Dental crowns for kids might be recommended if your child has a severely damaged or decayed tooth. Tooth decay is the most common dental issue that affects children due to a myriad of factors like children having less developed brushing skills and an affinity for sweet things. The bacteria that produce the acids that lead to tooth decay feast on sugars, and poor oral hygiene means these acids are left on teeth for longer periods.
Fillings are the standard way to treat cavities caused by tooth decay, but that is only an option early on. If decay goes unnoticed, it can end up damaging the tooth to the point it needs a dental crown for kids to keep it intact.
If you are wondering why dentists do not just extract such teeth since baby teeth eventually get replaced with permanent ones, that is because baby teeth serve as placeholders for permanent teeth. Losing baby teeth prematurely can lead to dental issues like teeth becoming misaligned. That is why dentists try to save baby teeth even though they are temporary teeth.
Let us take a closer look at the different types of crowns a dentist might recommend for a child:
These are the most recommended type of crowns for children, and they are often called silver crowns. These restorations are durable and strong, making them a great option for anyone who is not worried about having a natural-looking restoration. Dentists might recommend other types of crowns for children with metal allergies.
Here is a more aesthetic type of stainless steel crown. A white facing is added to the crown to make it look more natural. It is a better option than a conventional stainless crown for a front tooth that will be visible whenever the wearer opens their mouth. The facing does add some extra bulk to the tooth though. Over time, the facing might start to chip, exposing the steel underneath.
These crowns are color-matched with the child’s teeth. These composites are made from mixtures of plastic and glass, and they look like real teeth. However, they are not as durable as stainless steel crowns, they are more prone to staining, and they cost more. Composite crowns are also prone to chipping.
These crowns are made from zirconia, which is a biocompatible material that is as strong as many metals. These crowns are matched with the color of the patient’s teeth and covered with a glaze that makes them shine like a real tooth. It allows the restored tooth to blend in with the rest of the child’s teeth.
The procedure for placing dental crowns on children is similar to placing them on adults. The procedure starts with the dentist injecting the child with a local anesthetic so they do not feel pain as the tooth is prepared for the crown. Sedatives like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) might be used to help keep the child relaxed during the treatment. Laughing gas is a mild sedative, and the child stays awake the entire time. Laughing gas is typically recommended to help with anxiety and nervousness.
A rubber dam (a latex sheet) is then draped over the tooth being crowned to isolate it. The dam helps keep the area being worked on dry and prevents the child from swallowing debris as the dentist works.
The dentist prepares the tooth for a crown by removing enamel from its sides, so the crown fits better on it. This also creates more separation from other teeth, creating more space for the crown. The dentist then picks a crown that fits the prepared tooth.
Dental cement is prepared and applied to the inner part of the crown. The rubber dam is removed, and the child is asked to bite down on the crown. Excess cement is removed, then the tooth is cleaned and polished.
Crowns play an important role in helping to protect baby teeth until the proper time for them to fall out. This protects the child against a wide range of orthodontic issues that can be caused by a baby tooth falling out prematurely.
A dental crown for kids can be used to keep your child’s tooth intact until it is ready to fall out naturally. Give us a call or visit our Phoenix clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://nettsmiles.com or call Nett Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics at (623) 759-7658 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.
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