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Pediatric dentists use a dental crown for kids to help repair a heavily decayed tooth. These are teeth with large cavities and in urgent need of repair. If the cavity is small, then children’s tooth crowns may not be needed since a simple fix through traditional filling is often enough. Extraction is an alternative to putting caps on kids teeth. However, it is really not recommended because it can lead to several complications.
That makes dental crowns the best bet when it comes to restoring and repairing massively decayed teeth in kids. During this procedure, crowns are placed on baby teeth so they can keep acting as placeholders for permanent teeth. In this article, we will answer the question “how common are pediatric crowns?” as well as look at the different types of pediatric dental crowns.
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Dental Crown for Kids: What is It and Why is It Necessary?
A dental crown for kids can be described as a covering, which is cemented to the tooth. The covering is normally tooth-shaped and helps restore the original function of the tooth. It also gives the tooth its original shape. Pediatric dentists use children’s tooth crowns for many different reasons. Some of these include when there is:
- A large cavity in kids: Well, a big cavity in children is due to extensive decay.
- Incorrect development of a primary tooth
- A fractured tooth because of trauma
As mentioned earlier, a large cavity in kids is caused by a severely decayed tooth. This big cavity in children can be on two or more surfaces. Putting a crown on child’s tooth is one easy way to repair a large cavity in kids. That is because a big cavity in children cannot be repaired through a filling since the filling is likely to fall out. The filling can also wear out or break.
Another reason why pediatric dental crowns are preferred is that they last longer than fillings. When used during early dental treatment, pediatric dental crowns can last until your kid’s baby tooth falls out. Well, this usually happens when your young one reaches age 12.
Best for preparing sever decayed tooth
A dental crown for kids not only comes in handy for repairing a badly decayed tooth. It is also necessary for the following reasons:
- To curb the spread of decay between teeth: Compared to permanent teeth, baby teeth have thinner enamel. This means decay can spread quickly between teeth. And that is where children’s tooth crowns come into play. Pediatric crowns are used in preventive dentistry for kids by making sure decay does not spread and infect other areas of the body and mouth.
- To restore the function, size, and shape of the tooth: Some of the key roles of primary teeth are holding the spacing for the permanent teeth and making sure permanent teeth are nicely guided into position. Pediatric dentists often use silver caps on teeth to achieve this.
Also, children’s tooth crowns are useful for:
- Developing proper speech among young ones
- Making chewing food a breeze
- Ensuring that your kid’s muscles and jawbones develop as expected
Different Types of Pediatric Crowns
Dentists that offer services related to pediatric dental crowns normally have a wide array of different types of children’s tooth crowns to choose from. That being said, the four key types of caps on kids teeth are:
- Pre-formed stainless steel crown on child’s tooth
- Veneered steel dental crown for kids
- “Strip”/acid-etched resin caps on kids teeth
- Zirconia pediatric crowns
Stainless Steel Crown on Child’s Tooth
The stainless steel crown on child’s tooth is the most commonly used type of pediatric crowns. That is because this crown on child’s tooth is tried and true, which is not the case with other types like silver caps on teeth. Another reason why pediatric crowns are popular is that dentists have been using them for more than half a century.
Stainless steel pediatric dental crowns look like metal shells, and they come in a wide range of sizes. What’s more, pediatric dentists usually customize them to fit into the tooth of any kid. Stainless steel pediatric dental crowns are suitable for molars. That is because they are strong, durable, and moisture-resistant. These children’s tooth crowns help get rid of a large cavity in kids effectively.
Moreover, these children’s tooth crowns are suitable for getting rid of decay between the child’s teeth. Plus, they are generally easy to place with only one visit to the dentist required. Another reason why the stainless steel dental crown for kids is popular and highly recommended is that it is cost-effective. Of all the most common types of caps on kids teeth, this dental crown for kids is the least expensive. With that said, pediatric dentists normally recommend it almost every time they want to fix a big cavity in children.
Veneered Steel Dental Crown for Kids
The veneered steel dental crown for kids is also referred to as a resin veneer crown or a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. This type of dental crown can be likened to silver caps on teeth, given the fact that it consists of a nickel/stainless steel crown. What’s more, the crown features a tooth-colored material, which is bonded to the sides, top, and front.
