Paediatric dental crowns
Paediatric dental crowns: protection and restoration of your child's primary teeth
Paediatric dental crowns are preformed restorations that cover and protect primary teeth severely damaged by decay, fracture, or following pulp treatment.
They are the reference solution in paediatric dentistry for preserving primary teeth until their natural shedding, and for maintaining chewing function, speech, and the space required for the eruption of permanent teeth.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, in Benavente, paediatric dental crowns are placed with clinical precision and techniques adapted to the child's age, to restore compromised teeth safely and durably.
If your child has primary teeth with extensive decay or a fracture, book an assessment appointment to explore the best treatment option.
Diagnosis and Planning with Digital Radiography
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, treatment with paediatric dental crowns is supported by digital imaging examinations that allow rigorous assessment of the extent of the lesion, the proximity of the pulp, and the condition of the primary tooth root.
Diagnosis with Periapical Radiograph
The digital periapical radiograph allows detailed assessment of the primary tooth root, the proximity of the carious lesion to the dental pulp, and the condition of the surrounding bone. This examination is essential for determining whether the tooth is suitable for a crown or whether prior pulp treatment is required.
Caries Detection with Bitewing Radiographs
Bitewing radiographs allow detection of caries between the primary teeth, particularly in the deciduous molars, where lesions are often invisible to the naked eye. Early detection is essential for planning the most appropriate restorative treatment.
Panoramic Assessment with Orthopantomogram
The digital panoramic X-ray provides an overall view of the child's entire dental arch, including the position of the developing permanent teeth. This examination is useful when multiple teeth are affected or when treatment needs to be planned in an integrated manner.
“Every primary tooth plays a vital role in a child's oral development. Paediatric crowns allow us to restore severely damaged teeth and keep them functional until their natural replacement, protecting the space and alignment of the future dentition.”
What are paediatric dental crowns and when are they indicated?
Paediatric dental crowns are preformed restorations that completely cover a damaged primary tooth, restoring its shape, function, and strength.
They are considered the reference restoration in paediatric dentistry for teeth with extensive destruction, in accordance with the guidelines of the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry).
The most common indications for the placement of a paediatric crown include primary teeth with extensive decay involving multiple surfaces, teeth that have undergone pulp treatment (pulpotomy or pulpectomy), teeth with enamel developmental defects, and fractured teeth that cannot be restored with a conventional restoration.
They are considered the reference restoration in paediatric dentistry for teeth with extensive destruction, in accordance with the guidelines of the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry).
What our patients say
My son had a very badly damaged primary molar and the crown solved the problem completely. Two years on and the tooth is still functional and pain-free.
Patrícia Guimarães
The dentist explained to us why it was important to preserve the primary tooth rather than extract it. The crown was fitted in a single session and our son adapted without any difficulty.
André Marques
I was worried about the procedure, but the team was very attentive with my daughter. The crown fitted perfectly and she was able to eat normally again.
Helena Tomás
4 Steps to Treatment with Paediatric Dental Crowns
Treatment with paediatric crowns at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo follows a structured protocol, from diagnosis through to crown placement, to restore your child's primary tooth safely.
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Diagnosis and tooth assessment
The dentist carries out a clinical examination and requests imaging studies, such as a periapical X-ray, to assess the extent of the decay, the proximity to the dental pulp and the condition of the primary tooth root. This assessment determines whether the tooth is suitable to receive a crown.
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Prior treatment when necessary
In cases where decay has reached the dental pulp, a pulp treatment (pulpotomy or pulpectomy) is performed before crown placement. This step is essential to eliminate the infection and preserve the primary tooth.
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Tooth preparation and crown selection
The tooth is prepared with minimal reduction of the dental structure to allow the pre-formed crown to be fitted. The crown is selected according to the size of the tooth and adapted to ensure good occlusion and adequate contact with the adjacent teeth.
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Cementation and Final Verification
The crown is cemented onto the tooth and the dentist checks the fit, the occlusion, and the interproximal contacts. Parents are given guidance on post-treatment care. The crown remains on the tooth until its natural exfoliation.
0
Diagnosis and tooth assessment
The dentist carries out a clinical examination and requests imaging studies, such as a periapical X-ray, to assess the extent of the decay, the proximity to the dental pulp and the condition of the primary tooth root. This assessment determines whether the tooth is suitable to receive a crown.
0
Prior treatment when necessary
In cases where decay has reached the dental pulp, a pulp treatment (pulpotomy or pulpectomy) is performed before crown placement. This step is essential to eliminate the infection and preserve the primary tooth.
0
Tooth preparation and crown selection
The tooth is prepared with minimal reduction of the dental structure to allow the pre-formed crown to be fitted. The crown is selected according to the size of the tooth and adapted to ensure good occlusion and adequate contact with the adjacent teeth.
0
Cementation and Final Verification
The crown is cemented onto the tooth and the dentist checks the fit, the occlusion, and the interproximal contacts. Parents are given guidance on post-treatment care. The crown remains on the tooth until its natural exfoliation.
