If your dentist has recommended a baby dental crown for your child, you would probably have questions about the procedure. A dental crown helps protect your child’s primary tooth from further damage and is often suggested when a tooth cannot be repaired with a dental filling. Here are frequently asked questions about baby dental crowns.
A dental crown is a prosthetic restoration affixed over a tooth. It is created to cover a damaged tooth completely and prevent additional damage. A crown can also be used to change the shape, alignment and outlook of a tooth. The pediatric dentist can customize a porcelain or composite baby crown to match the rest of the teeth.
Many people often wonder why a child would need dental crowns, especially since the baby teeth will be lost eventually. However, baby teeth play an important role in maintaining space for incoming permanent teeth. Premature loss can disrupt dental alignment. If a child has multiple cavities on a tooth or a large cavity that cannot be repaired with a dental filling, a dental crown is the best option for treating this.
Stainless-steel crowns are usually used for baby teeth at the back, while tooth-colored crowns are used for front row teeth. The dentist will discuss the options with the parent during the appointment.
There are universal steps for every dental crown placement. First, the dental specialist will numb the tooth and surrounding gums with a local anesthetic. This will help to prevent the child from feeling pain throughout the procedure. They will isolate the tooth, remove all traces of decay and shape the tooth to receive the crown. Unlike adult dental crowns that usually need multiple dental appointments, most crowns for children are completed in one appointment.
Parents can expect the baby’s crown to last as long as the primary teeth last. Once the primary tooth has outlived its purpose, it will be replaced by a permanent tooth. If the crown were fitted over a permanent tooth, it would last much longer. Oral hygiene practices are important to ensure the crowns last for long.
Parents need to know that their child may experience sore gums for some days after the dental crown placement. The child can be given pain relievers to alleviate the discomfort. The child’s teeth should be brushed and flossed regularly, as usual. For stainless steel crowns, the tooth should have a shiny appearance after brushing them. Biannual appointments with the dentist are also important to maintain the child’s oral health.
If you have additional questions about a baby dental crown, do not hesitate to contact the dental office for answers. If the pediatric dentist thinks the baby’s teeth will benefit from crown placement, they will guide you through the process so that you know what to expect.
Request an appointment here: https://camelbackpeds.wpengine.com or call Camelback Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics at (602) 595-3531 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.
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