Stainless Steel Crowns
Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth.
A traditional crown, commonly referred to as a dental cap, is a type of dental restoration that improves the size, strength and overall structure of the tooth. Stainless steel crowns completely encircle a tooth, restoring its shape and function. The purpose of a crown is essentially to save the tooth after it has been compromised in some capacity.
Why Would A Dental Crown Be Needed on a Child?
Why Would A Dental Crown Be Needed on a Child?
When it comes to young children, the primary reasons that a crown may be recommended and used are as follows:
- To save a tooth that has been damaged by decay that it can't support a filling
- To protect the teeth of a child at high risk for tooth decay, especially when a child has difficulty keeping up with daily oral hygiene and teeth have become discolored or naturally misshaped
- To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
- To decrease the frequency or general anesthesia for children unable because of age, behavior, or medical history to fully cooperate with the requirements of proper dental care
In situations where crowns are necessary, pediatric dentists, such as the experts at KidZdent will recommend a stainless steel crown and walk you through the benefits. They are typically bonded to the tooth using dental cement encasing the entire visible portion of the tooth as it lies above the gum line.
Why Does KidZdent Recommend Stainless Steel Crowns?
Stainless steel crowns are preferred because they are prefabricated, treatment can be completed in one visit and work very well for restoring primary teeth as a temporary measure until the child matures and begins to erupt his/her permanent teeth. This type of crown is very effective and comes in a wide range of sizes to fit children. They are used to fit over a primary tooth once the decay has been removed and have the ability to mold to the entire tooth, so it will be protected from further decay.
When the time comes for the baby teeth to fall out and make room for the permanent tooth to erupt, the crown will naturally be able to fall out like every other tooth. Stainless steel crowns are the preferred choice for treatment because they do not require multiple visits to the dentist and are considerably more cost-effective than some of the other materials used on adults which typically resolve the same concerns or issues.
What to Expect to Prepare for a Crown?
After the dentist takes the necessary radiographs to assess the condition of the tooth that is receiving the crown, preparation may begin. Sometimes a pulpotomy may be a part of the treatment plan due to excessive decay, injury to the tooth’s pulp or if the dentist suspects a potential risk of infection.
The process is very easy and routine, involving slight numbing of the tooth and the gum tissue around the tooth for maximum comfort. Nitrous oxide may also be used to make the child more calm and comfortable.
Essentially, the tooth that is receiving the crown is filed down slightly to make room for the crown to fit over its shape. The appropriate crown size is chosen and trimmed and contoured for a custom fit. The crown is then applied to the tooth using dental cement.
KidZdent strives to provide you will all of the necessary treatment options available and the best plan of action to ensure healthy, lifelong smiles for your child. Feel free to give us a call with any questions or for more information.
Get in Touch
Have questions or need any help from our team? Reach out to us below and one of our team members will get in touch with you as soon as we see your request.