Pediatric dentistry
Pediatric crowns for badly damaged teeth
A crown sounds like a lot. In practice, for a heavily broken-down baby tooth it is often the gentler route, because it needs re-treating far less often than a large filling.
When a crown is the right choice
A filling needs healthy tooth structure to rest against. When that is missing — because several surfaces are affected, or because a root canal treatment came first — a large filling fractures more easily.
A crown wraps around the whole tooth and spreads the chewing forces. It is also an option for structurally weakened teeth, which can occur with pronounced chalky teeth (MIH).
Types of crown
The choice depends on the position in the jaw, the child's age and the state of the tooth.
Preformed metal crowns
Ready-made caps for baby molars. They are very robust and can be fitted in a single appointment. At the back of the mouth they are barely visible.
Tooth-coloured crowns
Tooth-coloured versions are available for visible teeth. They place higher demands on keeping the area dry and on the child's cooperation.
Step by step
- 1
Numbing and preparing
The tooth is anaesthetised and the damaged structure removed.
- 2
Shaping
The tooth is shaped so the crown will seat properly — with preformed crowns this is minimal.
- 3
Fitting
The right size is selected and adapted to the tooth.
- 4
Cementing
The crown is cemented in place, excess material is removed and the bite is checked.
Common questions
Does the crown have to be removed later?
No. When the baby tooth is naturally replaced, it comes out with the crown on it, exactly as it would have without one.
Will the crown be visible?
At the back of the mouth a metal crown is barely noticeable day to day. For visible teeth, tooth-coloured alternatives are an option, though they have limitations of their own.
Is a crown more expensive than a filling?
That depends on the type of crown and the individual case. Which part statutory insurance covers should be clear before treatment starts.
Related treatments
Baby tooth root canal
When decay reaches the nerve, treating the pulp can keep a baby tooth in place until it falls out naturally.
Learn more
Fillings
Once decay has broken through the enamel, the damage is removed and the tooth is sealed again.
Learn more
Chalky teeth (MIH)
Porous enamel with sharply outlined patches, often sensitive and prone to decay. Treatment depends on severity.
Learn more
Questions about pediatric crowns?
Which restoration suits a particular tooth can only be judged after an examination.