Dental Crown Specialist
Kids Dental Center
Pediatric Dentist located in Greenbelt, MD
Dental crowns strengthen damaged teeth, preserve decayed baby teeth, and brighten your child’s smile to boost their overall health and self-esteem. Bosede Adeniji, DDS, at Kids Dental Center ensures your child is comfortable by explaining the procedure, taking it step-by-step, and using anesthesia as needed. If your child is ready for a dental exam or you have questions about dental crowns, call the friendly and accommodating office staff in Greenbelt, Maryland, or book an appointment online.
Dental Crown Q & A
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a type of prosthetic that completely covers or caps a tooth. The crown is permanently cemented over an existing tooth, where it can:
- Preserve weak teeth
- Prevent tooth decay
- Restore cracked teeth
- Restore teeth with extensive decay
- Protect teeth following pulpotomy
- Improve the appearance of discolored, stained, or chipped teeth
Crowns can also anchor a bridge, and Dr. Adeniji can attach a crown to a dental implant to replace missing teeth.
What will my child’s crown look like?
The appearance of your child’s crown depends on whether it’s made of stainless steel or porcelain.
Dr. Adeniji recommends porcelain for front teeth because it matches the color of natural teeth and resists staining, but this material is not as strong as stainless steel.
Stainless steel crowns look like silvery metal but withstand the pressure placed on molars during chewing better than porcelain. As a result, Dr. Adeniji often places metal crowns on back teeth.
What is the process for getting a dental crown?
Getting a crown requires two dental visits. At the first visit, Dr. Adeniji prepares your child’s tooth by eliminating decay and removing a portion of the tooth’s surface to make room for the crown.
Next, she makes an impression of your child’s mouth and covers the tooth with a temporary crown if needed. The impression is sent to a dental lab, where they fabricate your custom-designed crown.
At the second visit, when the permanent crown is ready, Dr. Adeniji cements it over the tooth.
At every step of this process, the team at Kids Dental Center ensures your child’s comfort with local anesthesia or sedation as needed.
How should my child care for their dental crown?
Crowns require the same brushing and care as your child’s natural teeth. Flossing is especially important to prevent food debris and plaque from collecting around the crown.
With regular dental care, a crown can last eight years or longer. If your child clenches or grinds their teeth, the extra pressure could shorten the crown’s lifespan.
Porcelain crowns can crack or chip, just like your child’s regular teeth. For this reason, your child should avoid chomping down on hard candy, ice cubes, or other solid items.
To learn more about crowns or to schedule a checkup, call Kids Dental Center or book an appointment online.