Also, like silver caps on teeth, veneer dental crowns are long-lasting. This means if you do not want a large cavity in kids to worry you and your little one again, then veneer steel dental crowns are for you. Another reason to choose them is that they are aesthetically appealing. As such, dentists usually use them on anterior (front) teeth to get rid of a big cavity in children. Veneer steel dental crowns are also perfect for restoring posterior (back) teeth in kids. Plus, they offer protection from moisture.
Like other dental crowns for kids, veneer steel crowns have drawbacks. But do not fret because these cons are insanely few not to mention the fact that they are pretty insignificant. The first one is that, compared to other crowns, veneer steel crowns need more tooth reduction. Second, they are really not recommended for kids with metal allergies. That is because, like silver caps on teeth, veneer steel crowns may lead to allergic reactions among children with metal allergies.
Strip Crowns
These caps on kids teeth are also known as composite strips or acid-etched resin. Unlike silver caps on teeth, strip crowns are basically clear shells filled with tooth-colored composite material before being fitted over the tooth.
Once dentists are convinced that the composite material is set, they remove the plastic covering. This leaves behind the tooth-colored material. Strip crowns look really good, and, for this reason, they are normally used on front teeth. Additionally, the price of these crowns is reasonable.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia or white dental crowns are metal-free; hence, they are the perfect option to use in preventive dentistry for kids allergic to metals. Besides, these crowns are like stainless steel crowns in the sense that they are pre-made to specific sizes.
The material used to make white dental crowns is similar to ceramic; it is a hard-tooth-colored material. That being said, zirconia crowns are more durable and stronger than natural enamel. It is safe to say that they are almost indestructible, which makes them ideal for early dental treatment.
Other reasons why these crowns are preferred include the fact that they are:
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Biologically inert, which means they do not cause an allergic response in the event that they come in contact with a biological tissue
- Resistant to decay and plaque accumulation
Another reason why zirconia crowns are recommended for use in preventive dentistry for kids is that they can be placed in just a single visit to the dentist, provided the dentist has access to hardware and software that help them achieve this.
The Difference Between Dental Crowns and Dental Sealants for Kids
People often use dental crowns and dental sealants for kids interchangeably. Nevertheless, these two are totally different. That being said, dental sealants for kids are applied, especially during early dental treatment, to stop decay from taking place in areas that may be a bit hard to reach during brushing or flossing.
Dental crowns, on the other hand, are designed to protect teeth that are already damaged. It is safe to emphasize that these teeth are usually heavily damaged, otherwise, tooth filling would be considered.
There are lots of benefits of tooth sealants for children. The first one is that they cover the top part of the tooth to protect against cavities. The second is that dental sealants are extremely easy to apply. Plus, the process of applying them is always painless. Other benefits of tooth sealants for children are the fact that they are long-lasting, cost-effective, and suitable for every kid.
Well, that is the difference between pediatric dental crowns and dental sealants for kids. If you are not sure which one is the best for your child, then it is advisable that you consult your dentist.
What to Expect After Your Kid’s Dental Crown Procedure
After a dental crown procedure, your child is likely to experience discomfort due to irritation of the soft tissue around the tooth or at the tooth’s pulp. This irritation is likely to continue for up to a day, which is 24 hours. To help manage it, you can go for over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Consider contacting the dentist should discomfort go beyond 24 hours.
What’s more, make sure you discourage your young one from eating until the numbness wears off completely. This minimizes the chances of them accidentally biting their lips and/or cheeks, thereby, sustaining significant injuries.
Also, you should discourage your child from biting, sucking, or chewing the numb areas, as this can cause severe damage. If your kid tells you that their tooth feels “funny” or is having trouble chewing and biting food 24 hours after the procedure, make sure to contact the dentist immediately. That is because your kid’s tooth may need to be adjusted a little bit to achieve the perfect bite.
Dental Crown for Kids in Richmond, Texas
Pediatric dentists motivate young children to floss and brush regularly to help keep tooth decay at bay. Besides, parents are encouraged to maintain the oral health of their kids. To achieve this, they should discourage their little ones from eating sugary foods and drinks. Furthermore, parents whose kids are prone to tooth decay are encouraged to take their kids for dental checkups up to four times every year.
It is imperative that during this visit, ensure the best kids dentist in Sugar Land Texas checks up your kid. We are talking about Luna Pediatric Dentistry. Headed by Dr. Anu Wadivkar and Dr. Dzhuliya Servetnik, Luna Dentistry has the best pediatric dentist in Richmond Texas. Contact us today for a consultation.