Dental Crowns for Kids: Why It May Be Necessary
A dental crown is a popular treatment option when a tooth is in danger of falling out. Dental crowns are coverings that provide both a protective and functional surface for teeth with damage. A dental crown is used to stop other infections as well as to preserve and support the tooth when fillings are insufficient to do so.
After removing all the decayed or damaged tooth tissue, the broken tooth is fixed with a crown, a solid but flexible glue. Like natural teeth, crowns function similarly. Dental crowns are made to endure as long as the tooth’s natural life expectancy. They are incredibly resilient and shaped to complement your child’s other teeth to promote healthy development.
Different Kinds of Baby Teeth Crowns
Here are some examples of the various crowns a West Hollywood Holistic and Cosmetic Dental Care pediatric dentist might suggest:
Stainless Steel Crowns
A stainless steel bridge joins one permanent tooth to the next. Many pediatric dentists advocate installing them on first or baby molars, where baby teeth should be extracted before having a full-coverage kid dental crown created because they can support even molars. They are only used on teeth that have been removed.
In the case of permanent dentition, they can also be utilized instead of extractions. Pediatric dentists may advise using temporary stainless steel crowns if the baby tooth is not anticipated to fall out anytime soon because the stainless-steel crowns will take a few months to align with the neighboring teeth.
Stainless Steel Crowns with White Facings
When treating front teeth, stainless steel crowns can be modified to be more aesthetically acceptable. A pre-veneered plastic front is an option for this style of stainless steel crown. Since they appear “white” from the front, these crowns are more cosmetic, but the silver crown’s uncoated metal is visible on the back.
These crowns typically appear bulky, thick, or rounder because extra mass is required for the white facing to attach to the metal. The silver crown beneath the white front can easily chip off over time. The two leading causes of the white facings of stainless steel chipping off are children grinding their teeth and normal wear and tear associated with chewing forces on rear teeth.
Composite Strip Crowns or Resin Crowns
When properly prepared by your dentist, this crown style is highly aesthetically pleasing. These crowns require expert installation, which can add extra time. These crowns can be challenging to place on small, uncooperative children due to the time needed; general anesthetic medication is frequently advised.
Composite “white” filler material is used exclusively in constructing strip crowns. This filling material has a fairly natural appearance, although it can absorb stains and become discolored over time. If not kept clean, it may potentially draw plaque. A chunk or corner of a resin crown is more likely to break off since resin is significantly softer than stainless steel.
Polycarbonate
This type is also used on the front infant teeth and is less expensive than the other options. Still, because of the variability in their endurance, they should only be used as a temporary restoration.
Zirconia Ceramic
Zirconia Ceramic crowns are a whiter-looking alternative to stainless steel ones, but they are trickier to put on and necessitate significant reshaping of the baby tooth. They are accessible if parents have a solid aversion to stainless steel crowns for cosmetic reasons, though they are typically not the preferred option for children’s crowns.
Procedure for a Pediatric Dental Crown
Following your decision to proceed with the crown, you can take the following actions:
- Discuss your options for a crown
Dental crowns vary widely from one another. Several materials are available depending on your child’s requirements and tastes. - Getting the Tooth Ready
The tooth’s preparation is the initial step in a dental crown restoration. During this procedure, the injured tooth is shaped to provide a suitable surface to attach the crown. - Impressions
The dentist can next evaluate what size crown will fit best by taking an impression of the prepped tooth with a putty-like material or a digital scanner. - Temporary Crown
The tooth is then covered with a temporary crown made of resin or acrylic while a lab is contacted to create the permanent crown’s specifications. - Putting the Permanent Crown in Place
You will be invited to arrange a time to have the permanent crown fitted once it is finished. The first step of the process is to numb the area. Around the tooth that needs to be rebuilt, the dentist will apply the numbing gel.
After My Child Gets a Dental Crown, What Should I Anticipate?
Please have your child wait a few hours after a procedure before allowing them to eat so the anesthetic can wear off. As a result, there is less chance of damage from biting the numb area. Give your child the recommended dosage of acetaminophen or ibuprofen if they are in discomfort.
After Your Child Has a Dental Crown, You Must Exercise Caution
Accidental mouth-biting by the child can occasionally result in serious harm to the lip and cheek. As a result, it’s crucial to prevent your youngster from eating until the numbness has entirely subsided. Keep in touch with your child’s dentist and ask for advice about what your child can eat, what they can drink, and what other steps you can take as parents to aid in the healing process.
Dental crowns are a useful treatment option for restoring a child’s primary teeth, but it’s also crucial to maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. Tooth decay can be avoided by following routines like cleaning your teeth twice a day, avoiding sugary foods, and visiting a pediatric dentist at least twice a year.
Make an Appointment with a Child’s Dentist Today
Based on the requirements of your children, your dentist at West Hollywood Holistic and Cosmetic Dental Care will advise you on the best course of action. Ultimately, it is up to the parent to decide whether or not to administer any treatment.
Contact your dentist at West Hollywood Holistic and Cosmetic Oral Care to make an appointment if you have any questions about newborn tooth decay or worries about crowns for your child’s dental health.
