of the kid’s dental crown. They will adjust the permanent crown to ensure a perfect fit if necessary. Once secure, they will cement it into place.

Afterward, kids may experience some sensitivity and discomfort. These symptoms are normal and subside within a day or two. Though durable, the dentist will still provide kids and parents with aftercare instructions, but there are hardly any restrictions. The most important points kids should remember are to improve their oral hygiene and return for a dental cleaning every six months.