Crowns

Caring for Dental Crowns

While crowns are durable, it is important to maintain diligent oral hygiene to protect the underlying natural tooth from decay. Twice daily brushing and flossing are essential, along with routine dental check-ups to monitor the condition of the crown and surrounding gums. Crowns are held in place primarily by cement. Therefore, sticky foods such as gummies, chewing gum, caramel and other sticky candies should be avoided, as these can stick to the caps and pull them off. When the baby tooth is ready to wiggle out on its own, the crown will come out with the baby tooth in one piece, so no need for additional treatment unless the cap comes off prior to the baby tooth’s natural exfoliation. 

What to Expect During the Procedure

During the crown procedure, the damaged or decayed portion of your child’s tooth will be gently removed, and the tooth will be carefully shaped to allow for a proper adaptation of the crown. Dr. Mary Margaret will then cement a prefabricated pediatric crown over the tooth and confirm adequate seal to prevent future cavitation. 

Your child’s tooth will be fully numb throughout the visit, so they will not feel pain—only minor pressure as the crown is being placed. Because the numbing medication can take a few hours to wear off, we recommend that your child avoids chewing anything until normal sensation returns to prevent accidental injury to their lips, cheeks, or tongue.

Aftercare Tips for Pediatric Crowns
Once your child’s crown has been placed, here are a few simple steps to keep them comfortable and help the tooth heal well:

• Numbness: The numbing medication may last a few hours. During this time, avoid eating to prevent your child from accidentally biting their lip, cheek, or tongue.
• Tenderness: It is normal for the tooth and surrounding gum area to feel a little sore once the anesthesia wears off. Children’s acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil), as directed for their age and weight, can help with any discomfort.
• Diet: Stick to soft foods for the rest of the day—yogurt, applesauce, noodles, potatoes, pancakes, or smoothies are good options. Avoid hard foods that could put extra pressure on the new crown.
• Oral Hygiene: Continue with brushing twice daily and flossing. When flossing, pull floss through the contact area (versus up and out). This is important to keep the gums around the crown healthy in order to prevent marginal breakdown and gingival inflammation.
• Longevity: Pediatric crowns are very durable and designed to last until the baby tooth naturally falls out. Encourage your child to avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other very tough foods that could damage the crown. Sticky foods should be avoided for as long as the crown is present, in order to protect the integrity of the marginal seal and retention of the crown.
• When to Call Us: Contact our office if your child experiences prolonged pain, swelling, if the crown feels loose or if it comes off.

With proper care, your child’s crown will protect their tooth and keep their smile healthy until it’s time for their adult teeth to come in.