A baby dental crown is a cap for a child’s tooth. It is cemented to the tooth to restore it to its original function and shape. A crown might be recommended by a dentist when the tooth needs to be restored and repaired. This might be the case if the tooth has one or more cavities in it. Or the tooth might have broken. Keep reading to find out more about a baby dental crown.
Why restore the baby teeth?
It is vital to properly restore and repair the teeth. Children start to lose some of the baby teeth by the age of six. However, the child will not lose all the baby teeth until the age of 12 or 13. This means that it is very important to keep the teeth healthy until they are ready to come out. This can help the permanent teeth to grow in correctly.
It reduces the risk of the child needing to get orthodontic treatment in later years. The enamel of the baby teeth is not as thick as the permanent teeth are. This means that they might be more likely to decay, particularly between the teeth. A dentist can use a baby dental crown to save the child’s decayed tooth. Plus, it might help to stop decay from spreading. And it can prevent infection in other parts of the body or mouth.
A baby dental crown is a custom-fit covering. The dentist cements it to the tooth. This then restores the tooth’s original function and shape. There are many reasons for using this restoration. While the main reason is to treat decay, the following are the other reasons for using a crown on a primary tooth:
- Treating extreme baby tooth damage is one of the reasons for using a baby dental crown. The damage is either from decay or trauma. This type of damage cannot be repaired by ordinary fillings anymore because fillings may just wear out, break, or fall out. A baby dental crown can protect the treated tooth and last until about age 12 when the tooth falls out.
- Preventing the spread of tooth decay is also a purpose of getting a baby dental crown.
- Bringing back the function, shape, and size of the tooth can restore the child’s dent.
- Guiding the permanent tooth as it emerges into its correct position can prevent future orthodontic treatments.
- Helping the development of the muscles and jawbone is an important function of a baby dental crown.
- Assisting the child in proper speech development and chewing can improve the child’s quality of life.
Available types of crowns
The attending dentist can provide several options for crowns. The right baby dental crown can bring back the look and function of the tooth. A veneered steel baby dental crown has nickel or steel and tooth-colored material adhered to the sides, top, and front. The dentist can use this for front and back teeth.
A stainless-steel crown is the most common type of crown that dentists use on baby teeth. It is useful for treating decay between teeth. A strip crown is also known as a composite strip or acid-etched resin crown. A clear shell that is filled with composite material will go over the tooth. The dentist will wait until the material sets. A tooth-colored material will be left to cover the tooth when the dentist removes the shell.
How the teeth are restored
First, the dentist can numb the area near the tooth. Then a dental dam will be placed in the child’s mouth. Any decay can be removed, and the tooth will be shaped for the baby dental crown. While adult crowns require multiple visits, a child’s crown can often be placed in one day. These crowns are not customized for the child as much.
If the baby tooth has an extensive amount of decay, then other kinds of fillings might not work well. It is then recommended to restore the tooth with a stainless-steel baby dental crown. The crown is prefabricated and can easily be cemented into place. These crowns are very durable for the child and can last for several years.
What to expect after the procedure
The child might have some irritation and discomfort after the procedure. This is a normal side effect for the first 24 hours after having the procedure. The child might need to take over-the-counter medications to help with the pain. Parents should contact the dentist if the child’s pain lasts for more than 24 hours. The child should not eat until the numbness is gone, which can prevent accidental cheek biting.
Choose a baby dental crown today
Crowns are vital in helping restore a child’s mouth. However, it is equally important to offer good oral care to them. Flossing and brushing each day are important practices. Plus, patients should not forget to make regular dental visits. It is a good idea to avoid having too much sugar. That can keep decay away.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
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