Dental crowns are a useful dental tool to replace damaged teeth. Most dental crowns replace the chewing surface of a molar. They act as a way to repair damaged, pitted dental surfaces. Dental crowns are an important part of pediatric dentistry. They work to repair teeth of all sizes, including non-permanent teeth, in the case of severe dental damage or developmental issues with the teeth. Here, we cover the different types of dental crowns for kids and how they can help repair dental damage.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are a form of dental repair that involves placing a material cap (the crown) on top of a tooth. There are several ways this can work and different levels of preparation for each type of crown. Dental crowns can be made out of metal or composite resin. There are also strip crowns, which involve placing a crown with a plastic shell and strip on top. Then, removing the strip and plastic shell once the crown attaches firmly.
For some dental crowns, no preparation is needed. This is primarily the case for crowns repairing dental development issues, as the purpose is to build up the enamel surface. Other crowns, especially those replacing severe dental decay, may require material removal before application to provide a better fit. Sometimes, temporary crowns protect the tooth while a more detailed crown is made.
Dental Crowns for Kids
Dental crowns can replace broken or damaged chewing surfaces. They act as a way to preserve severely damaged teeth in pediatric patients. If your child has severe dental decay, especially with a root canal on a permanent tooth, a dental crown can restore the tooth’s chewing surface and help avoid an extraction.
Dental crowns for kids are almost the same as those for adults. While the tooth size may vary, especially for baby teeth, the same process applies to all teeth. These crowns allow children to keep their original teeth. This is important for adult teeth to grow straight later in life and help preserve any adult teeth impacted by decay.
Since dental crowns can match the natural color of your child’s teeth, dental crowns are a nearly unnoticeable way for your pediatric dentist to make structural repairs to your child’s teeth. While dental crowns may need to be replaced later in life, they have a long use time, meaning that a dental crown will help maintain and preserve your child’s dental health for years.
Dental crowns can replace damaged or worn-down chewing surfaces if your child suffers from bruxism (teeth grinding). This is usually done as a final treatment stage for bruxism, as mouth guards and splints are the first line of defense to protect your child’s teeth. Still, dental implants are a great option if your child has a damaged chewing surface that needs repair.
If you have questions about pediatric dental crowns or want to make an appointment, contact Smile First Pediatric Dentistry at (631) 563-7462. Our team of family-friendly pediatric dentists would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon.
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