Dental Crowns – Inver Grove Heights, MN
Fix Your Child’s Damaged Teeth
Accidents can and do happen when kids are involved. After all, children don’t have the same experience as adults — it’s only natural that they get into tight spots. As such, your tykes might suffer from decayed or damaged teeth. That said, little ones don’t have to live with broken smiles. With help from Dr. Matt Strumpf and co., they can get dental crowns in Inver Grove Heights! These prosthetics will protect your children’s teeth while also restoring their appearance. Just read or call the Mighty Molars office today to learn more!
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a small, tooth-shaped cap that fits over a weakened or damaged tooth to keep it protected from additional damage. There are a variety of different materials that can be used to make dental crowns. We use the following for children because of their unique benefits:
- Silver (Stainless Steel): Most of the time, Dr. Matt recommends stainless steel crowns for children. These have been the gold standard for dental care for many decades, and they can be placed very quickly – usually within 5 minutes!
- White (Zirconia): Dental crowns made from zirconia are equally as effective as ones made from stainless steel, but they offer a more natural-looking appearance, as they are made white to match the surrounding teeth. These crowns are technique-sensitive, so they can take longer to place.
When you and your child visit us, we can discuss which option will best meet their needs.
Why Does My Child Need a Dental Crown?
When cavities become too big for a dental filling or a cavity has reached the nerve of your child’s tooth, a dental crown may be necessary for its long-term health. You may be wondering why we don’t just extract the damaged baby tooth. After all – it will eventually fall out anyway! The problem is that when baby teeth come out too early, the child can experience problems with their permanent teeth growing in later on, so a kid’s dental crown is oftentimes a better option.
The Kids’ Dental Crown Process
Before anything else, you and your child will consult Dr. Strumpf to confirm if a crown is the best choice. This process will involve a discussion of relevant smile goals, oral health needs, medical history, etc. Based on the received feedback, our team can then decide if a crown seems right. Furthermore, we’ll also learn whether your little one needs pre-treatment preventive work.
Kids’ dental crowns work a bit differently than ones for adults. Kids’ dental crowns are prefabricated, so they only require one visit as opposed to the two visits an adult would need. There is no need for any impressions, lab work, temporary crowns, or needing to make a separate appointment. Dr. Matt will numb the area, remove the decayed or damaged portions of the tooth, shape the tooth to make space for the crown, and then use dental cement to adhere the crown in place – all in a single visit!
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
After treatment, a child will experience several perks from their new dental crown. Some of the most common ones include the following:
- Tooth Protection: A dental crown protects a tooth’s damaged area from harmful bacteria. Consequently, it keeps the pearly white from needing invasive procedures later — pulp therapy, tooth extraction, etc.
- High Comfort: A crown “caps” a tooth’s jagged area, improving your child’s comfort and overall chewing ability.
- Long-Lasting Results: A well-maintained crown can last for many years!
Ultimately, dental crowns in Inver Grove Heights could help your child’s smile. That being the case, book a visit to our office today!
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
If your child has a damaged tooth, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from getting worse. The good news is that dental crowns are available to cover and protect structurally compromised teeth from additional harm. However, cost is an important aspect to think about. During your child’s visit, we can discuss exactly how much their treatment will be. Until then, here are some things to consider.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
There are several different factors that can influence the cost of your treatment. Here are just some of them:- Severity of Damage: If your child needs another procedure, like pulp therapy, before they get their crown, this will contribute to the overall treatment cost.
- Materials Used: The type of materials used to create your child’s crown will affect the price. We make our dental crowns from stainless steel and zirconia.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are usually considered to be a major procedure, so they can have up to 50% of their cost covered by dental insurance if they are deemed to be medically necessary. If you need help understanding dental insurance benefits and how they work, don’t hesitate to talk to one of our friendly team members.Other Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you will be left completely on your own. We work with CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your child’s treatment into manageable monthly installments with little-to-no interest. To learn more about your financial options, feel free to give us a call. To find out more exactly how much your child’s crown will cost, schedule an appointment with us. We’re eager to help keep your child’s smile healthy and happy!Kids’ Dental Crown FAQs
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
It is impossible for a crown itself to develop a cavity. However, the tooth underneath it still can. In fact, a crowned tooth has about the same risk of decay as an uncrowned tooth. If your child isn’t keeping up an optimal oral hygiene routine, bacteria and plaque can form around the gumline where the crown meets the tooth. They can then travel underneath the crown and wreak havoc on the underlying tooth. Fortunately, this can be prevented with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.
Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
Just like getting a dental filling, the area around your child’s tooth will be numbed before the procedure begins. They won’t be able to feel a thing. However, they may experience some soreness for a few days after, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. If discomfort persists or worsens, give us a call. Remember that since dental crowns protect the vulnerable tooth from damage, they are likely to prevent further discomfort in the tooth later on.
Are Kids’ Dental Crowns Covered by Insurance?
Crowns are usually included in dental insurance plans. Since getting a crown is usually considered a major procedure, they are often eligible for coverage at 50% after the deductible is paid and before the annual maximum is exceeded.