What Is a Pediatric Dental Crown?
A pediatric dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering cemented to the tooth for the purpose of restoring the tooth to its original shape and function, just like adult dental crowns. Crowns are recommended by pediatric dentists when it is necessary to repair and restore a primary tooth found to have a large cavity or cavities, a broken tooth, or a primary tooth that has not developed correctly.
Why Are Crowns Necessary for Baby Teeth?
Severely decayed or fractured teeth are beyond the scope of repair by a filling because of the risk of the filling falling out, breaking, or wearing out. This results in additional future dental procedures. Crowns are much more durable than fillings, and usually last until the primary tooth falls out.
It is very important to repair and restore primary teeth. Although children begin to lose a few primary teeth by about six, they won’t lose their primary molars until age 12 or 13. So keeping these teeth healthy until they fall out naturally helps the permanent teeth grow into their proper position, reducing the chances that they’ll need extensive orthodontic treatment later. Since the enamel of primary teeth is thinner than that of permanent teeth, decay can spread rapidly between teeth. Crowns can be used not only to save the decayed tooth but can also help prevent the spread of decay and infection to other areas of the mouth or body.
How Are Primary Teeth Restored With a Crown?
In most dental crown procedures, there are a few universal steps.
- First, the dentist numbs the area around the tooth to be restored
- Put a dental dam in place
- Remove decay
- Shape the tooth to fit the crown
Unlike crowns for adults, which often require several visits to the dentist, most crowns for children can be placed in a single procedure.
The Stainless Steel Solution
When a primary tooth is extensively decayed and using other filling materials isn’t likely to be successful, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends restoring the tooth with a stainless steel crown. After removing the decay, your dentist will fit and cement a prefabricated crown made of stainless steel over the tooth. Here are some advantages of stainless steel crowns:
- Durable but inexpensive
- Full coverage protection for the tooth
- Very little sensitivity
- Less likely to need retreatment
- More successful than metal fillings in children under four years old
- Good choice for children who need general anesthesia
- Often used as an attachment for a space maintainer
What Is Pulpal Therapy?
If the pulp of the tooth is involved, the dentist may also need to perform a procedure known as pulpal therapy before placing the crown. Rest assured it is quite common, even for young permanent teeth.
What Should I Expect After My Child’s Dental Crown Procedure?
It is normal for your child to experience some discomfort caused by irritation of the tooth’s pulp or soft tissue around the tooth for up to 24 hours after the procedure. Over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen will help with the discomfort. It is important to contact your child’s dentist should the pain last longer than 24 hours.
Additionally, be sure to discourage eating until your child’s numbness has completely worn off. This prevents accidental bites of the lip or cheek, which are no fun for anyone!
Healthy Smiles for a Lifetime
While pediatric dental crowns are an important tool in restoring little mouths to health, remember to keep providing good oral care at home. Brush and floss daily, visit your dentist every six months, and avoid sugary snacks to help to keep decay away!
