White Zirconia Dental Crowns for Children in Denver, CO
When a child’s tooth is too damaged or decayed to be repaired with a filling alone, a dental crown provides the protection and restoration the tooth needs. At Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry, we offer white zirconia crowns — a strong, tooth-colored option that restores your child’s tooth to its natural shape, size, and appearance. Dr. Kojo Danso uses these durable, beautiful crowns to give your child’s smile the best possible outcome.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap that fits over an existing tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, protecting the remaining tooth structure from further damage. Crowns are a time-tested restorative solution used in both adult and pediatric dentistry.
Why White Zirconia Crowns?
Zirconia is a high-strength ceramic material that is extremely durable and designed to look just like a natural tooth. White zirconia crowns offer several important advantages for children over older crown materials like silver stainless steel crowns:
Natural appearance: Zirconia crowns are tooth-colored and blend beautifully with the surrounding teeth. This is especially important for front teeth where a silver crown would be highly visible.
Exceptional strength: Zirconia is one of the strongest dental materials available. It holds up well to the chewing forces and habits of active children and is highly resistant to chipping and fracture.
Biocompatibility: Zirconia is well-tolerated by gum tissue and the body, reducing the risk of irritation or sensitivity around the crown margin.
Long-lasting protection: A well-placed zirconia crown protects the tooth for the remainder of its natural life — important for baby teeth that may still need to serve for several more years before being replaced by permanent teeth.
When Does a Child Need a Crown?
Dr. Danso may recommend a crown in several situations, including when a tooth has a very large cavity that leaves too little tooth structure remaining to support a filling. A crown may also be needed when a tooth has been cracked or fractured and the damage extends too far for a filling to adequately repair. Children who have had a pulp treatment (nerve treatment) on a primary tooth typically need a crown to protect the tooth afterward. Crowns are also used for teeth that are severely worn, malformed, or discolored in ways that affect their function or your child’s smile.
What to Expect During the Crown Procedure
The process begins with a thorough examination, including digital X-rays, to assess the condition of the tooth and confirm that a crown is the right treatment. The tooth is then prepared by reshaping it slightly to allow the crown to fit properly. In some cases, an impression or digital scan is taken so the crown can be fabricated to fit precisely.
Your child will receive a local anesthetic before we begin, ensuring they remain comfortable throughout. We use gentle, careful technique and take time to explain what we’re doing in child-friendly language. Once the crown is ready, it is bonded securely in place and checked for proper fit and bite.
Caring for a Crown After Placement
A zirconia crown requires no special care beyond regular brushing and flossing and attending routine dental cleanings and exams. We’ll check the crown at every visit to make sure it remains intact and that the surrounding tooth and gum tissue stay healthy.
To learn more about white zirconia crowns or to schedule an appointment for your child in Denver, CO,, contact Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry today at (303) 757-8844.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Zirconia Dental Crowns
Why does my child need a crown instead of a filling?
When a cavity is very large or a tooth is significantly damaged, there may not be enough healthy tooth structure left to support a filling securely. A crown covers and protects the entire tooth, preventing further damage and restoring its full function and shape.
What is zirconia and why is it used for children’s crowns?
Zirconia is a high-strength ceramic material known for its durability and natural tooth-colored appearance. It’s an excellent choice for pediatric crowns because it’s strong enough to handle the forces of chewing, looks natural, and is well-tolerated by gum tissue.
Are white zirconia crowns better than silver stainless steel crowns?
White zirconia crowns offer the significant advantage of a natural appearance — especially important for front teeth. They are also highly durable and biocompatible. Dr. Danso will discuss the most appropriate option for your child based on which tooth is being treated and other clinical factors.
Does getting a crown hurt?
We use a local anesthetic to numb the area before beginning, so the procedure should not be painful. Our team also offers SOAN pain-free injections to make the numbing process as comfortable as possible. Post-procedure sensitivity typically resolves within a few days.
Do baby teeth really need crowns, since they fall out eventually?
Yes. Baby teeth often need to last for several more years before being replaced by permanent teeth, and they play important roles in chewing, speech, and holding space for developing permanent teeth. A damaged or infected baby tooth that goes untreated can cause pain and potentially affect the developing permanent tooth underneath.
How long does a zirconia crown last on a baby tooth?
A properly placed zirconia crown should last for the remaining life of the baby tooth — typically until it falls out naturally when the permanent tooth is ready to come in. We check the crown at every routine visit to ensure it remains in good condition.
Can a crown be placed on the same day as the exam?
In some cases, yes. The timing depends on the specific situation and what preparation is needed. Dr. Danso will advise you on the treatment timeline after examining your child. Call us at (303) 757-8844 to learn more.