Dr. Matt assesses whether a tooth needs a crown based on several factors:
- Extent of decay affecting multiple tooth surfaces
- Location of decay involving the cusps (pointed edges) or corners
- Compromised tooth strength from extensive decay
- Root canal treatment requiring protective covering
- Tooth fracture or cracking needing reinforcement
- Previous filling failure or recurrent decay
A tooth that looks fine on the surface might have extensive decay underneath that becomes apparent only on X-rays or during examination. Dr. Matt explains his reasoning when recommending a crown so you understand why this treatment is necessary.
Stainless Steel Crowns: Maximum Durability
Stainless steel crowns are pre-formed metal caps that fit over a prepared tooth. They’re shaped like a normal tooth and come in various sizes to fit children’s teeth properly.
Stainless steel is incredibly durable and can withstand years of chewing forces. These crowns are virtually impossible to break and typically last until the baby tooth naturally falls out or the permanent tooth erupts. Most stainless steel crowns last until the underlying baby tooth naturally exfoliates or until the permanent tooth erupts.
When Stainless Steel Makes Sense
- Baby molars with extensive decay
- Teeth that will be shed within a few years
- Children who chew forcefully or are hard on their teeth
- Situations where maximum durability is the priority
- More affordable option with better insurance coverage
The silver appearance of stainless steel crowns is their primary trade-off. For back molars that are less visible, many families find the superior durability worth the aesthetic consideration. Stainless steel crowns are more affordable than zirconia and often more fully covered by dental insurance, making them the practical choice for many families.
Zirconia Crowns: Natural Appearance
Zirconia is a tooth-colored ceramic material that matches your child’s natural tooth shade. Unlike stainless steel, zirconia crowns are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Zirconia is strong and durable, though slightly less impact-resistant than stainless steel. For most children’s chewing patterns, zirconia provides excellent durability while offering superior aesthetics that matter to appearance-conscious children.
When Zirconia Makes Sense
- Front teeth requiring crowns
- Children concerned about appearance
- Any tooth where natural tooth color is important to your family
- Situations where aesthetic factors matter
Zirconia crowns are durable and typically last many years. While slightly less resistant to extreme forces than stainless steel, zirconia provides excellent service for most children. Insurance coverage is typically less comprehensive for zirconia compared to stainless steel. We discuss coverage and costs upfront so you can make an informed decision.
Comparing Your Options
| Aspect |
Stainless Steel |
Zirconia |
| Appearance |
Silver/visible |
Natural tooth color |
| Durability |
Extremely durable |
Very durable |
| Cost |
More affordable |
More expensive |
| Insurance Coverage |
Often fully covered |
Often partially covered |
| Best For |
Back teeth, maximum durability |
Front teeth, appearance matters |
Dr. Matt discusses both options with your family and helps you decide which is best for your child’s specific situation, considering tooth location, your child’s age, aesthetic concerns, and insurance coverage.
The Crown Placement Process
Preparation Appointment
We numb the tooth thoroughly with topical and injected anesthetic. Dr. Matt carefully removes all decay and shapes the tooth into a form the crown can fit over. This requires removing more tooth structure than a filling, which is why crowns are used when decay is extensive.
We take a digital impression or mold of the prepared tooth. For stainless steel crowns, we select the appropriate size and shape from pre-formed options and adjust it to fit perfectly. For zirconia crowns, we send the digital impression to a lab where a custom crown is fabricated, typically taking one to two weeks.
Delivery Appointment
When the permanent crown is ready, your child returns for the delivery appointment. We remove any temporary crown and try in the permanent crown to verify fit and check your child’s bite. Dr. Matt makes any necessary adjustments to ensure the crown fits perfectly, feels comfortable, and doesn’t interfere with chewing or speaking. The crown is then permanently cemented into place.
Your child can chew and eat normally immediately after crown placement. There’s no recovery time and no dietary restrictions.
After Crown Placement
The crowned tooth functions just like a natural tooth. Some children experience minor sensitivity immediately after placement, which typically resolves within a few days. Your child may need one or two days to adjust to how the crown feels, as it’s slightly different from their natural tooth texture.
Brush around the crowned tooth normally and floss gently around the crown to remove food and plaque. The crowned tooth should be treated like any other tooth in terms of oral hygiene.
Dr. Matt’s Expertise With Pediatric Crowns in Arnold, MO
Dr. Matt has placed hundreds of pediatric crowns throughout his career. His careful attention to preparation, fit, and bite adjustment ensures that each crown functions perfectly and lasts as long as possible.
The key to a successful crown is proper tooth preparation. Dr. Matt removes exactly the right amount of tooth structure—not too much, not too little. This precision requires skill and experience that comes from years of placing crowns. His military background trained him to work with meticulous attention to detail, which shows in how carefully he prepares teeth for crowns.
His Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry included comprehensive training in restorative dentistry and crown placement. He stays current with advances in pediatric crown materials and techniques.
Dr. Matt considers your child’s age, the tooth location, aesthetic concerns, and your family’s preferences when recommending whether stainless steel or zirconia is the better choice. He uses only high-quality crowns from trusted manufacturers and understands that crown placement can feel intimidating to children. He explains the process in simple terms, numbs thoroughly, works slowly, and takes breaks when needed.
After placing a crown, Dr. Matt discusses what led to the need for the crown and works with your family on preventing similar problems with other teeth.
