Does my child need a pediatric dental crown?

Dental crowns are a standard dental restoration used for adults, but what about children? Sometimes, our dentists at South OC Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics encourage you, the parent, to consider the benefits of using a pediatric dental crown for your child. These restorations can repair a damaged tooth or one susceptible to further damage before the baby teeth naturally fall out on their own.

When might my child need a dental crown?

Pediatric dental crowns play a role in restoring natural teeth. While we often think of dental crowns in adult patients, aesthetic pediatric crowns may also be used for children. The dental crown acts as a “cap” or cover for the remaining structure of a prepared tooth. It is bonded onto the top of the tooth above the gum line to provide an extra layer of strength and protection. Dental crowns may be needed in some situations, such as the following:

To strengthen a tooth compromised by a very large filling

To protect a broken tooth from further damage
To protect an exposed tooth from infection and disease
To bond with a false tooth to create a dental bridge for tooth replacement
To place over the abutment of a dental implant (though this is often more for adult patients)

During an evaluation with Drs. John De Lorme, and Sam Wu at South OC Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, children can be examined to determine if they are a good fit for a dental crown. We use ceramic, porcelain, and zirconia materials to create dental crowns made for your child’s smile!

Schedule time to learn more about pediatric dental caps. Drs. De Lorme, Wu, and the South OC Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics team are here to assist with restorative solutions for children in Mission Viejo, CA, and beyond. If your child might need a dental crown, now is a great time to talk to our team about his or her options. Call (949) 581 5800 to request a visit with our team, conveniently located at 26302 La Paz Road, Suite #114. We serve patients in the surrounding cities of Aliso Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, and Rancho Santa Margarita and are open to new patients and families.

Dr. John De Lorme

Dr. John De Lorme is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). He is a healthcare leader in his community, speaking at parent/child classes throughout South Orange County for the last 30 years. He attended Saint Mary’s College, University of the Pacific – Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Boston Children’s Hospital for his residency.

Dr. Samuel Wu

Dr. Samuel Wu, also an ABPD Diplomate, attended the University of California in Berkeley and Los Angeles and spent his residency at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Boston Children’s Hospital. He has a passion for medical missions to other countries. ‍

Dr. Chris Carter

Dr. Chris Carter completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and dental school and residency at Oregon Health and Science University. He practiced general dentistry for five years before specializing in orthodontics. His experience at the University of California – Irvine’s Plastic Surgery Department allows him to craft smiles that perfectly complement each patient’s unique facial features.