Protect and strengthen your child’s teeth in Laguna Niguel with durable pediatric crowns. We Specialize in gentle, precise and kid-friendly care for healthy, happy smiles. Book your consultation today!
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If the dentist has mentioned that your child needs a crown, you might be feeling some worry and uncertainty. That is completely understandable. Pediatric crowns are one of the most common treatments in children’s dentistry, and they are often the best way to save a baby tooth that is too damaged for a filling, so your child can chew, speak, and smile comfortably until the adult tooth is ready.
At Kidz Modern Dentistry in Laguna Niguel, Dr. Lida Pishbin and Dr. Solmaz Shir place both durable stainless steel crowns and natural-looking tooth-colored zirconia crowns. Every step is explained to you before treatment, and comfort options are available for children who feel nervous.
Real families sharing their experiences with our pediatric dental care.
A pediatric crown is a cap that fits over the entire visible part of a damaged or decayed tooth. It holds the remaining tooth together, protects it from further damage, and restores normal chewing. A filling repairs part of a tooth, while a crown covers the whole tooth, which is why it is used when the damage is too large for a filling to hold.
Crowns for children are made specifically for small baby teeth and young permanent teeth. The goal of pediatric restorative care, as described by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, is to keep as much natural tooth as possible and keep the tooth working until it is naturally replaced.
For families coming from communities like Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, or Laguna Hills, all appointments take place at the Laguna Niguel office on La Paz Road.
A crown is usually recommended when a tooth has lost too much structure for a filling to stay strong. The dentist looks at the size and location of the damage, your child’s age, and how long the tooth needs to last before recommending one.
Common reasons for a crown include:
It is always fine to ask why a crown was chosen over another option. The dentist will walk you through the reasoning in plain language.
When decay reaches the nerve of a baby tooth, pulp therapy treats the infection first, and a crown is then placed to protect the tooth.
Knowing what to expect helps both you and your child feel calmer. Most crowns on baby teeth are placed in a single visit. The exact steps can vary depending on the tooth and whether other treatment is done at the same appointment.
Before anything begins, the dentist examines the tooth and reviews x-rays to confirm a crown is the right choice.
The appointment usually goes like this:
A numbing gel is applied, then a local anesthetic so the tooth and gums are fully numb
The decay is removed and the tooth is gently shaped to fit the crown
The dentist selects the crown size that fits your child’s tooth
The crown is cemented into place
The bite is checked to make sure it feels comfortable and even
For children who feel anxious or need several teeth treated, sedation options such as laughing gas or oral sedation can help them stay relaxed.
Slots for emergency dental visits available today. Don't let your child's dental pain wait. Call or text us now!
Stainless steel crowns are the most widely used crowns in pediatric dentistry and have been for decades. They are very durable, can be placed efficiently, which helps young children who have limited patience in the chair, and hold up well on back molars, where chewing forces are strongest.
Zirconia crowns are made from a tooth-colored ceramic that closely matches natural teeth. They are a popular choice for front teeth and other visible areas, where families want the crown to blend in. Both types are designed to stay in place until the baby tooth falls out on its own.
The dentist will recommend a crown based on which tooth needs it, how much chewing force it takes, and your preferences. When a cavity is smaller, a tooth-colored filling may be enough instead.
Many parents wonder whether it is worth treating a baby tooth that will fall out anyway. It is. Baby teeth hold space for the permanent teeth, help children chew a healthy diet, and support clear speech. Some back baby teeth stay in place until around age 10 to 12.
A badly damaged tooth left untreated can become painful and infected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 34 million school hours are lost each year because of unplanned or emergency dental care. A crown keeps the tooth working and comfortable until it is ready to come out naturally.
If a baby tooth cannot be saved and has to be removed early, space maintainers hold the gap open so the permanent tooth has room to come in.
