How to Care for Pediatric Crowns and Fillings

Young children can develop cavities (caries) in their baby teeth under a variety of circumstances. Decay can be caused by lengthy bottle use during naps or overnight that results in milk or juice pooling around the teeth for a prolonged time, drinking or eating sugary foods, lack of oral hygiene care, certain medications, heredity, and limited to no fluoride exposure. A tooth with multiple or large fillings may weaken and break apart, leaving inadequate tooth structure to support another filling type of restoration. In these cases, the dentist will provide a pediatric stainless-steel or zirconia crown made especially for children to protect any remaining tooth and the root until permanent teeth erupt.

Practice good oral hygiene

To help your children avoid the need for fillings and pediatric crowns, read our tips on healthy dental habits to teach children. But if they do get cavities, dental restorations need to be cared for like natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing. Good oral hygiene minimizes the risk of new decay and maintains the integrity of the dental restorations. Ceramic fillings may be susceptible to staining, and both ceramic and amalgam restorations are subject to further decay beneath and around them, especially if proper oral hygiene is not practiced.

Even young dental patients should floss at least once a day. If a dental crown is present, slide the floss around the sides of the crown (in a C-shape). Avoid snapping or forcing the floss between teeth with crowns and the adjacent teeth because that may make the crown come loose or pop out.

Schedule regular dental check-ups every six months or as recommended by the dentist. These visits allow the dentist to assess the condition of the crowns and fillings, ensuring they remain intact and functional.

Post-op instructions for pediatric crowns

In the event your child needs a crown, they can often be placed in one appointment. The process may involve some tooth preparation with drills and may or may not require local anesthesia. Afterwards the surrounding gums may be sensitive for a few days and may bleed when brushing, but the dentist will probably advise gentle toothbrushing twice a day and flossing as usual so the gum tissue remains clean and heals faster. If the tissue under the crown is not kept clean, it can become red and sore. If the child is under age 6, a parent should do the brushing during healing.

After receiving a crown, children should not bite down hard on foods or chew hard objects, like ice, pens, tableware, or toys. Chewing only on the opposite side of the mouth from the crown location for a few days will help it stabilize. Sticky foods and treats that could pull crowns loose should be completely avoided. Also, talk to the dentist if your child is grinding their teeth, or plays sports to see if wearing a mouthguard is advisable.

Caring for stainless-steel, ceramic, or zirconia crowns is slightly different. Here are some additional guidelines:

Consider using Cheng Crowns Zirconia pediatric crowns in young children. Their crimp lock feature enhances retention, and the interior surface is treated to further aid in durable, long-term retention. The inside of these crowns also has a larger cavity designed to minimize preparation time (and chair time) while maximizing function.

Dental crowns and fillings in children are essential treatments that restore and protect teeth damaged by decay or trauma. These dental procedures play a crucial role in preserving your child’s oral health and ensuring the longevity of their teeth. Establishing good oral hygiene habits and taking care of these restorations will allow your child to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come.