Dental crowns can play a vital role in protecting and restoring children’s smiles as they grow. We provide crowns for children as a pediatric dental service. With their unique combination of strength, biocompatibility, and versatility, our pediatric dental crowns help children maintain healthy, happy smiles during their growing and developing years. Pediatric dental crowns will stabilize your child’s smile after damage or trauma to a tooth and help avoid additional infection or deterioration.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that we can place over damaged or decayed teeth. They restore teeth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns act as protective coverings for damaged teeth, preserving the tooth root and structure of the natural bite. They shield teeth from further damage or decay while restoring their function.
Children need dental crowns for various reasons, primarily to protect teeth weakened by decay or injury. Cavities are common in young children, and when left untreated, they can spread and compromise the tooth’s structure. A crown provides a protective barrier, preventing further decay and preserving the tooth’s function. Crowns may also be necessary if a tooth has undergone a pulpotomy, similar to a root canal for baby teeth, or if a tooth is fractured due to trauma.
Crowns are especially important for baby teeth because they hold the space for permanent teeth to come in properly. Losing a baby tooth too early can lead to misalignment or crowding of the adult teeth. By placing a crown, dentists can ensure the baby tooth remains functional until it naturally falls out.
The Dental Crown Process
Placing a dental crown is straightforward, and pediatric dentists take special care to ensure the child’s experience is comfortable and positive. Understanding the steps involved helps parents feel confident about the procedure and reassures children what to expect.
Initial Examination and Diagnosis
The process begins with a thorough examination of the child’s tooth. The dentist will check for signs of extensive decay, fractures, or other issues requiring a crown. X-rays are often taken to assess the extent of the damage and ensure that the tooth’s roots and surrounding bone are healthy.
Based on this evaluation, the dentist will determine if a crown is the best treatment option. They will then explain the procedure to the child and parent, answering questions and addressing concerns to make everyone feel at ease.
Preparing the Tooth
Once the dentist decides to proceed with a crown, they will prepare the tooth by removing any decay or damaged tissue. In some cases, the child may need a pulpotomy, similar to a root canal, but only involves removing the infected part of the tooth’s pulp.
This step ensures the tooth is clean and bacteria-free before placing the crown. The dentist will then shape the tooth by gently filing it down to create enough space for the crown to fit snugly over it. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, ensuring the child remains comfortable throughout the procedure.
Fitting the Crown
After preparing the tooth, the dentist selects or creates the appropriate crown. For most children, stainless steel crowns are the preferred choice due to their durability and ease of placement. These crowns are pre-made and come in various sizes. The dentist chooses the right size and shape to fit the tooth perfectly.
If a tooth-colored crown is needed for a front tooth, the dentist may take impressions of the tooth to create a custom crown that matches the surrounding teeth. In this case, the crown may be placed during a follow-up visit.
The dentist carefully positions the crown over the prepared tooth to ensure a proper fit. Once the crown is in place, special dental cement is used to bond it securely to the tooth. The cement hardens quickly, creating a strong, protective seal that holds the crown in place.
Final Adjustments and Checkup
After cementing the crown, the dentist will check the bite to ensure the child’s teeth come together properly. They may make minor adjustments to ensure the crown feels comfortable and does not interfere with chewing or speaking. The dentist will also polish the crown to smooth rough edges and ensure it blends well with the child’s other teeth. Finally, they will explain how to care for the crown and answer any questions the parent or child might have.
Ensuring Comfort and a Positive Experience
Throughout the process, pediatric dentists prioritize the child’s comfort. They use gentle techniques and child-friendly language to make the procedure as stress-free as possible. Many dental offices also provide distractions like movies, music, or toys to help children relax. If a child is especially anxious, sedation options like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may be used to help them stay calm.
Follow-Up and Care Instructions
After the crown is placed, the dentist will provide instructions on how to care for it at home. Children should continue brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to keep the crown and surrounding teeth healthy. Regular dental checkups are important to monitor the crown’s condition and ensure the tooth underneath remains healthy. The crown is designed to last until the baby tooth naturally falls out, so no additional treatment is usually needed unless there is an issue.
How Dental Crowns Benefit Children
Dental crowns provide various benefits when utilized for children’s oral health.
Protect Weakened Teeth
One of the most important benefits of dental crowns is their ability to protect weakened teeth. Cavities, which are common in children, can cause significant damage if left untreated. A crown provides a durable solution when decay becomes too extensive for a simple filling. It covers the tooth completely, preventing further decay and protecting it from the pressure of chewing. This added strength ensures the tooth remains functional and safe from additional harm.
Restore Function and Comfort
Dental crowns restore the full function of a child’s damaged tooth, allowing them to chew, bite, and speak without discomfort. A decayed or fractured tooth can cause pain and make eating difficult, leading to poor nutrition. By placing a crown, dentists eliminate pain and allow the child to eat various foods without restriction. Crowns also restore the natural shape of the tooth, which helps with speech development, especially in young children who are still learning to pronounce words correctly.
Maintain Proper Spacing for Permanent Teeth
Baby teeth, or primary teeth, are placeholders for permanent teeth. Losing a baby tooth too early can cause neighboring teeth to shift into the space, leading to misalignment of the adult teeth. Dental crowns help preserve baby teeth until they naturally fall out, ensuring proper spacing for the permanent teeth. This reduces the likelihood of crowding, crooked teeth, or the need for orthodontic treatment later on.
Prevent the Spread of Decay
Placing a dental crown protects the affected tooth and helps prevent decay from spreading to other teeth. Cavities contain bacteria that can spread quickly if left unchecked, compromising the health of surrounding teeth. A crown acts as a barrier, sealing the damaged tooth and stopping the bacteria from moving to adjacent teeth. This proactive approach helps maintain oral health and reduces the risk of future dental problems.
Provide a Durable, Long-Lasting Solution
Dental crowns, especially stainless steel crowns used in pediatric dentistry, are designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily chewing. They are durable and long-lasting, typically remaining in place until the baby tooth naturally falls out. This reliability gives parents peace of mind, knowing their child’s tooth is protected and that further dental work may not be necessary.
Improve Self-Confidence
A damaged or decayed tooth can make a child self-conscious about their smile. Dental crowns restore the tooth’s appearance, giving the child a healthy, natural-looking smile. For front teeth, tooth-colored crowns can blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth, boosting the child’s confidence. A bright, healthy smile encourages children to speak, laugh, and interact with others without fear or embarrassment.