Despite your best efforts at oral care, your child’s pediatric dentist is recommending a crown. But are dental crowns for children really necessary? Why would a dentist recommend putting caps on baby teeth? Shouldn’t the tooth just be pulled?
Your child’s dentist is right. Crowning primary teeth may seem like an unnecessary step, but it’s usually the best option for children with severe tooth decay, even if it’s a baby tooth. But before you go to the appointment, what does it mean to crown a tooth?
What Are Dental Crowns for Children?
Sometimes a tooth is decayed severely enough that it cannot be filled like a typical cavity. Other times a tooth may have been damaged from an injury and needs restoration. Your child’s dentist will likely recommend a dental crown procedure in these instances. A crown is stainless steel or tooth-colored “cap” that covers the damaged tooth, restoring its shape and function. Crowns can also be used to protect teeth that have undergone root canals.
How to Prevent Your Child from Needing a Crown
- Brushing and flossing is key to oral health. Supervise and assist with your child’s tooth care routine, brushing the molars just as thoroughly as the front teeth. Decay is more common in back teeth because children often focus more on touching the front.
- Make an appointment with your child’s dentist as soon as issues arise. The earlier decay is caught, the less extensive the treatment may be. Putting off a small cavity may result in a crown later on.
- If your child plays sports, a mouthguard may be a great option for protection. Dental injuries are common in athletes (mainly football and basketball players), and a mouthguard can prevent teeth from being damaged or knocked out.
Why Crowning Primary Teeth is Better than Pulling
Children’s jaws have a lot of growing to do before they reach adulthood. By leaving a void where a tooth should be, kids can end up with spacing issues resulting in a need for orthodontics and other interventions. By crowning baby teeth in need of repair, you’re giving them functional teeth rather than gaps and holding space for the permanent teeth to erupt.
Choosing the Right Pediatric Dental Care for Your Kids
Treatments like dental crowns for children are necessary for the long-term health of their teeth. Choosing the right pediatric dentist is essential – for your kids and your peace of mind as a parent.
Z Dentistry knows dental procedures can be new and potentially scary for young patients, so our office maintains a relaxing environment with calming distractions during your child’s procedure. Young patients love our ceiling TV during their appointments!
Contact us today to make an appointment with Dr. Z and get your child on the path to a healthy smile!