A dental crown for kids may seem absurd. After all, the milk teeth will eventually fall out to make room for permanent teeth. So why get pediatric crowns for your kids, and do they really need them? Below, we’ll highlight why your child might need dental crowns and when you should get them. Without further ado, let’s dive straight into it.
Pediatric dental crowns are a key part of pediatric restorative dentistry, tooth-shaped caps dentists install on teeth to restore their structure and functionality. Here are a couple of reasons why your child might need these restorations:
The most common reason for getting pediatric dental crowns is severe decay. Dentists can address mild to moderate decay with pediatric dental fillings and pulpotomies. However, severe dental decay only leaves a portion of the tooth intact, making it difficult to treat with fillings or pulpotomies. Instead, dentists will recommend crowns to restore the damaged portion while preventing further decay.
Kids may fracture their teeth while playing, during accidents, or from a fall. When this happens, pediatric dentists might consider using dental crowns to restore the tooth’s shape and function. In some cases, this approach can help avoid the need for pediatric tooth extractions, preserving the natural tooth for as long as possible.
Sometimes dentists might recommend dental crowns after pulpotomies to structure the affected tooth. Pulpotomies and pulpectomies involve removing the decayed parts of the teeth to eliminate cavity-causing bacteria. This process sometimes only leaves a tiny portion of the tooth in place. Dentists use a dental crown to replace the removed segment to protect the sensitive parts of the teeth and restore their structural integrity.
Most would argue that dental crowns are only temporary restorative solutions and, hence, not worth the time and money. If you’re still on the fence about getting dental corns for your child, here are a couple of reasons why you should:
Physical trauma and severe dental decay expose the sensitive nerve fibers and connective tissues inside the tooth’s core, leading to intense pain. A dental crown protects these sensitive areas from bacterial infection and exposure, eliminating tooth pain permanently.
Dental crowns are made from strong materials like ceramic and stainless steel. These restorations can strengthen weakened and damaged teeth, increasing their strength and restoring their ability to bite and chew into hard foods.
Despite their impermanence, baby teeth are crucial for children’s oral development. They also facilitate proper speech and ensure proper growth and alignment of the permanent teeth. Dental crowns eliminate the need for premature dental extractions that may cause problems with the growth and alignment of permanent teeth down the line.
Pediatric dental crowns aren’t always required for good dental health, but they can be essential when a child has a severely decayed or broken tooth. Crowns help restore the tooth’s shape, strength, and function, allowing your child to eat and speak comfortably. Contact Glow Pediatric Dentistry, a trusted pediatric dental office in Pflugerville, to schedule an appointment and see if a crown is the right solution for your child. Your little one’s smile is always our top priority.
