Baby tooth crowns & pulp therapy
When a cavity is too big for a filling, a crown covers the whole tooth so it can keep working. For front teeth we use tooth-colored zirconia crowns that look natural in photos. For back mola...
What this actually means
When a cavity is too big for a filling, a crown covers the whole tooth so it can keep working. For front teeth we use tooth-colored zirconia crowns that look natural in photos. For back molars, stainless steel crowns are the strongest, most reliable option and are placed in a single visit.
If decay reaches the nerve, a pulpotomy (often called a baby root canal) removes the irritated part of the nerve, calms the tooth and seals it before a crown goes on. It sounds bigger than it is. Most kids are numb, watching a show and done in under an hour.
What is included
No line items sprung on you afterwards. Here is everything that happens in this appointment.
- Numbing gel before any injection, plus the buzzy vibration trick
- Optional laughing gas for relaxation
- Decay removal with a gentle, water-cooled handpiece
- Pulpotomy when the nerve is involved
- Pre-formed zirconia or stainless steel crown
- Photos to show you before and after
How the visit goes
Four steps, start to finish, so your child knows what is coming next.
- Step 1
Numb
Sleepy juice with a tickle of vibration, so most kids barely notice.
- Step 2
Clean
We remove decay and treat the nerve if needed.
- Step 3
Crown
A kid-sized crown is fitted and cemented in place.
- Step 4
Check
Bite check, lip-biting reminder and a prize.
Why parents choose this
The practical payoff, in plain language.
Lasts until it falls out
Kid crowns are designed to stay put until the baby tooth sheds.
Holds the space
Keeping the tooth avoids crowding for adult teeth later.
No more pain
Treating the tooth stops the ache and the risk of infection.
What it usually costs
We verify your benefits before treatment and hand you a written estimate. No surprises on the way out.
- Stainless steel crown
- From $310 (sample)
- Zirconia front crown
- From $520 (sample)
- Pulpotomy
- From $195 (sample)
- Laughing gas
- From $55 (sample)
Sample prices for illustration. Most plans cover a portion of crowns for children.
Often booked together
Families who come in for this usually ask about these too.
Special needs & sedation
Sensory-friendly visits, laughing gas, in-office sedation and hospital dentistry for anxious or medically complex kids.
Read more
Sealants & fluoride
Paint-on cavity armor for back teeth and a quick fluoride varnish that strengthens enamel.
Read more
Kids' dental emergencies
Same-day help for knocked-out teeth, chipped smiles, swelling and toothaches.
Read more
Baby tooth crowns & pulp therapy questions
Still unsure? Our coordinators answer these on the phone every day.
All parent questionsBack baby molars stay until age 10 to 12. An untreated cavity can cause pain, infection and damage to the adult tooth underneath.
Kids adjust within a day. They are smooth, strong and fall out naturally with the baby tooth.
For extensive treatment or very anxious kids, we offer oral sedation in office or general anesthesia at a hospital partner. See our special needs and sedation page.
Happy teeth start here
New patients are usually seen within 10 days. Tell us a little about your child and we will call to confirm a time that works.
