Pediatric Dental Crowns in St. Louis, MO

Pediatric dental crowns are full-coverage dental restorations that protect primary teeth and young permanent teeth when a standard dental filling will not provide enough strength. We recommend crowns when there is deep tooth decay, a crack or fracture, hypoplastic enamel, a prior pulpotomy, or a large failing filling. For front teeth, we often discuss white esthetic crowns. For back teeth, durable stainless steel crowns are frequently chosen for reliable protection during chewing.

• Restore comfortable chewing and everyday function
• Protect weakened tooth structure and reduce the risk of future fractures
• Preserve space for adult teeth and support normal development
• Lower the chance of emergency visits and repeat treatment
• Provide consistent results after a pulp therapy procedure

These benefits help your child eat, speak, and smile with confidence while a baby tooth holds space for its permanent successor.

Parents commonly notice warning signs before a crown is recommended. These may include pain with chewing, visible large cavities, a cracked or broken tooth, a failing filling, or a tooth that recently needed pulpotomy. Other clues include food trapping around a damaged tooth, sensitivity that does not improve, or small fractures that keep returning. If you see any of these signs, our team can evaluate the tooth and explain the best path forward.

Delaying care can allow tooth decay to spread, which may lead to infection, swelling, or abscess. A weakened tooth is more likely to break, which can force an extraction. Early loss of a baby tooth can create space loss, crowding, and future orthodontic concerns. Timely treatment with a pediatric crown protects the tooth, reduces the chance of emergencies, and supports healthy development.

For primary teeth, a pediatric crown can be completed in a single visit. The typical steps include numbing the area for comfort, removing decay, shaping the tooth, fitting the crown, cementing it into place, and checking the bite. This is often done as fast or faster than a traditional filling. We use child-friendly techniques and can provide nitrous oxide when appropriate. Our goal is a smooth appointment that keeps your child comfortable and sets them up for success at home.

Yes. We offer esthetic pediatric crowns for front teeth when appearance is a priority. During your visit, we will discuss the look and feel you want, the cooperation needed for the procedure, and how the chosen material will hold up in daily use. Together, we decide whether a white crown or another option is best for your child’s smile.

A well-placed stainless steel crown or white pediatric crown often lasts until the baby tooth naturally loosens and falls out. Longevity depends on bite habits, home care, diet, and whether a child grinds their teeth. Regular checkups allow us to monitor the crown and the gum tissue around it, reinforce hygiene, and make small adjustments if needed. The 5 year success rate of a filling in a baby tooth is about 70%. The long-term success rate of a stainless steel crown is typically 90-95%.

After a crown placement, simple home care helps the tooth heal and stay healthy.

• For the first 24 to 72 hours, choose soft foods and avoid sticky candies
• Brush gently around the crown and continue twice-daily brushing
• Floss daily, paying attention to the gumline and crown margins
• Use fluoride as directed to strengthen neighboring teeth
• Call us if your child has sensitivity that does not improve, a crown that feels loose, or a bite that seems uneven

With good oral hygiene and preventive care, a pediatric dental crown can serve your child reliably until it is time for the tooth to exfoliate.

The risk is low when the crown fits properly and oral hygiene is consistent. Decay can occur at the crown margins if plaque and food acids remain along the gumline. That is why professional cleanings, routine exams, and home care matter. We may also recommend sealants or topical fluoride for nearby teeth to reduce the chance of new cavities.

Fees vary by tooth location, crown material, and the complexity of care. Our silver crowns are roughly the price of a large filling. Our white crowns for front teeth are made of porcelain, and thus cost more than a normal filling. Many plans provide insurance benefits for medically necessary children’s dental crowns. We help families understand coverage by providing a pre-estimate and walking through options before treatment begins. Lenahan Smiles believes in transparent pricing and clear communication so you can make confident decisions for your child.

Lenahan Smiles is led by board-certified pediatric dentists who focus on education, comfort, and ethics. Families choose our practice because we combine advanced training with a warm approach that respects each child’s needs.

• Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists: Expertise with pediatric dental crowns, pulp therapy, and behavior guidance
• Child-Centered Care: Calm communication, Tell-Show-Do, and nitrous oxide options when appropriate
• Personalized Dental Treatments: We recommend what your child truly needs and explain every step in plain language
• Technology and Access: Digital X-rays, panoramic imaging, clear aftercare, and easy scheduling by call, text, or online request
• Community Trust: Families across St. Louis, MO rely on our practice for reliable restorative care and thoughtful guidance

When your child needs a crown, you deserve a plan that protects their health and keeps visits positive. That is our promise to every family we serve.

Lenahan Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is here to make pediatric dental crowns straightforward and comfortable from start to finish. If your child has a cavity, a cracked tooth, or a tooth that needs extra protection, our team will explain your options and provide gentle, effective care. Call, text, or request an appointment online to schedule a dental crown appointment with Lenahan Smiles in St. Louis, MO.