Pediatric Crowns for Kids in Gig Harbor
Some cavities and fractures are too large for a filling to hold. When a baby tooth needs full-coverage protection, a pediatric crown wraps around the entire tooth, keeping it functional and pain-free until it falls out naturally. At The Kids' Dentist Gig Harbor, we offer stainless steel, white zirconia, and white-faced crown options so families can choose the best fit for their child's needs. Crowns are also placed after pulpotomy to protect the treated tooth.
Crown Types We Offer
Stainless Steel Crowns
The gold standard for baby molars. Stainless steel crowns are pre-formed, durable, and placed in a single visit with minimal tooth preparation. Because they are silver-colored, they work best on back teeth that do not show when your child smiles. The AAPD considers them the standard of care for extensively decayed baby teeth.
White Zirconia Crowns
When appearance matters, white zirconia crowns match your child's natural tooth color. They are strong, biocompatible, and look great on front teeth. They need slightly more tooth reduction than stainless steel but deliver a result most families prefer for visible teeth.
White-Faced Stainless Steel
A hybrid option: stainless steel strength on the biting surface, tooth-colored facing on the visible front. These are a good middle ground for teeth that are partially visible when your child smiles but still need maximum durability.
When a Crown Is the Right Call
- A cavity is too large for a composite filling to hold
- The tooth has had nerve treatment and needs full-coverage protection
- A fracture has compromised the tooth's structural integrity
- Enamel defects leave the tooth prone to chipping or further decay
- The baby tooth still has years before it falls out and needs to stay strong
What the Appointment Looks Like
Crowns are placed in one visit. We numb the tooth, shape it to accept the crown, try in the correct size, and cement it permanently. The process typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Sedation is available for children who need extra comfort. Your child can eat normally once the numbness wears off.
Taking Care of a Crowned Tooth
Brush and floss the crowned tooth the same way you would any other tooth. Avoid very sticky or hard foods like taffy and ice that could loosen the crown. We check it at every cleaning to make sure it is still secure. When the baby tooth is ready to come out, the crown falls out with it, and the permanent tooth erupts normally underneath.
Crown Questions
A pediatric crown is designed to last until the baby tooth naturally falls out. Depending on your child's age and which tooth it is, that could be anywhere from a few months to several years.
Ready to Schedule Your Child’s Visit?
Our friendly team is here to help your child feel comfortable and confident.