Dental Crowns for Kids – Worcester, MA
Protect Cracked, Fractured, and Otherwise Damaged Teeth
Dental damage can surface for numerous reasons, from inconsistent flossing to an injury on the playground. The good news is that the look and function of your child’s tooth won’t be compromised from this point forward. With dental crowns, our highly experienced pediatric dentist can protect cracked, fractured, or otherwise damaged teeth. If you would like to learn more about this restorative dental service, you can schedule an appointment schedule an appointment with our Worcester team or keep reading!
Why Choose Kids' Smiles on Lincoln for Dental Crowns?
- Durable, Non-Toxic Materials
- Team Led by Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
- Dental Insurance Welcome
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is designed to fit comfortably over a damaged tooth. Although this restoration is incredibly versatile, it’s most often used to protect a decayed, cracked, or fractured tooth. Additionally, dental crowns can be used to anchor a dental bridge in place, which can restore your child’s smile if they are missing one or more permanent teeth in a row. At Kids' Smiles on Lincoln, we have multiple options when it comes to the material of your child’s dental crown, including porcelain, metal, and metal-fused-to-porcelain.
The Dental Crown Process
At your child’s first visit, one of our dedicated pediatric dentist will conduct an oral exam and take X-rays to assess the severity of their dental damage and determine if a dental crown is needed. If it is, then they will treat the tooth before filing down the top and sides to create space for the dental crown. Next, impressions are taken and sent to the lab artisans that will craft your child’s restoration. This process typically takes a few weeks, so we will secure a temporary crown over their tooth in the meantime. Once we receive their final crown, your child will come in for their final appointment. This is when we will replace their temporary crown with their permanent one, ensure it fits perfectly, and check their bite. At this point, the process is complete!
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns offer patients of all ages with numerous benefits, including:
- They restore the function of a broken or damaged tooth.
- They improve the size, color, and appearance of the tooth.
- They can last for upwards of 15 years with proper care.
- They are easy to care for – just make sure your child is brushing, flossing, and getting a checkup every six months.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
If you’ve been informed that your child needs a dental crown, you might have questions about what you’ll be expected to pay. Here at Kids’ Smiles on Lincoln, we believe in being very transparent when it comes to the cost of dental crowns for kids. Though there are a few factors our team will have to consider, we'll work closely with you to ensure that you fully understand the financial implications of this crucial treatment before committing to it!
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are fully customized for your child’s smile for a beautiful, lasting solution; however, there are a few different factors that contribute to their overall cost, including:
- The severity of the damage – In some cases, your child might need a preliminary treatment such as a root canal to address damage before the crown can be placed, which will add to the total cost of care.
- The type of materials used – Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials, including metal alloys, as well as ceramic or a combination of the two.
- How the crown is fabricated – Crowns are made from high-quality materials and are generally milled in a dental lab by skilled technicians; this labor and the technology used factor into the total cost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
In most cases, dental insurance companies will cover at least a portion of the cost of dental crowns since they’re considered a major procedure. You can usually expect to have around 50% or so of the cost covered, assuming you’ve met your plan’s annual deductible. In any case, always check the specifics of your insurance plan before bringing your child in to receive a dental crown, so that there aren’t any surprises when it’s time to pay your bill. Our team can work closely with you to ensure that you’re making the most of what your plan has to offer.
Other Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance coverage, you aren’t entirely out of luck when it comes to paying for your child’s dental crown. In addition to accepting multiple insurance plans, we also happily welcome MassHealth patients. We also offer financing through LendingPoint that will allow you to opt into a low-interest monthly payment plan. To discuss your payment options or to request any additional information about the cost of dental crowns in Worcester, please feel free to contact our team today for expert assistance!
Dental Crowns for Kids FAQs
It’s very common for parents to have questions about their child’s dental care, and we want to be a place you can turn to for answers! Of course, we will review the entire treatment process with you and your child at their appointment. But, if you want to learn more about this restorative dental service in the meantime, you’re also welcome to read on.
Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
If your child has never had a dental crown before, they might be worried that the treatment process will hurt. The good news is that you can tell them “no” with full confidence! After all, we always numb the area of your child’s mouth that we will be working on thoroughly. We offer sedation dentistry for more anxious patients, which will alleviate their nerves as well. Lastly, we will provide you with aftercare instructions to help keep them comfortable even after they return home.
What Can My Child Eat with a Temporary Crown?
Since it takes a few weeks for a dental crown to be made, we will protect your child’s treated tooth with a temporary dental crown in the meantime. Since it’s not as durable or stable as the final one, they need to adjust their diet slightly in the meantime. That means avoiding sugary, chewy, and acidic foods as well as beverages like soda and fruit juice. Instead, focus on filling their plate with nutrient-dense, smile-friendly foods, like oatmeal, hard-boiled eggs, and plain yogurt.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
Since dental crowns are made from materials like porcelain and titanium metal, they cannot develop cavities. Of course, your child’s teeth still can. To protect their teeth from decay, we recommend reinforcing good dental care habits, like brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and coming in for a checkup and cleaning every six months.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns can last anywhere from five to fifteen years – it really depends! One of the biggest factors that will impact the longevity of your child’s restoration is how well they care for it. If they chew on ice, bite their nails, and adopt other unhealthy habits, it won’t last very long. Conversely, if they follow a solid oral hygiene regimen, get a checkup and cleaning twice a year, and don’t over-indulge in foods and drinks with added sugar, their restoration and their oral health will stay in pristine condition.
How Do I Know When My Child’s Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?
There are a few visual warning signs, like a noticeably worse appearance and a dark line at the crown’s base. That’s why it’s important to bring your child in for a checkup and cleaning every six months; we use their periodic visits to examine the condition of their restoration as well. If your child lets you know that their dental crown doesn’t feel stable, that their gums are bleeding, or their tooth is hurting, then you should schedule an appointment with us right away.