Pediatric dentists often recommend that children receive crowns when their teeth are damaged or decayed to the point where a filling cannot repair them.
The longevity of a pediatric dental crown depends on whether it covers a primary (baby) or permanent tooth. On a primary tooth, the crown should last a few years, enough to protect the tooth until it naturally sheds. On a permanent tooth, the crown should last five to ten years, with some crowns lasting 15 years or more with excellent care.
Reasons Why Children Need Dental Crowns
- Tooth Decay: The most common reason that children need dental crowns is tooth decay that is too severe for a filling to repair.
- Dental Trauma: Your child may break a tooth during sports or active play.
- Root Canals: If your child needs a root canal or pulpectomy (baby root canal), their pediatric dentist will recommend installing a dental crown to protect the tooth.
- Weak Teeth: If your child has weak enamel or if their tooth is breaking down even without decay, a crown can help preserve the tooth's natural structure.
How Getting A Pediatric Dental Crown Works
Step 1: Impressions
The first step in placing a dental crown is taking a series of digital impressions of the existing tooth. These impressions help the dentist understand your child's bite and create a crown that fits appropriately.
Step 2: Local Anesthesia
Next, the child will receive local anesthesia. If the child feels anxious, sedation dentistry techniques can help them relax.
Step 3: Preparation
The dentist removes damaged and decayed areas of the tooth, creating a surface to attach the crown. The dentist takes another set of impressions to shape the interior of the crown. These impressions ensure that the crown fits over the prepared tooth.
Step 4: Crown Creation
For a baby tooth, children often receive premade stainless steel crowns. Placing these crowns is easier and faster than making a custom crown.
If the crown is for a permanent tooth, the dentist will design it using the optimal material. Materials available include metal, ceramic, porcelain over metal, gold, and zirconia.
The child will receive a temporary crown to wear until the final version comes back from the lab. When the crown arrives, the dentist will schedule another appointment to cement it in place.
Step 5: Crown Placement
Your child will return to the dental office to have their permanent crown placed. The dentist will shape and adjust the crown to create a natural, comfortable bite and then securely attach it to the prepared tooth.
Helping Your Child's Dental Crown Last Longer
- Brush and floss daily, especially around the crowned tooth
- Avoid sticky food like taffy and caramel
- Do not chew gum
- Limit sugary and starchy snacks
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables
- Avoid chewing on hard objects
- Avoid biting fingernails or sucking thumbs
- Visit the pediatric dentist as recommended for regular checkups and cleanings
Dental Crowns Protect Your Child's Oral Health
A dental crown can preserve your child's tooth alignment, restore normal chewing function, improve speech, and make your child happy to share their smile. Your child's pediatric dentist will gladly explain why they feel a crown is needed and answer your questions about the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dental Crowns
Why does my child need a crown if the tooth is going to fall out anyway?
Many parents may be surprised that dentists recommend crowns for their children, believing that such a step is unnecessary when the tooth will eventually fall out on its own. However, even a primary tooth has an essential role in protecting your child's oral health and tooth alignment. If a baby tooth falls out too soon, its neighbors may move, blocking the eruption of the permanent teeth and causing severe orthodontic problems.
A missing tooth can also affect your child's speaking ability and chewing function. Finally, your child may feel self-conscious about their missing tooth.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The process of getting a crown is comfortable, even for young children. Local anesthesia prevents discomfort, and sedation dentistry can help an anxious child relax. Most children tolerate the process well.
Call Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry
If you believe your child needs a dental crown, we are here to help. Please call our Attleboro, MA, office at 508-409-6160 to schedule your child's appointment today.