The numbness usually lasts one to three hours, so remind your child not to bite their lip, cheek, or tongue until it wears off. Soft foods are best for the first day, and very sticky or hard foods like caramels and gummy candy are best avoided near the crown. Mild sensitivity for a few days is normal, but call the office if it lasts longer or if the crown feels loose or comes off.
Keep brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss around the crowned tooth, paying attention to where the crown meets the gum, since plaque can build up there. When the baby tooth is ready to fall out, the crown comes out with it.
Regular checkups let the dentist check the crown and the gums around it, and the practice’s preventive dentistry services, including fluoride and sealants, help keep other teeth from needing a crown.
Pediatric Dentist & Practice Owner
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Diplomate by American Board of
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Dentist & Practice Owner
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Diplomate by American Board of
Pediatric Dentistry
Kidz Modern Dentistry works with most major dental insurance plans, and the team verifies your benefits before the appointment so you know what to expect. Many plans cover stainless steel crowns on baby teeth, while coverage for tooth-colored crowns varies by plan and tooth. For families without dental insurance, the KMD Total Care membership plans are available as an alternative. The plan details are listed further down this page. To ask about coverage or to schedule your child’s visit, contact our Laguna Niguel office by phone or through the online booking form.
Experience total freedom in your child’s dental care. Our membership removes the barriers found in traditional insurance — no caps, no delays, and no denials. Review the benefits and exclusions to see how effortless care can be.
Common questions parents ask, answered by our pediatric dental experts.
A stainless steel crown placed on a primary molar is designed to remain in place until the tooth naturally falls out, which typically occurs between ages 10 and 13 depending on the specific tooth. Zirconia and composite crowns may have varying longevity depending on how well the crown is cared for and the amount of biting pressure on the tooth. Your dentist can give you a more specific timeline based on which tooth was treated and your child's dental development.
Yes. When the baby tooth is ready to naturally exfoliate, the crown comes out along with it. The underlying permanent tooth then erupts into the space, unaffected by the crown on the primary tooth above it. This is a normal and expected part of the process.
The procedure is performed with local anesthesia, so the tooth and surrounding area are thoroughly numbed before any preparation begins. Children typically feel pressure and vibration but not pain. The dentist and dental team are also trained to manage anxiety and keep your child as comfortable as possible throughout. Some children find the experience more manageable than expected, especially when they are prepared in advance with age-appropriate explanations.
Using simple, positive language works well for most children. You might tell them that the dentist is going to give their tooth a special hat to keep it strong and healthy. Avoid using words that might trigger fear, such as shot, drill, or pull. Pediatric dentists are experienced at communicating with children in ways that reduce anxiety, so let them take the lead during the appointment while you remain a calm and reassuring presence.
Yes. While crowns on primary teeth are very common in younger children, pediatric dentists also restore young permanent teeth that have suffered extensive decay, developmental problems, or trauma. The material selection may differ based on whether the tooth is primary or permanent and on how long the crown needs to last. Your dentist will discuss the most appropriate option for your child's specific situation.
Many dental insurance plans include coverage for pediatric dental crowns, particularly stainless steel crowns on primary teeth, as these are recognized as a medically necessary restorative treatment. Coverage for tooth-colored or zirconia crowns may vary depending on the plan and the position of the tooth in the mouth. It is worth contacting your insurance provider directly or asking the dental office's billing team to check your specific benefits before the appointment.
If a crown comes off unexpectedly, contact your dental office as soon as possible. Save the crown if you can, as the dentist may be able to re-cement it. In the meantime, keep the area clean, and avoid having your child chew on that side of the mouth if it causes discomfort. Do not attempt to re-cement the crown at home.
Longer reads from our pediatric dental team, for parents who want the detail behind the visit.
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Read More: No More Silver Fillings: Why Colored Anticavity Fillings Are the Best Choice for KidsSlots for emergency dental visits available today. Don't let your child's dental pain wait. Call or text us now!
We serve families from Southern Orange County, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano and surrounding communities with comprehensive pediatric dental care.
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
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