Stainless Steel Crowns

When a baby tooth is heavily decayed, cracked, or has undergone pulp therapy, a regular filling may not be strong enough to protect it long-term. In these cases, we often recommend a stainless steel crown—a pre-formed, full-coverage cap that protects the entire tooth until it naturally falls out.

Stainless Steel Crowns

Durable protection for developing teeth

When a baby tooth is heavily decayed, cracked, or has undergone pulp therapy, a regular filling may not be strong enough to protect it long-term. In these cases, we often recommend a stainless steel crown—a pre-formed, full-coverage cap that protects the entire tooth until it naturally falls out.

They’re most commonly used in children, especially on back molars, and provide a strong, reliable solution for preserving baby teeth until they’re ready to be replaced by adult ones.


Why use stainless steel crowns?

  • Provide full coverage and long-lasting protection
  • Ideal for large cavities
  • Less technique-sensitive and more durable than large fillings
  • Allow the child to keep their natural tooth until it’s ready to exfoliate
  • Prevent the need for extraction or ongoing repair work

At Riseley Street Dental, we use stainless steel crowns when the priority is durability, function, and protection. Placement is typically quick, and kids adjust to them quickly—especially when treatment is done gently and with care.

When are they recommended?

  • After nerve treatment (pulpotomy) in baby molars
  • When a filling would be too large or likely to fail
  • For decay that is located between molar teeth
  • In cases of developmental defects like hypomineralisation or enamel hypoplasia

FAQs: Stainless steel crowns

Do they hurt to put in?
In most cases, placement is as simple as putting the crown on and getting the patient to bite down. Sometimes we numb the area up but most of the time, we won't need to!

Will they fall out with the baby tooth?
Yes. Stainless steel crowns are cemented to baby teeth and naturally come out when the tooth exfoliates.

Do they look silver?
Yes—they are visible when placed on back molars, but are typically not noticeable when the child smiles or talks. In some cases, we can offer white (tooth-coloured) crowns for front teeth.

Why not just extract the tooth?
Baby teeth play an important role in speech, chewing, and guiding adult teeth into place. Keeping them in place—when possible—supports healthy development and reduces the chance of crowding later on.

Are they safe?
Absolutely. Stainless steel crowns have been used for decades in paediatric dentistry and are safe, reliable, and well-tolerated.

Let's take care of your smile, the right way.

Experience personalised care, a calming atmosphere, and a genuine commitment to doing good dentistry. Start your journey with a team that focuses on the details that truly matter.

Commonly asked questions about our practice

Here are some common questions we get asked, along with clear, straightforward answers

Yes, we can organise payment plans through trusted third-party providers. Let us know if you'd like to spread out your treatment costs—we’ll talk you through what’s possible without any pressure.

Yes! We take a thoughtful and calm approach to care and will always go at your pace. We also offer sedation options for more complex or lengthy procedures. If you’re nervous, feel free to let us know ahead of time so we can help make the visit more comfortable.

We focus on detail-oriented, high-quality care designed with longevity in mind. Each treatment is approached with careful planning and clinical consideration, with the aim of achieving results that are both functional and long-lasting. We take the time to listen, collaborate, and tailor care to each person’s needs—so patients feel informed, confident, and well-supported at every step.

Yes, you’re welcome to request a specific clinician when booking.

Yes, we have parking available on-site. We’re also accessible by public transport.

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Let's take care of your smile, the right way.

Experience personalised care, a calming atmosphere, and a genuine passion for detail. Start your journey with a team that focuses on what truly matters.