Our Treatments
At Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos, we specialize in caring for tiny smiles. We proudly offer a range of restorative dentistry solutions, including pediatric dental crowns, to repair damaged teeth and restore healthy smiles. Here's all you need to know about dental crowns and why Dr. Nadia Bala or Dr. Greg Allen may recommend one for your child.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover the visible portions of weak or damaged baby teeth, restoring their strength and function. They protect your little one’s tiny chompers until their permanent replacements are ready to come in.
Dr. Nadia Bala or Dr. Greg Allen may recommend a dental crown for the following reasons:
- Deep Decay: Extensive damage resulting from deep decay is the most common reason a child would need a dental crown. If there isn't enough healthy tooth structure to support a traditional dental filling, a dental crown may be the best option to restore the tooth's health and function.
- A Large Filling: If a tooth has an existing large filling, it may be prone to fracture. A dental crown will strengthen the affected tooth's structure and help preserve it until it falls out naturally.
- A Tooth Chip or Crack: A tooth chip or crack can weaken a tooth and provide an entryway for harmful bacteria to the inner pulp tissues. Placing a dental crown helps strengthen and protect the affected tooth, preventing further damage.
- Nerve Treatment: After a pulpotomy, where the nerve is cleaned out, the tooth structure may become weak and prone to fracture. Placing a dental crown helps protect the tooth, preserving it until it's ready to fall out naturally.
What Are the Types of Dental Crowns?
At Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos, we offer dental crowns in different materials, including stainless steel, tooth-colored composite resin, and zirconia.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel crowns offer an affordable and incredibly durable solution to restore your child's back teeth. They are available in different sizes and shapes and don't need molds or impressions.
- Tooth-Colored Composite Resin: We are pleased to offer tooth-colored crowns made of a composite resin material to restore your child's front teeth. These aesthetic restorations look like natural teeth, delivering seamless smiles.
- White Zirconia: Zirconia crowns are closely matched to your child's natural teeth. They are typically used on the back teeth. We recommend zirconia crowns in specific situations when they offer the best long-term restorative solution for your child's smile.
What Is the Dental Crown Procedure?
Dr. Nadia Bala or Dr. Greg Allen will numb the area and administer nitrous oxide sedation, if needed, for your child's comfort. Next is removing any damaged portions of the tooth and shaping it to make room for the new crown. The last step is cementing the crown to the tooth structure, restoring your child's healthy smile.
Why Restore a Baby Tooth?
Even though most baby teeth eventually fall out at around ages 10-12, they are integral to your child's future oral health. These tiny pearly whites act like placeholders, maintaining the space needed for the permanent teeth and guiding them to erupt in the correct position. Healthy teeth also play a role in speech development and help your child chew without pain, ensuring adequate nutrition.
If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the neighboring teeth may drift toward the gap, resulting in a tooth stuck below the bone, severe crowding, and problems with the bite. That usually translates into the need for orthodontic or surgical treatment later on. Dental crowns help preserve damaged baby teeth until it's time for them to fall out naturally, safeguarding your child's long-term oral health.
Pediatric Dental Crowns Near Me in San Marcos, California
If your child has a painful or damaged tooth, visit Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos today! Dr. Nadia Bala or Dr. Greg Allen will recommend the most conservative treatment option to restore your child’s smile. You can always count on our kid-friendly team for compassionate, gentle care.
Looking for exceptional care from the best pediatric dentists in San Marcos? We invite you to call 760-798-2825 to schedule your child's appointment or complete our online appointment request form today!
We're Ready For Your Ducklings!
We are excited to care for little ones and be part of their journey to bright and healthy smiles. Follow the link to request an appointment that best fits your busy schedule. We can’t wait to meet you!
