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.
Dental crowns are restorative, 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 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 or due to accidents or falling to the ground. If they do, pediatric dentists might consider using dental crowns to restore the tooth’s shape and functionality as an alternative to premature tooth extractions.
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 mandatory for proper pediatric dental health. However, they may be necessary to restore the structure and functionality of severely decayed or fractured teeth in children.
Contact Glow Pediatric Dentistry today so we can schedule an appointment for your child and determine their viability for dental crowns. At Glow Pediatric Dentistry, your little one’s smile is our priority.
