When decay has taken too much of a baby tooth, a filling has nothing solid left to hold onto and tends to fail. A crown caps the whole tooth instead, restoring strength and keeping it in place until it falls out naturally. We recommend one only when a filling genuinely would not last.
A baby tooth crown is used when too little sound tooth remains for a filling to hold, typically after extensive decay across several surfaces, a fracture, or a pulpotomy. The crown covers the whole tooth, is fitted in one appointment, and comes away naturally when the baby tooth is shed.
Once decay reaches across several surfaces of a tooth, there is not enough healthy structure left to anchor a filling. Fillings placed in these teeth commonly chip or fall out within months. A crown covers the tooth entirely, which is why it holds where a filling would not.
A tooth fractured by a fall or a hard bite may be structurally weak even where decay is not the issue. Capping it restores enough strength for normal chewing. If the break happened suddenly, see our emergency dental care.
When decay reaches the nerve, the infected pulp is removed and the tooth is medicated — a pulpotomy, sometimes called a baby root canal. That leaves the tooth more brittle, so a crown is almost always placed afterwards to stop it splitting.
A crowned baby tooth holds its place in the arch until it is due to come out. That matters, because losing a back baby tooth early lets neighbouring teeth drift, which can require a space maintainer and complicate the permanent teeth coming through.
Both restore a decayed tooth. Which one suits your child depends almost entirely on how much healthy tooth is left to work with.
| Tooth-coloured filling | Baby tooth crown | |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited to | Small to moderate cavities on one or two surfaces | Extensive decay, or decay across three or more surfaces |
| Tooth structure | Preserves the natural tooth, only the decay is removed | Covers the whole tooth above the gumline |
| Strength | Adequate where surrounding tooth is sound | Considerably stronger, resists chewing forces |
| Typical use | Everyday cavity repair | Often after a pulpotomy, or on badly broken-down teeth |
| Appearance | Tooth-coloured, blends in | Silver stainless steel, or tooth-coloured zirconia where suitable |
| Chair time | Usually one shorter appointment | Usually one appointment, slightly longer |
| Longevity in a baby tooth | Good, but may fail early if the cavity was large | Very high success rate until the tooth is shed naturally |
The right choice depends on your child’s particular tooth, how far the decay has spread, and their overall oral health. Dr. Kohan will show you what he is seeing and explain why one option suits that tooth better than the other. A crown is never the default — where a filling will hold, a filling is the better answer.
We look at the tooth and usually take a digital X-ray to see how deep the decay runs and whether the nerve is involved. Then we explain what we found and what the options are, including doing nothing for now if that is reasonable.
The area is numbed thoroughly before anything begins. Nitrous oxide is available for children who need it — see sedation options. Your child should not feel the treatment itself, though they will feel pressure and hear noise.
The decayed portion is removed and the tooth is shaped so the crown will seat properly. Healthy structure is preserved wherever it can be. If the nerve is involved, a pulpotomy is done at this point.
A pre-formed crown is sized to the tooth, adjusted, and cemented in place. There is no waiting period and no temporary crown — it is fitted and finished in the same appointment.
Your child bites together and we adjust until it feels level. Getting this right matters, because a high crown causes soreness. Tell us if it still feels odd once the numbness wears off.
Meet Our Doctor
Dr. Kohan has over five years of experience creating healthy, confident smiles for children in Chino. His gentle, child-focused approach makes every visit positive and stress-free.
A pre-formed cap that fits over a badly decayed or broken baby tooth, covering it completely. Most are stainless steel. Tooth-coloured zirconia crowns are available for some teeth, particularly front ones.
Because there is not enough sound tooth left for a filling to hold. Common reasons are decay across several surfaces, a fractured tooth, or a tooth that has just had a pulpotomy.
They routinely last until the baby tooth falls out on its own, which may be several years. They have a notably higher success rate than large fillings in baby teeth.
Yes. They have been used in pediatric dentistry for decades and are recommended by pediatric dental organizations. The alloy is well tolerated. Tell us if your child has a known nickel allergy, as zirconia would then be the better choice.
Yes. The root beneath it dissolves as the permanent tooth pushes up, exactly as with an uncrowned baby tooth, and the crown comes away with it. Nothing needs to be removed separately.
The area is fully numbed first, so your child should not feel pain during treatment — though they will notice pressure and sound. Mild soreness in the gum for a day or two afterwards is normal.
Wait until the numbness has fully worn off, which usually takes a couple of hours, to avoid accidental cheek or lip biting. After that, normal eating is fine. Very sticky sweets are best limited.
Neither is better in general — they suit different situations. For a small cavity a filling is the right answer and preserves more natural tooth. For extensive decay a crown lasts far longer. See our restorative dentistry page for the wider picture.
Most PPO plans and Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal) cover crowns on baby teeth when clinically justified. Our front desk verifies your benefits before treatment so there are no surprises.
Brush it like any other tooth, twice a day, and floss around it — decay can still start at the gum edge next to the crown. Keep up routine exams and cleanings so we can check it stays sound.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Joshua Kohan, DMD — Say Cheese Kids Dental & Orthodontics, Chino, CA.
Last reviewed: 5 August 2026. This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an in-person examination.
Very clean office the staff was amazing. So many neat video games. I would refer Say Cheese Dental to my friends and family.
Priscilla marie VargasThe dentist was very kind and knowledgeable and polite! The staff took the time needed for my 3 boys to feel comfortable and relaxed. We will be here in the next 6.months for there followup and braces!
Brigette NavarroMe encanto el trato del personal todos incluyendo al doctor
Lurdes UrtisMuy amable todo el personal y atentos, respondieron todas mis dudas. Fue una buena opción venir aquí.
Monica MendozaThis was my first visit to Say Cheese Dental, and I was really impressed. The place is super clean, organized, and has a relaxing atmosphere. The staff is kind, patient, and very friendly — they made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. I’m happy I chose this office!
LOURDES HERRERAThe staff are Great and explain everything perfectly, they are willing to work on monthly payments with you and they are patiently with you 🙂 would recommend coming by and check them out 🙂
Ivette LopezGreat consultation! The staff was friendly, the orthodontist was knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything clearly. I felt comfortable and confident with the treatment plan. Highly recommend! I will definitely be back!
Natasha HarrisFirst time coming to this kids dental and we had a great experience. Everything was explained so well , will be coming back!
Karen RomeroWe loved it, all very friendly, very professional. The place is very nice, very cozy, tidy and clean, there is parking and easy to get to.
Paulina Maldonado
A first dental visit should not be a financial decision. We accept Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal) and most major PPO plans, and our front desk verifies your coverage before you come in, so you know what is covered ahead of the appointment.
12413 Central Ave, Chino, CA 91710
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Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday, closed
We are on Central Avenue in Chino, a short drive from most of the surrounding communities. Siblings can usually be booked back to back, which saves a second trip.
If a tooth is badly decayed or broken, an evaluation will tell you whether a filling will hold or whether a crown is the more durable answer. Families visit us from Chino, Chino Hills, Eastvale, and Ontario.
