Stainless steel crowns

What is a stainless steel crown?

A stainless steel dental crown is a small metal “cap” that covers a damaged or weakened tooth. It helps restore the tooth’s shape, strength, and ability to chew comfortably. Stainless steel crowns are often recommended when a baby tooth has a large cavity that is too big to be repaired successfully with a filling. The crown protects the tooth and helps it stay healthy and functional until it naturally falls out and is replaced by the permanent adult tooth.

Stainless steel crowns are used when…

• A cavity is large or extensive and a regular filling is unlikely to provide enough strength or durability.
• A baby tooth has had a pulpotomy or other pulp treatment, as the crown helps protect the remaining tooth structure.
• A child has multiple or severe cavities, where crowns can provide a durable restoration and reduce the risk of the tooth breaking or developing recurrent decay.
• A tooth has developmental defects, such as weak or poorly formed enamel, that make it more susceptible to damage.
• A baby tooth needs to remain functional for some time before it naturally falls out and is replaced by the permanent tooth.

General procedure:

• Numbing: The dentist will numb your child’s tooth and the surrounding area to keep them comfortable during the procedure.
• Cleaning the tooth: The dentist removes the cavity and any damaged or weakened areas of the tooth.
• Preparing the tooth: A small amount of tooth structure is gently shaped so the crown can fit properly over the tooth.
• Choosing the crown: The dentist selects a crown that fits your child’s tooth and adjusts it as needed.
• Checking the fit: The crown is placed on the tooth to make sure it fits comfortably and does not interfere with your child’s bite.
• Securing the crown: Once the fit is correct, the crown is permanently cemented onto the tooth.
• Final check: Any extra dental cement is removed, and the dentist checks the bite to make sure everything feels comfortable.

Before the appointment, there are a few things you can do to prepare:

Prioritize discussing any concerns with the Ironwood Dental team beforehand for reassurance. Ironwood Dental's experts are here to alleviate your discomfort and preserve your dental health effectively.

How long will the appointment be?

The placement of a stainless steel crown itself is relatively quick. However, the overall appointment may take approximately an hour because it can include additional procedures such as preparing the tooth, fitting the crown, and, if necessary, performing a pulpotomy.

What will the procedure look like?

• Examine the tooth – The dentist assesses the tooth and may take an X-ray to determine how much decay is present and whether the nerve is involved.
• Numb the area – Local anesthetic is given to keep the procedure comfortable.
• Prepare the tooth – The dentist removes decay and reduces/shapes the tooth so the crown can fit over it. This usually involves reducing the chewing surface and the sides of the tooth.
• Pulpotomy, if needed – If decay is close to or has affected the pulp (nerve), a pulpotomy may be performed before the crown is placed.
• Select and fit the crown – The dentist chooses the appropriate crown size and checks its fit, making adjustments if necessary.
• Check the bite – The dentist makes sure the crown isn't too high and that the child's bite comes together normally.
• Cement the crown – Dental cement is placed inside the crown, which is then seated firmly over the prepared tooth.
• Remove excess cement – Any cement around the crown and between the teeth is cleaned away.
• Final check – The dentist checks the crown, surrounding gums, and bite to make sure everything is comfortable and properly positioned.
• Aftercare Instructions – After the crown is placed, the dentist will provide you with instructions on how to care for the crown, including proper oral hygiene practices and any dietary restrictions.

• Numbness: The lip, cheek, or tongue may stay numb for 1–3 hours. Watch your child closely so they don’t bite or chew the area.
• Eating: Once the numbness wears off, your child can generally eat normally. Softer foods may be more comfortable initially.
• Sensitivity: Mild gum tenderness or sensitivity for a few days can be normal.
• Oral hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing normally. Be gentle around the crowned tooth for the first day if the gums are sore.
• Crown care: Avoid very sticky foods (such as taffy or caramel), particularly in the first few days, because they can potentially loosen the crown.
• Pain: If needed, use an age-appropriate dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to your dentist/doctor's instructions. Do not give aspirin to children.
• Rest and Recovery: Rest and allow time for the treated tooth to heal properly. Avoid strenuous activities or behaviors that could put pressure on the tooth.

The stainless steel crown is not permanent and is designed to remain on the primary (baby) tooth until the tooth naturally falls out. The crown will typically come out along with the primary tooth when it is time for the tooth to be lost.

If your child’s stainless steel crown comes off prematurely, or if your child experiences significant or worsening pain, swelling, fever, bleeding that does not stop, or difficulty biting normally, please give our office a call. We would be happy to see your child and address any concerns or discomfort.