Pediatric Dental Crowns in Asheville, NC
Pediatric crowns cover and protect a tooth that is too damaged or decayed for a filling alone. They are especially useful on baby molars that still need to last several years.
5 Stars“Amazing pediatric dentist!! Dr. Dan is great and patient with the kids. All the staff are amazing and sweet.. my son has ADHD so he can be talkative and hyper and they still are patient and funny with him.. 10/10 recommend”Felica A.
5 Stars“Fantastic! Super charming, professional, efficient. My nervous little hypochondriac went in there terrified, and the calm, cool staff at BR pediatric dentistry set her at ease and pulled two teeth in what felt like seconds. Lovely miniature train set, as well! 10/10 would recommend!!!”Jeffrey S.
5 Stars“My boys are 5 & 7 so we have years of experience with Doctor Dan and his staff. We moved to Black Mountain 4 years ago but it’s worth the drive for our children to have a good dental experience. Always a great atmosphere, everyone goes above and beyond to make sure our children feel safe and comfortable. Doctor Dan not only did our sons dental surgery but also personally reached out to us to check on our son after he had surgery! That meant a lot! Great place, Maggie is just the cherry on top🐾”Jolea E.
Crowns are often part of the full-mouth restorations Dr. Dan Knechtel performs under general anesthesia, with an anesthesiologist in the office. A board-certified pediatric dentist who completed his residency at Yale New Haven Hospital, he offers both white (tooth-colored) and silver (stainless steel) crowns and explains the tradeoffs of each for your child’s tooth. He has practiced dentistry since 2002 and has cared for Asheville families at Blue Ridge Pediatric Dentistry since 2011.
A crown on a baby molar is about buying that tooth the time it needs. If it can keep doing its job until the permanent tooth is ready, that is a success.
— Dr. Dan Knechtel
What a Pediatric Crown Does
A pediatric crown is a tooth-shaped covering that fits over a damaged tooth. Unlike a filling, which repairs part of a tooth, a crown covers most of the visible tooth structure. A dentist may recommend that coverage when too little healthy tooth remains to support a filling.
Crowns can be used on baby teeth as well as permanent teeth. Keeping a baby tooth healthy enough to function matters because baby teeth support chewing, speech, and the space needed for developing adult teeth. A tooth’s expected time in the mouth is one factor in deciding whether a crown makes sense.
When to Consider a Crown for Your Child
Extensive decay, a broken tooth, or a tooth weakened by pulp treatment can lead to a crown recommendation. A large cavity does not automatically mean a tooth needs a crown. The decision depends on the amount of healthy tooth remaining, the condition of the pulp inside the tooth, and whether the tooth can be restored.
Arrange a dental evaluation if your child has tooth pain, pain while chewing, a visible hole, or a broken tooth. Some damaged teeth cause few symptoms, so a lack of pain does not rule out a problem. Facial swelling, fever with dental pain, or difficulty swallowing calls for prompt attention; difficulty breathing requires emergency medical care.
Ask why a crown is being recommended rather than a filling or extraction. A useful discussion should address the tooth’s condition, its role in your child’s mouth, and the likely consequences of delaying care.
How Crown Materials Differ
We offer white (tooth-colored) crowns and silver (stainless steel) crowns. Silver crowns have a metal appearance and are often used on back teeth. Tooth-colored crowns more closely resemble natural teeth and may appeal to you when appearance is a concern.
The choice involves more than color. Tooth location, remaining tooth structure, bite, and the requirements for fitting the crown can affect which material is appropriate. Ask which options are available for your child’s tooth, why a particular material is recommended, and what tradeoffs come with it.
What to Expect From Crown Treatment
Ask the dentist how the tooth’s condition will be assessed and whether dental X-rays are needed to check areas that cannot be seen during an exam. Ask whether decay, damage, or signs of infection could affect the treatment options. Tell the dentist about your child’s symptoms, medical history, medicines, and previous experiences with dental treatment.
During a typical crown procedure, the dentist numbs the area, removes decay or damaged material, shapes the tooth, and fits and secures the crown. A tooth with damage involving its pulp may need other treatment before a crown can be placed. The exact plan depends on the findings.
Before treatment, ask about comfort options, how your child can prepare, and what instructions to follow afterward. Sedation may be considered for some children, but it is not part of every crown procedure. Discuss the proposed approach and any preparation requirements before the appointment.
Caring for a Tooth With a Crown
A crowned tooth still needs daily care. Brush with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth, and continue regular dental visits. Decay can develop where the crown meets the tooth, so a crown does not replace the need for healthy oral habits.
Follow the dentist’s instructions about eating after treatment, especially while your child’s mouth is numb. Ask about foods that could loosen or damage the crown and how to clean around it. Contact the dentist if the crown comes loose, your child’s bite feels uneven, or pain persists or worsens.
For a crowned baby tooth, the goal is generally to keep the tooth functioning until it is ready to fall out naturally. How long a crown lasts depends on the tooth, the fit of the restoration, oral habits, and ongoing care. Ask what changes to watch for as your child’s adult teeth develop.
Why Choose Blue Ridge Pediatric Dentistry for Pediatric Crowns?
A crown is a bigger step than a filling, so it helps to know your options. Parents choose us for:
- White and Silver Crowns: Both options are available, and Dr. Dan Knechtel explains which fits your child’s tooth.
- Crowns as Part of a Bigger Plan: When several teeth need care, crowns can be placed during a full-mouth restoration under general anesthesia.
- Follow-Up at Every Visit: Crowned teeth are checked at each checkup until the baby tooth is ready to fall out.
- A Pediatric Specialist: Care from a board-certified pediatric dentist who treats only children and teens.
Questions About Pediatric Crowns
A crown on a baby tooth is meant to protect the tooth until it falls out naturally. How well it holds up depends on the tooth, your child’s chewing habits, and daily care, and Dr. Dan Knechtel checks it at every visit.
A crown recommendation does not automatically mean your child needs pulp therapy. Pulp treatment depends on the health of the tissue inside the tooth, while a crown addresses the tooth’s need for coverage and support.
The appearance depends on the crown material. Tooth-colored crowns resemble natural teeth, while stainless steel crowns have a metal appearance. Ask which materials are appropriate and available for your child’s tooth.
Contact the dentist promptly and save the crown if you can find it. Do not use household glue to put it back, and keep your child from chewing on the affected side until you receive instructions.
Decay can develop in the tooth near the edge of a crown. Daily brushing, cleaning between teeth, limiting frequent sugary snacks and drinks, and regular dental exams remain important after treatment.
Discuss Your Child’s Crown Needs in Asheville, NC
If your child has a damaged tooth or has been advised to consider pediatric crowns, contact Blue Ridge Pediatric Dentistry in Asheville, NC, to request an appointment. Bring your questions about the tooth, treatment options, and your child’s comfort so you can discuss the next step with Dr. Dan Knechtel.
Medically reviewed by Dan Knechtel, DDS on
