Being told your child needs a kid's dental crown on one of their teeth may shock you, but they are actually quite common. Just like adults need crowns to protect the shape and function of their teeth, kids do as well. It may seem pointless to try and save a damaged baby tooth, but losing a baby tooth before it is time can actually cause problems when the permanent tooth comes in. So if your dentist tells you your child needs a crown, it is best to listen.
To set your mind at ease about crowns for children, we have prepared a list of facts you may want to know about crowns, how they work, and their purpose. We hope these facts will help if your child ends up needing a crown of their own.
Some teeth become too damaged for fillings
One of the main reasons why the dentist would choose to use a crown on your child's tooth is because it has simply become too damaged for a filling to work anymore. Fillings are great for protecting against cavities, but if a tooth gets too many cavities or is broken or damaged in some other way, a filling simply may not work. In this case, the dentist will install a crown. It is better to save a tooth than to have to extract it.
Damage to teeth comes in many forms, eating something too hard, a sudden slip and fall, or other accidents; there are lots of ways that a child can damage their tooth that a filling will not work for.
Crowns are cheaper than fillings in the long run
While most adults know that crowns can be kind of expensive when you first get one when compared to fillings, a kid's dental crown is actually cheaper over time. With fillings, a child may need more work done to keep their tooth in good shape. They may need multiple fillings, replacements, or even other restoration work. The cost of this can easily add up to more than the cost of a crown.
Crowns are incredibly durable
Depending on the material you pick for your child's crown, the crown is usually incredibly durable, especially when compared to a filling. This means fewer chances of breaking and needing maintenance, which for many parents is helpful and brings peace of mind. This way, you are able to restore the function of your child's tooth and not worry about it breaking again or needing extra work.
Conclusion
It is easy to understand why you might be a bit concerned if your child needs a kid dental crown, but it is important to remember that the purpose of a crown is to protect and preserve a tooth that has been damaged. Choosing to save a tooth rather than have it pulled is almost always the best choice.
Your dentist will be able to answer any specific questions you have about the process of getting a crown and make sure that your child stays comfortable throughout the visit.
Request an appointment or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at 832-579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
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