Crowns

When a cavity or crack is too large for a simple filling, a dental crown can help save your child’s tooth and keep their bite strong. At Chatham Pediatric Dentistry in Chapel Hill, we use crowns to protect teeth so your child can get back to eating, talking, and laughing comfortably.

Dr. Alex and Dr. Kevin are pediatric dental specialists who focus on what works best for children in everyday life. Their goal is always the same: keep teeth as healthy and comfortable as possible in a way that feels calm and manageable for your family.

Why Kids Sometimes Need Crowns

Hearing that your child needs a crown can sound intimidating, but for children it is actually a very common and reliable treatment. A crown acts like a tiny helmet for a damaged baby tooth, covering it on all sides so it can keep doing its job until it is ready to fall out naturally.

At Chatham Pediatric Dentistry, we typically recommend crowns when a tooth has:

Crowns help your child chew comfortably, keep space open for the adult tooth, and reduce the chance of future pain or dental emergencies. We talk through the options with you, explain why a crown is recommended, and decide together what makes sense for your child.

What to Expect During a Crown Visit

Children do best when they know what is coming, and parents do too. During a crown appointment, we take our time to explain things in age-appropriate language, answer your questions, and move at a pace that feels right for your child.

First, we gently numb the tooth so your child stays comfortable.
Dr. Alex or Dr. Kevin then removes any decay, shapes the tooth, and fits a prefabricated pediatric crown over it. For back teeth, we typically recommend crowns made of stainless steel, since the science supporting them is very robust. For front teeth, or where parents have esthetic concerns, we can place white zirconia crowns.
After checking the fit and bite, we cement the crown in place and make sure everything feels good before you go.

You will leave with clear instructions about eating, brushing, and what is normal to expect over the next day or two.

Protect Your Child’s Smile With Comfortable Crowns

If your child has a damaged or weakened tooth, we can restore it gently and effectively with pediatric crowns. At Chatham Pediatric Dentistry, we will explain every step in kid-friendly language and help your family feel confident about treatment.

Why Families Choose Chatham Pediatric Dentistry for Crowns

Dental treatment for children is not just about teeth; it is about trust, comfort, and feeling genuinely cared for. At Chatham Pediatric Dentistry, crowns are part of a comprehensive, child-centered approach that supports both kids and parents.

As board-certified pediatric dental specialists trained at UNC, Dr. Alex and Dr. Kevin bring advanced pediatric expertise and a calm, practical approach. They are also local parents themselves, so they understand busy schedules, real-world eating habits, and the everyday challenges of caring for children’s teeth. They offer clear, honest recommendations, give you options, and respect the choices you make for your child.

Our office is relaxed and playful, helping children feel at ease, even when they need more involved care. Whether you are coming from Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, Pittsboro or Chatham County, we want your child’s crown appointment to feel less like a scary procedure and more like one important step in supporting a healthy, confident smile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crowns for Kids

How Do I Know If My Child Really Needs a Crown?

During your visit, Dr. Alex or Dr. Kevin will show you what they see on the X-rays and in your child’s mouth, then explain why a crown is being recommended instead of a filling. You will always have a chance to ask questions and talk through alternatives before making a decision.

Will a Crown on a Baby Tooth Hurt My Child?

During the visit, we use local anesthesia so your child should feel pressure, not pain. Some children have mild soreness afterward, which is usually managed with rest and the type of over-the-counter pain relief your pediatrician recommends. We give you clear guidance about what is typical and what to watch for.

Do Crowns on Baby Teeth Matter If They’ll Fall Out Anyway?

Yes, in many cases they do. Baby teeth help with chewing, speech, and holding space for adult teeth. If a tooth with a deep cavity is left untreated or removed too early, it can lead to pain, infection, or crowding later. Crowns help protect the tooth so it can stay in place until it is ready to come out naturally.

What Do Pediatric Crowns Look Like?

That depends on the type of crown and which tooth we are treating. We will discuss appearance along with strength, longevity, and what makes sense based on your child’s age, cavity risk, and daily habits.

How Long Does a Crown Appointment Take?

We typically schedule crown visits for one hour. We do our best to work efficiently while still keeping the visit relaxed and child-friendly.

Are Crowns Safe for Children?

Yes. Crowns have been used safely in pediatric dentistry for decades. During your visit, we will review the materials we use, answer any specific concerns you have, and make choices that fit your child’s needs and your family’s preferences.

What If My Child Is Very Anxious About Getting a Crown?

Many children feel nervous about dental treatment, especially if it is their first time needing more than a cleaning. We take extra time to explain, show, and tell, and to use child-friendly language and distraction techniques. We also have a wide range of medical methods to help children relax for care. Together, we will find an approach that helps your child feel as comfortable and in control as possible.

Schedule a Pediatric Crown Appointment

If you have been told your child may need a crown, or you are concerned about a damaged or decayed tooth, we are here to help. Chatham Pediatric Dentistry proudly serves families in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, Pittsboro and Chatham County.

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment or consultation. We will carefully evaluate your child’s teeth, answer your questions, and create a treatment plan that supports a strong, healthy smile.