Why Save the Tooth? Crowns vs. Extraction
The goal is always to save your child’s tooth when possible. A crowned tooth functions normally and allows your child to chew properly. Extracting a tooth, especially a baby tooth, can create problems with spacing and alignment that affect permanent teeth.
Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth. When a baby tooth is extracted, adjacent teeth can shift and close the space where the permanent tooth needs to erupt, causing crowding and bite problems requiring orthodontic treatment later. When a tooth is extracted, the bone supporting that tooth begins to deteriorate. A crowned tooth preserves bone structure and maintains the integrity of your child’s jaw.
A crowned tooth allows your child to chew food normally and participate in eating without restriction. Extracting a tooth cannot be replaced with natural-feeling function in children.
Pediatric Crown Care and Maintenance
Daily Oral Hygiene
- Brush twice daily around and under the crown
- Floss gently between the crowned tooth and adjacent teeth
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the crown
- Continue fluoride treatments as recommended by Dr. Matt
- Discourage chewing on ice, hard candy, or other hard objects
- Be cautious with very sticky foods that might pull on the crown
- Wear a mouth guard during contact sports to protect all teeth
Bring your child for checkups every six months. At these visits, Dr. Matt examines the crown to ensure it’s in good condition, checks for decay at the crown margins, and verifies that the crown is still properly cemented. Regular professional cleanings remove plaque and help maintain the health of crowned teeth and surrounding tissues.
When Crowns Need Attention
Watch for signs that a crown needs attention:
- Crown feels loose or wiggles when your child chews
- Crown has fallen off completely
- Visible decay at the margin where crown meets tooth
- Your child complains of pain around the crowned tooth
- Visible damage or chips on the crown
Sometimes a crown can be repaired or recemented. Other times, a new crown is necessary. Dr. Matt assesses the situation and recommends the appropriate treatment. Most pediatric crowns last many years. Some may need replacement if the underlying tooth develops new decay or if the crown becomes damaged. This is normal and expected as part of your child’s long-term dental care.
Local Pediatric Crown Care Across South County
Families throughout Arnold, Oakville, Mehlville, Affton, Festus, Imperial, and Herculaneum understand the importance of restoring severely damaged teeth. Parents in these communities trust Dr. Matt to place durable, well-fitting crowns that restore their child’s tooth and maintain function through the growing years.
We’re minutes away from families in Arnold proper and understand the values of Arnold parents who want the best dental care for their children. Families in Oakville and Mehlville, part of the excellent Mehlville School District area, appreciate having access to expert crown placement without traveling far from home. The convenience of our Arnold location works perfectly for all South County families.
Whether your child attends school in Affton or Festus, we’re positioned to serve your family’s dental needs. We welcome families from all South County neighborhoods including Imperial, Herculaneum, and surrounding areas. Regardless of which South County community you call home, Pediatric Dentistry of Arnold is your source for expert pediatric crown placement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Crowns
Will my child feel pain during crown placement?
No. We numb the tooth thoroughly. Your child will feel pressure and vibration but no pain. If your child feels any discomfort, we provide additional numbing medication.
How long does crown placement take?
The preparation appointment typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. The delivery appointment when the permanent crown is placed takes 20 to 30 minutes.
How much does a pediatric crown cost?
Costs vary depending on whether you choose stainless steel or zirconia. Most dental insurance covers a portion of crown costs. We discuss pricing and coverage upfront.
Can my child eat normally with a crown?
Yes. A crowned tooth functions like a natural tooth. Your child can eat all normal foods immediately after crown placement.
How long do crowns last?
Most pediatric crowns last many years. Stainless steel crowns often last until the baby tooth falls out naturally. Zirconia crowns typically last several years.
What if my child’s crown falls off?
Call us immediately. We can recement the crown if it’s still intact. If the crown is lost or damaged, we can place a new one.
Do crowns need special care?
No special care is needed beyond normal brushing, flossing, and checkup appointments. Treat the crowned tooth like any other tooth.
Can crowns prevent cavities?
Crowns cover the tooth surface and protect it from decay. However, decay can still develop at the margins where the crown meets the tooth if proper oral hygiene isn’t maintained.
Why not just extract the tooth?
Extracting a tooth causes problems with spacing for permanent teeth and can lead to crowding. Saving the tooth with a crown is almost always the better choice.
Will the crown match my child’s natural teeth?
Stainless steel crowns are silver and visible. Zirconia crowns are matched to your child’s natural tooth shade and are virtually invisible.
What age is appropriate for crowns?
Crowns can be placed on baby teeth or permanent teeth at any age. Dr. Matt determines whether a crown is appropriate based on the extent of decay and the tooth involved.
Schedule Your Child’s Crown Consultation in Arnold, MO
When your child’s tooth is severely damaged and needs restoration beyond a filling, Dr. Matt provides expert crown placement that restores function, protects the tooth, and preserves your child’s smile. His careful attention to tooth preparation, crown selection, fit, and long-term follow-up ensures that your child’s crowned teeth remain healthy and functional for years.
If Dr. Matt has recommended a crown for your child’s tooth, or if you have questions about whether a crown might be appropriate, contact us to schedule a consultation.
Pediatric Dentistry of Arnold
22 Arnold Mall Arnold, MO 63010
(314) 230-8615
We serve families throughout Arnold, Oakville, Mehlville, Affton, Festus, Imperial, and all of South County. Dr. Matt will evaluate your child’s tooth and recommend the best restoration option to protect their smile and maintain proper function.
