Kids’ Dental Crowns – Katy, TX

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom tooth-shaped cap that gets placed over the entire portion of a tooth that is visible above the gumline. Its job is to protect a damaged tooth from further harm and allow it to function normally. We often recommend crowns if:

• A tooth has a large spot of decay that cannot be treated with a regular filling.
• A tooth is cracked or chipped.
• A tooth is irregularly shaped.
• A tooth has recently undergone pulp therapy.

Crowns can be placed on both primary (baby) and permanent teeth. These restorations can be made out of various materials, but Dr. Mehta and our team favor 100% zirconia crowns due to their natural and lifelike appearance.

The Process of Getting a Dental Crown

The dental crown process requires two appointments. During the first visit, we will prepare your child’s tooth by removing a bit of its enamel. We use local anesthesia and, in some cases, sedation, to make this part of treatment as comfortable as possible. Then, we take impressions of the tooth.

A dental lab will use the impressions to create a beautiful new crown for your child. In the meantime, your child will wear a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth. When the permanent restoration is ready, we will verify that it meets our strict quality standards before we cement it in place.

The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown

Dental crowns can have numerous benefits for young patients:

• Prevent premature loss of baby teeth. A crown can allow a baby tooth to stay in the mouth until it is naturally ready to fall out. This promotes healthy development of adult teeth.
• Prevent extractions of adult teeth. We want your child to keep their full smile for as long as possible!
• Restore oral function. Dental crowns are quite strong. Your child should be able to use their crown to chew normally.
• Easy maintenance. Thorough oral hygiene and other simple measures can keep a crown in good shape for the long haul.
• Beautiful appearance. Zirconia crowns look virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns for Kids

In this day and age, hearing that your child needs a dental procedure like a crown can immediately spur the question, “Okay, and how much will this cost?” Our team at Wellspring Pediatric Dentistry strives to make getting your little one the care they need as affordable and convenient as possible, which is why we accept most PPO dental insurance plans, and we’re happy to help navigate your benefits and file claims on your behalf. We also take pride in being as transparent as possible about pricing!

Factors That Can Affect the Cost of Children’s Dental Crowns

There are multiple different factors that can go into determining the cost of dental crowns for kids in Katy. One of the most impactful details is why your child is receiving it. Typically, dental crowns are placed in combination with other treatments, like pulp treatment. If this is the case, then your child’s preliminary procedure will also be factored into the cost of their restoration. Our team at Wellspring Pediatric Dentistry uses natural-looking materials like zirconia as well, which can sometimes be more costly than stainless steel crowns. However, we do this because the benefits far outweigh a slightly higher cost, like helping your child maintain and build their confidence.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns for Kids?

Most dental insurance companies cover about 50% of the overall cost of dental crowns for kids when the procedure is deemed as medically necessary. If our team recommends this treatment, then we will submit the appropriate documentation to the insurance to prove that the procedure is required in order for your child to maintain a healthy and comfortable smile. It’s also important to factor in any out-of-pocket costs that you may be responsible for, like a deductible.

Our team is happy to help you navigate your dental insurance coverage to maximize your reimbursement and savings. Please don’t hesitate to ask us questions along the way—we’re always happy to help!

Options for Making Children’s Dental Crowns More Affordable

If you aren’t able to pay for your child’s dental crown all at once, or your out-of-pocket expenses after insurance are still a bit high, we also offer flexible financing through CareCredit. All you need to do is apply through CareCredit’s website, which you can access from our site or in our office, to find out whether you qualify. Based on your application, you’ll be able to choose between a six, 12, 18, 24, or 36-month payment plan.