When Would a Child Need a Pediatric Dental Crown?
As parents, we always want what’s best for our children, especially when it comes to their health and happiness. When assessing one’s overall wellness, dental health is a key factor! While baby teeth may seem temporary and insignificant, they play a crucial role in your child’s development. One aspect of pediatric dentistry that often arises is the use of dental crowns on baby teeth. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance a pediatric dental crown can hold in your child’s life, and how to know when or if they are needed in order to ensure your family’s oral health remains in top shape.
Why Do Baby Teeth Matter?
First and foremost, let’s talk about primary teeth. Why are they important if they just fall out anyway? Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, serve multiple essential functions, including chewing and eating, speech development, self-esteem, and serving as placeholders for permanent teeth. If baby teeth are lost too early due to decay, new teeth are likely to fill the empty space haphazardly and cause crowding, leading to an increased need for orthodontic intervention.
How can parents avoid this predicament? In addition to regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, a pediatric dental crown is sometimes necessary in order to protect a child’s tooth from further damage.
What Is a Pediatric Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth. In the case of baby teeth, pediatric dental crowns are typically made from stainless steel or tooth-colored ceramic materials.
While tooth-colored materials are available — and commonly used for adult crowns — many pediatric dentists advocate the use of stainless steel pediatric dental crowns instead. The reason is very simple; stainless steel crowns are inexpensive yet durable, and quick and easy to apply. (Win, win!)
Does My Child Need a Pediatric Dental Crown? — Warning Signs
Tooth decay is the most common reason a child might need dental intervention in the form of a crown. Below are some telltale signs that decay is already underway and a crown might be recommended.
- Tooth sensitivity
- Bad breath
- Trouble focusing
- Bleeding gums
- Toothache
- Tooth discoloration
If your child seems to be experiencing one or more of these symptoms, don’t panic. Our team at Pediatric Smiles is here to help! Give us a call or send us a message to request an appointment.
In the meantime, focus heavily on quality brushing and flossing regimes. Remember, everyone in the household should be brushing at least twice a day for two full minutes each time. (It’s longer than you think, so consider using a timer or playing a teeth-brushing song to hold you accountable for the timing aspect).
How Does a Pediatric Dental Crown Protect a Child’s Smile?
When a primary tooth has severe decay and other filling materials won’t do the trick, Pediatric Smiles Dentistry, along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), recommends restoring the tooth with a pediatric dental crown. Crowns address various issues in primary teeth, including:
- Severe Decay: When a baby tooth has extensive decay or cavities that can’t be treated with a filling, a crown is used to protect and strengthen the tooth.
- Fractured Teeth: Crowns are necessary to restore the structure and function of baby teeth that have been fractured due to accidents or trauma.
- Pulp Therapy: In cases where infection or damage has reached the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth), a crown may be used after pulp therapy (a child-friendly root canal) to prevent further damage. Rest assured it is quite common, even for young permanent teeth.
- Aesthetic Concerns: For front teeth with severe cosmetic issues, such as discoloration or malformed enamel, cosmetic crowns can help improve the appearance of your child’s smile.
To learn more about pediatric dental crowns, including how the procedure is done and what to expect afterwards, visit our Dental Crowns and Primary Teeth blog post.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Francois
If you have concerns about your child’s oral health or suspect that they may need dental crowns on their baby teeth, it’s crucial to consult a pediatric dentist for an expert opinion. Dr. Ryan Francois and the team at Pediatric Smiles in the KC Northland has the expertise and experience to assess your child’s dental condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Contact us today to get started!