Everything you need to know about paediatric dental crowns
Primary teeth play essential roles in a child's development: they allow adequate chewing of food, are fundamental for speech, maintain the space required for the correct eruption of permanent teeth, and contribute to the harmonious development of the jaw.
When a primary tooth has suffered extensive destruction due to decay or fracture, a conventional restoration may not be sufficient to restore the tooth's shape and strength.
In such cases, the placement of a paediatric crown is the indicated solution to preserve the tooth until the time of its natural shedding.
Preformed metal crowns have been used in paediatric dentistry for over seven decades and have a solid body of scientific evidence supporting their durability and effectiveness.
The AAPD recommends their use in children with a high risk of tooth decay and in teeth with destruction involving multiple surfaces.
The premature loss of a primary tooth can lead to the migration of adjacent teeth, reduce the space available for the permanent tooth, and compromise the alignment of the future dentition.
Keeping the primary tooth functional until its natural replacement is, in the majority of cases, the best clinical approach.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, treatment with paediatric crowns is carried out with imaging diagnosis and techniques adapted to the child's age and level of cooperation.
If your child has a damaged primary tooth, book your assessment appointment.
Main Problems Treated with Paediatric Dental Crowns
Paediatric dental crowns are indicated in various clinical situations where a conventional restoration is not sufficient to preserve the primary tooth. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, each case is assessed individually. Find out about the most common indications.
Extensive Caries in Deciduous Molars
When decay affects multiple surfaces of a primary molar, the remaining tooth structure may be insufficient to support a conventional restoration.
The paediatric crown covers and protects the entire tooth and restores its shape and function.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the assessment includes a clinical examination and periapical X-ray to determine the extent of the lesion and define the most appropriate restorative approach for your child.
Primary Teeth Following Pulp Treatment
Following a pulpotomy or pulpectomy, the treated primary tooth becomes more fragile and requires a restoration that offers complete protection.
International clinical guidelines recommend the placement of a paediatric crown on primary teeth that have undergone pulp treatment.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the crown is placed in the same session or at the session following pulp treatment, to protect the tooth immediately.
Enamel Developmental Defects
Some primary teeth may have defects in enamel formation (hypoplasia or hypomineralisation) that make them more susceptible to decay and fracture.
In these cases, the paediatric crown offers complete protection for the tooth.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the assessment of the child's dental development includes early identification of these defects and guidance for parents on treatment options.
Discover Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, treatment with paediatric dental crowns is carried out using digital imaging diagnostics and restorative techniques adapted to the age and needs of each child.
Book your appointment
If your child has primary teeth with extensive decay, a fracture, or following pulp treatment, book an appointment at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo and receive a treatment plan adapted to your child's needs.
Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo
R. Vasco da Gama 6,
2130-197 Benavente, Portugal
Telephone: +351 263 516 773
Mobile: +351 919 366 534
geral@clinicapaulocardozo.pt
Frequently Asked Questions
About Paediatric Dental Crowns
What is a paediatric dental crown?
It is a preformed restoration that completely covers and protects a primary tooth damaged by extensive decay, fracture, or following pulp treatment. The crown restores the shape, function, and strength of the tooth.
Why not just do a simple filling instead of a crown?
When tooth destruction involves multiple surfaces or the tooth has undergone pulp treatment, a conventional restoration may not provide sufficient strength. The paediatric crown is the most durable and safe option in these cases.
Is fitting a crown painful for a child?
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia and is well tolerated by most children. Tooth preparation and crown placement are usually completed in a single session.
How long does a crown last on a primary tooth?
The crown remains on the tooth until it naturally falls out. The crown accompanies the physiological process of tooth shedding and comes out together with the primary tooth when the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.
Is a metal crown safe for children?
Yes. Preformed metal crowns have been used in paediatric dentistry for decades and their safety is supported by extensive scientific evidence and the guidelines of leading international oral health organisations.
Are there aesthetic crowns for children?
Yes. There are aesthetic zirconia crowns that offer a visual result more similar to a natural tooth. The dentist assesses with parents the most appropriate option for each clinical situation.
What happens if a primary tooth is left untreated?
The premature loss of a primary tooth can cause adjacent teeth to drift, reduce the space for the permanent tooth, and compromise the alignment of future dentition. Keeping the tooth functional is, in most cases, the best option.
Does a child need any special care after a crown is placed?
After placement, the child should maintain careful oral hygiene and avoid very hard or sticky foods in the first few days. The dentist will advise the parents on the specific care required.
Does the Dr. Paulo Cardozo Clinic fit paediatric dental crowns?
Yes. Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, in Benavente, carries out restorative treatments with paediatric dental crowns adapted to each child's needs. Book your assessment appointment.
Clinical Rigour and International Standards
The clinical team at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo guides its paediatric dentistry practice in accordance with the guidelines of the leading oral health reference bodies, including the FDI World Dental Federation, the Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas (OMD), the World Health Organization — Oral Health, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD).
The continuous training and professional development of the clinical staff at Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo, together with the integration of international recommendations into their practice, ensures that every procedure is carried out with safety and medical responsibility.