When it comes to pediatric dentistry, our Wheat Ridge dentists always strive to provide the best care for our little patients. Sometimes, children may need dental restorations to preserve the health of their teeth and avoid complications like premature tooth loss or painful emergencies. In such cases, pediatric crowns are a common solution.
Placement Process of Pediatric Crowns
Pediatric crowns are custom-made dental caps that are designed to fit over a child’s damaged or decayed tooth. They are typically used when a tooth has been severely affected by decay, trauma, or other dental issues. This protective step helps prolong the overall life and function of their tooth, allowing for proper biting patterns, alignment in other teeth, and diminished orthodontic complications.
The placement process for a pediatric dental crown typically involves the following steps:
- Diagnosis: The first step is a thorough examination by a family or pediatric dentist. Their provider will assess the extent of structural damage or decay in the child’s tooth and determine if a crown is necessary. X-rays will also be needed to get a detailed view of the tooth’s condition.
- Tooth Preparation: If a crown is deemed necessary, the dentist will prepare the affected tooth by removing the damaged or decayed portion. This ensures that the crown can fit securely over the remaining healthy tooth structure. Rest assured, your child’s tooth will be gently numbed, so they’ll only feel a little pressure. Usually, nitrous oxide sedation or another sedative is also used to help your child relax.
- Crown Placement: Unlike crowns placed on adult teeth, pediatric patients typically do not need a lab-made restoration because they will typically not need their crown to last as long. We will use either a pre-fabricated crown or a similar product to cover the tooth. Our Wheat Ridge dentists use a strong bonding agent to attach the crown to the tooth on the same day.
Care and Maintenance of Pediatric Crowns
Pediatric crowns require care and maintenance to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. Here are some important tips for parents and caregivers:
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups for your child with a pediatric dentist to monitor the condition of the crown and address any issues.
- Oral Hygiene: Pay extra attention to the area around the crown to prevent plaque buildup. Daily flossing around the crown is important. However, you may need to pull the floss out through the side rather than straight up to remove it.
- Dietary Choices: Limit sugary snacks and beverages, as they can contribute to tooth decay.
- Avoid Chewing Hard or Sticky Food: Highly sticky textures may cause the bonding agent to come loose.
Benefits of Pediatric Crowns
Pediatric crowns offer several advantages when it comes to restoring a child’s damaged tooth. However, many parents wonder whether it’s necessary to crown a tooth that’s just “going to fall out anyway.” The benefits of pediatric dental crowns help ensure:
- Proper growth patterns and tooth alignment
- Fewer aesthetic concerns (and self-consciousness)
- Preventing decay from spreading to other teeth
- Premature tooth loss, which can cause major orthodontic issues
- Lower chance of dental emergencies
Pediatric Crown Alternatives
While pediatric crowns are a reliable solution for many dental issues in children, there are alternative treatments that may be considered in specific cases:
Composite Fillings: For smaller cavities or minor tooth damage, composite fillings are typically used. These fillings are tooth-colored and provide a more aesthetically pleasing option.
Pulpotomy Before Crown: In cases of deep cavities or pulp infection, a pulpotomy may be performed. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp tissue and placing a protective crown instead of having to extract the tooth.
Stainless Steel Crowns vs. Zirconia Crowns: Pediatric dentists may offer a choice between stainless steel and zirconia crowns depending on the child’s specific needs and preferences. Zirconia crowns are more aesthetically pleasing for front teeth, while stainless steel crowns are durable and cost-effective.
Extraction: In severe cases where a tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary. In such instances, space maintainers can be used to ensure proper alignment of the remaining teeth.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
When it comes to your child’s dental health, trust the kid-friendly dental team at Kid Focus Dentistry in Wheat Ridge, CO. Our experienced dentists are dedicated to providing the best possible care for your child’s smile in the years ahead. Call us today to reserve their next checkup with one of our experienced providers!