It is not uncommon for parents to question why their child’s baby tooth needs a dental crown. After all, baby teeth are temporary. While that may be true, they do serve a significant role in a child’s development. Sometimes, a dental crown is needed to protect them.
This Monroe parents’ guide will help you gain a deeper understanding of why crowns are used, how they work, and what you should know if your child needs one.
The Importance of Baby Teeth
Often referred to as primary teeth, baby teeth are the placeholders for a child’s future permanent teeth. But this is not all they do. They are essential for helping your child nourish their body and learn to speak clearly. They also ensure there is proper spacing so that adult teeth can erupt with enough space—right where they are meant to be.
During this time, baby teeth require proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits for optimal care. Without it, they are vulnerable to tooth decay and may eventually fall out prematurely. This can allow teeth to shift, causing overcrowding and misalignment. It is worth noting that injury to a tooth, breaking it or knocking it out, can also lead to these issues.
Thankfully, dental crowns can help.
A Filling vs. A Dental Crown
Fillings are reserved for teeth that have a small area of decay, known as a cavity. They focus on fixing one small area of the tooth, rather than the whole tooth.
Decay will continue to spread and cause more severe damage if it is not caught in time. This is where a dental crown shines.
Dental crowns are used to restore a tooth by covering it entirely, returning strength and integrity. A baby root canal, or pulpotomy, may be required in severe cases—followed by a crown for restoration.
Simply put, dental crowns allow weakened baby teeth to continue to function until they are ready to fall out naturally.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are different types of dental crowns available to meet the needs of your child. Two of the most commonly used are ceramic and stainless steel. Here’s an overview of each.
Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crowns are made of a tooth-colored ceramic that will match and blend well with the surrounding teeth. These crowns can be placed on any teeth, but are most frequently used on visible teeth to maintain aesthetics.
Stainless Steel Crowns
There is no denying that stainless steel is the gold standard when it comes to pediatric dental crowns. They are shiny and silver, as well as resistant to corrosion, long-lasting, and strong. They can be used on any teeth, but are more ideal for molars due to their level of durability.
How do you decide? If a dental crown is the recommended course of action for your child, then your dentist will discuss the best option for their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt to get a dental crown?
No, getting a crown on a baby tooth does not hurt. The procedure is done gently, with local anesthesia used to keep your child comfortable. Steps are taken to ensure your child is at ease for the duration of the procedure.
How long does a dental crown last on a baby tooth?
Dental crowns are made to be a long-term solution. With proper care and routine visits to the dentist, they should remain in place until the baby tooth falls out naturally.
At Orange County Pediatric Dentistry, our team is here to help your child smile with confidence. Whether it is a dental crown, routine cleaning, or orthodontic treatment, we offer many solutions to keep your child’s mouth healthy and pain-free. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.