When a child’s tooth has extensive damage that cannot be adequately treated with a filling, a dental crown provides the necessary protection and restoration. At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Portland, we specialize in pediatric dental crowns designed specifically for children’s unique dental needs, ensuring your child’s smile remains healthy and functional.
A pediatric dental crown is a custom-fitted covering that encases the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth. Unlike adult crowns that are typically designed to last for many years, pediatric crowns for primary (baby) teeth serve a different purpose—they maintain the tooth’s function and space until it naturally falls out to make way for the permanent tooth.
Portland children may need dental crowns for various reasons:
These durable, pre-formed crowns have been the standard for restoring primary molars for decades. Stainless steel crowns provide exceptional strength for back teeth that must withstand the forces of chewing. At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, we precisely fit these crowns to your child’s tooth for maximum comfort and function.
For front teeth that are visible when your child smiles, we offer tooth-colored crown options that blend naturally with surrounding teeth. These aesthetic crowns are particularly important for Portland children’s self-confidence and social comfort.
Made from medical-grade ceramic, zirconia crowns offer superior aesthetics and exceptional durability. These metal-free crowns are increasingly popular for Portland families seeking the most natural-looking restoration option.
For certain situations, especially for very young Portland children, composite resin crowns may be recommended. These tooth-colored restorations can be completed in a single visit.
These hybrid crowns feature a stainless steel base with a tooth-colored facing, combining strength with improved aesthetics.
For minimally damaged front teeth, strip crowns utilize a thin, clear form filled with tooth-colored material to restore appearance and function while preserving maximum natural tooth structure.
Our Portland pediatric dentists begin with a thorough examination, often including digital X-rays, to assess the extent of damage and determine if a crown is the most appropriate treatment. We discuss all options with parents, explaining the benefits and considerations of different crown types for your child’s specific situation.
During this visit to our Portland pediatric dental office:
Throughout the procedure, our Portland team uses age-appropriate explanations, positive reinforcement, and gentle techniques designed specifically for young patients. For children with dental anxiety or those requiring multiple crowns, we offer various sedation options to ensure a comfortable experience.
Whether completed in the same appointment or a subsequent visit, the crown is carefully fitted and secured to the prepared tooth. Our pediatric specialists make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper bite alignment and optimal comfort.
After crown placement, we provide comprehensive instructions for post-procedure care and schedule a follow-up appointment to check the crown’s fit and your child’s adaptation.
By completely covering the affected tooth, crowns provide superior protection against additional decay or damage that might otherwise lead to premature tooth loss.
Maintaining primary teeth until they naturally exfoliate is crucial for proper permanent tooth eruption. Premature loss of baby teeth can lead to spacing issues requiring future orthodontic treatment.
Crowns restore the tooth’s ability to withstand chewing forces, allowing your Portland child to eat comfortably and maintain proper nutrition.
Especially for visible front teeth, aesthetic crowns restore a natural appearance, supporting your child’s self-confidence during important developmental years.
While the initial investment in a crown may be higher than a filling, the long-term benefits often make it more cost-effective. Crowns reduce the likelihood of complications that could require emergency care or more extensive treatment later.
Our Portland dentists have completed additional specialized training beyond dental school, focused specifically on children’s unique dental needs and development.
We stay current with the latest advancements in pediatric crown materials and techniques, offering Portland families the most appropriate options for their children.
Our Portland pediatric dental office is designed to make dental visits less intimidating. From the kid-friendly décor to our specially trained staff who communicate in child-appropriate ways, every aspect of our practice supports positive dental experiences.
We consider not just the immediate dental need, but your child’s overall oral health, development, and comfort with dental care.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for the longevity of your child’s crown and the health of surrounding teeth. Our Portland team provides detailed instructions for brushing and flossing around the crown.
While modern pediatric crowns are durable, certain foods can potentially damage or dislodge them. We advise Portland families on foods to avoid or enjoy with caution.
Consistent dental visits at our Portland pediatric dental office allow us to monitor the crown’s condition and make any necessary adjustments as your child grows.
Q: How long will my child’s dental crown last?
A: Pediatric crowns are designed to last until the primary tooth naturally falls out, typically several years. With proper care and regular check-ups at our Portland office, most crowns successfully serve their purpose until the permanent tooth erupts.
Q: Will my dental insurance cover crowns for my child?
A: Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for medically necessary pediatric crowns. Our Portland office team can help verify your specific coverage and discuss financial options.
Q: Are there alternatives to dental crowns for children?
A: The appropriate treatment depends on the extent of damage to the tooth. For minor decay, fillings may be sufficient. However, when damage is extensive, crowns typically provide the best long-term outcome. Our Portland pediatric dentists thoroughly explain all viable options for your child’s specific situation.
Q: Will getting a crown hurt my child?
A: Your child’s comfort is our priority. We use effective local anesthesia and gentle techniques to ensure the procedure is pain-free. For anxious children or complex cases, we offer various sedation options at our Portland pediatric dental office.
Q: What happens if a baby tooth with a crown gets loose naturally?
A: As the primary tooth naturally begins to loosen to make way for the permanent tooth, the crowned tooth will exfoliate normally, just like any other baby tooth.
If your child has a severely damaged or decayed tooth, don’t delay seeking treatment. Contact Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry at 503-292-9274 to schedule a consultation with our experienced Portland pediatric dentists. We’ll evaluate your child’s specific needs and recommend the most appropriate crown option to restore their smile and dental health.
Our gentle approach and specialized pediatric expertise ensure your child receives the highest quality care in a supportive, comfortable environment. Trust Portland’s pediatric dental specialists to provide the compassionate, expert crown treatment your child deserves.
One of the most commonly used sedation types is nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. This helps many children relax during their procedure. Nitrous oxide is a combination of two different gases–-oxygen and nitrous oxide. We administer the gas through a small mask placed over your child’s nose. The gas will make your child relax without the full effect of anesthesia. Nitrous oxide is so commonly used that even the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes it as an effective way to treat children. It is very mild and safe. Children will wake up quickly after we remove the mask.
If you want to use nitrous oxide on your child, you need to let us know if there have been any changes to his or her health or medical condition. If your child has trouble breathing, let us know because the gas won’t be as effective. We also need to know if your child is taking any medications to make sure that there are no reactions.
Conscious sedation is also commonly used. We use it on children who are afraid of the dentist. It is also helpful for young children who won’t sit still and children with special needs. When we use conscious sedation, your child will be very sleepy. Some children even fall asleep, but they will not lose consciousness. We use a variety of medications for conscious sedation. After discussing your child with you, we will determine which medication (or a mixture of medications) will work best for your child. This will depend on your child and what procedure we are doing.
We also offer outpatient general anesthesia for our patients. This is also helpful for children who are scared. It can also be beneficial for young children and those with special needs. Sometimes conscious sedation does not work, but general anesthesia will. When your child is put under general anesthesia, your child will be asleep, just like if he or she was having major surgery. Using general anesthesia has greater risks, but often the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. There are many benefits of using general anesthesia. Your child may be able to get multiple procedures done in one day instead of having to come back several times. You won’t have to worry about restraining your child.
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DBA: Tesha Waggoner DMD, P.C
Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Tesha Waggoner DMD
5415 SW Westgate Dr #207
Portland, OR 97221
503.292.9274
info@pinetreepd.com
