Did your family or pediatric dentist in Brighton recommend a crown for your child’s tooth?
Pediatric dental crowns (in Brighton) offer important protection for teeth to help them function properly. If you’re wondering how long a dental crown lasts or why your child needs one, here are five important facts to know:
If Your Child Needs a Crown, Fillings Aren’t an Option
Dental fillings go inside of teeth to fill the voids created by cavities. They rely on dense, strong enamel around them to hold them into place. But when a tooth is seriously broken, worn, or decayed, there isn’t any structure to retain a filling. In that case, our Brighton dentists will recommend a crown over the tooth.
Without a crown, your child will ultimately lose their tooth before they’re supposed to. When that happens, it alters natural biting patterns and the growth of their facial profile. Excess spacing from premature tooth loss can inadvertently cause orthodontic issues because of impacted teeth.
Your Child Will be Comfortable
Getting a dental crown is a similar process to having pulp therapy or a tooth filled. How long the dental crown procedure lasts is a little different, though. It’s usually quicker than pulp therapy but longer than placing a filling. Our Brighton dentists will use effective numbing medications to keep your child relaxed so they don’t experience any discomfort. The actual length of the dental crown procedure will be about an hour or so.
For children who struggle sitting still through dentist’s appointments or who need more complex care, our Brighton dentists can discuss different types of sedation options to help. When your child feels more at ease, they’re better able to access the medically necessary treatment they need. In many cases, we can perform multiple procedures during those visits to reduce the number of appointments required.
How Long the Dental Crown Will Last: They’re Temporary
Pediatric dental crowns (in Brighton) are not permanent restorations. They’re made to buy some time until your child’s permanent tooth erupts into that space. If you’re wondering how long the dental crown will last, it’s usually just a couple of years. The important thing is that it’s buying your child time by preventing premature tooth loss.
Since these crowns are temporary, we may recommend using an affordable stainless steel material instead of the ceramic crowns you would see on adults. However, there are some tooth-colored options if the position poses significant aesthetic concerns.
You Need to Clean Around the Crown
The edges of pediatric dental crowns aren’t custom-made like adult caps are. That means there’s a slightly wider margin around them, where plaque or food can accumulate. Typically, this isn’t a major concern because the restoration is temporary, and the tooth is cleaned daily. To do so, you want to brush thoroughly around the crown and gumlines. If there’s a little redness or bleeding (gingivitis) continue cleaning the tooth well daily to help.
As far as flossing goes, you will need to clean that space with floss but modify how you remove it. For example, you don’t want to floss and pull the string straight up or down from between the teeth. Otherwise, it could get caught or loosen a pediatric dental crown (this is different from permanent crowns.) Instead, floss that area and then pull the string out through the sides of the teeth so as not to pull against the crown.
Your Child Can Still Get Cavities
Placing a crown over a tooth isn’t a free ticket to eat whatever you want or not have to worry about tooth decay. Cavities can still form around dental work like fillings or crowns. It’s important to have a good oral hygiene plan, use fluoride mouthwash or gel as directed, and to reduce the intake of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and processed carbs.
By cleaning your child’s teeth regularly and drinking plenty of water, parents can help their kids avoid the need for additional “caps” on their teeth in the future.
Need a Pediatric Dentist in Brighton?
Kids City Dental offers general dentistry services for kids, including pediatric dental crowns in Brighton. Contact our kid-focused office today to learn more!
