While commonly associated with adults, dental crowns play a significant role in pediatric dentistry, so here, we explain the various aspects of kids dental crowns, including their purpose, recommendations, types, and placement process.
Kids dental crowns can help parents protect their child's oral health and development. Here is everything that parents should know about when kids dental crowns are recommended and how they are beneficial for a child's oral health.
Kids dental crowns, also known as dental caps, are protective coverings placed over primary or permanent teeth to protect them from further harm. They are designed to restore the shape, size, and strength of a tooth that might have been damaged by tooth decay or dental trauma. For children in particular, dental crowns serve a unique purpose because they address dental issues that can impact their overall oral health and development.
Pediatric dentists recommend kids dental crowns if the child has severely decayed or damaged teeth. Minor cavities are often treated with dental fillings, but moderate to severe cavities typically require something stronger to help ensure that the child does not experience discomfort and to protect the tooth for the long term. In cases of dental trauma, dental crowns are effective at restoring teeth that are chipped or cracked. Kids dental crowns may also be recommended for:
Each type of kids dental crown has unique advantages. Specifically, there are four primary types of dental crowns for kids. These include:
The longevity of a kids dental crown depends on various factors, including the type of crown and the child's oral hygiene practices. For example, metal alloy crowns tend to last longer than tooth-colored crowns (i.e., porcelain crowns). Children should also be careful to avoid dental trauma because it could damage the crown and lead to the need for replacement.
On average, dental crowns for children can last anywhere from five to 10 years. In some cases, they last for 15 years or more. Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene significantly contribute to the lifespan of a kids dental crown.
A kids dental crown from a pediatric dentist is essential to avoid unnecessary discomfort and severe oral health concerns. Dental cavities, chips, and cracks expose the underlying layers of teeth. Consequently, children who do not receive the proper treatment may experience pain and discomfort that affects their ability to eat, speak, and focus throughout the day.
Simply extracting the tooth is not always an option either. Baby teeth that are removed earlier than necessary may contribute to orthodontic concerns. Additionally, tooth decay may worsen and lead to tooth infections that can spread to other areas of the mouth and body.
Alternatives are examined on a case-by-case basis. In some situations, there are no viable alternatives to a dental crown for children. In other instances, several may be preferable. The most notable possible alternatives to kids dental crowns are:
If your child has oral health concerns that may require a kids dental crown, we would love to hear from you. We provide pediatric dental services (including pediatric crowns), along with preventive and diagnostic services. Contact us today to schedule a time for you and your child to visit us.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
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