When Might a Child Need a Dental Crown?
A child might need a dental crown if they have:
- Extensive tooth decay: When cavities are too large for fillings.
- Fractured or broken teeth: From accidents or dental trauma.
- Developmental defects: Such as weak enamel.
- After a root canal treatment: To protect and restore the tooth.
Why Dental Crowns Are Needed on Baby Teeth
Even if the tooth needing a crown is a primary tooth (baby tooth), it is important to preserve it until it is naturally ready to fall out. Baby teeth serve several purposes, including:
- Speech development: Properly aligned teeth are essential for clear articulation.
- Maintains space for permanent teeth: Premature loss of baby teeth can cause spacing issues and misalignment of permanent teeth.
- Helps with chewing and eating: Losing a tooth prematurely may affect your child’s ability to eat certain foods, which could impact their nutrition.
Types of Dental Crowns for Kids
We offer four types of dental crowns: stainless steel (metal) and three varieties of white crowns, zirconia, resin and NuSmile pre-veneered crowns.
Pediatric dental crowns are prefabricated and come in different shapes and sizes. This means your child will leave the office with their dental crown on the same day as the procedure.
Stainless Steel Crowns
Stainless steel crowns are commonly used on molars (back teeth). They are durable, cost-effective, and are typically used for decayed teeth that have a lot of damage.
Zirconia Ceramic Crowns
Zirconia crowns are tooth-colored crowns made from ceramic materials that are used for both front and back teeth. They are strong and match the color of natural teeth. However, Zirconia crowns require more tooth reduction than other options.
Composite Resin Crowns
Composite resin crowns are white crowns used primarily on front teeth. They are less durable than zirconia crowns but are a great alternative and offer excellent aesthetics.
NuSmile Pre-Veneered Crowns
NuSmile pre-veneered crowns combine the strength of stainless steel crowns with the aesthetics of white facings. They are typically used on front teeth.
Dental Crown Procedure Details
The procedure will vary depending on the reason why your child is having a dental crown placed. If the crown is being placed because there is extensive decay in the tooth, the procedure will be as follows.
- Numbing the area: The dentist will first apply a local anesthetic to numb the affected tooth and surrounding area.
- Tooth preparation: The decayed part of the tooth will be removed, and the remaining healthy tooth structure will be shaped to fit the crown.
- Crown placement: Once the tooth is prepared, the crown will be placed over it and secured with dental cement.
- Adjustments: The dentist may make some adjustments to ensure that the crown fits comfortably and does not interfere with your child’s bite.
The details of the procedure may vary a bit depending on the type of crown they receive and the location of the crown. However, all crowns are placed the same day as the procedure.
Maintaining Dental Crowns
If a dental crown was placed on a baby tooth, it will naturally fall out with the tooth. If it was placed on an adult tooth, it can last for many years with proper care. To make sure they last as long as possible, make sure your child or teen follows these tips:
- Brush and floss daily. Regular brushing and flossing can prevent tooth decay from forming beneath or around the crown.
- Avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods that could cause damage to the crown.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings. This allows the dentist to monitor the condition of the crown and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.
🔑Key Takeaway
Dental crowns are an effective and safe solution for protecting and restoring decayed or damaged teeth in children and teens. With proper care, these crowns can significantly improve oral health and maintain the proper development of your child’s teeth.
FAQs About Dental Crowns for Kids
Are crowns recommended for kids?
Yes, dental crowns are recommended for children who have damaged or decayed teeth that cannot be repaired with fillings.
How long do crowns stay on kids teeth?
If the crown was put on a baby tooth, it will fall out with the tooth. Dental crowns on permanent teeth can last a long time with proper care. To ensure the longevity of the crown, it is important to follow good oral hygiene practices and avoid chewing hard or sticky foods directly on the crown.
Do kids get put to sleep for crowns?
In most cases, children do not need to be put to sleep for a dental crown procedure. Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area and make the procedure comfortable for the child. However, if your child has severe anxiety or special needs, sedation dentistry may be an option.
Why do kids get crowns instead of fillings?
Dental crowns are recommended when a tooth has extensive damage or decay that cannot be repaired with a filling. Crowns provide more coverage and protection for the tooth, making them a better option in certain situations.