When it comes to essential pediatric dental care for children, Brighton families often wonder if certain treatments are necessary. Especially since “baby teeth are going to fall out anyway.” One common question that arises is whether kids benefit from or actually need dental crowns. The reality is, dental crowns are a versatile and effective treatment option for restoring and protecting damaged teeth in young children. Let’s explore what dental crowns are, when they’re a “must have” for kids, and how the procedure works.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” that are placed over damaged or decayed teeth. They cover the entire tooth to offer reinforcement to weak structures underneath. Pediatric dental crowns are usually made from materials such as composite, zirconia, or metal. Dental crowns essentially serve as a protective covering, restoring the shape, size, and strength of the tooth; this serves two purposes, ensuring normal biting function and preserving natural tooth placement/alignment during oral development.
Why Would My Child Need a Dental Crown?
There are several situations when a pediatric dental crown may be recommended for your child. Some common examples include:
- Tooth Decay: If your child has a tooth with extensive decay that cannot be repaired with a filling, a dental crown may be necessary to prevent further damage. Fillings are only helpful when there’s enough tooth structure left to safely enclose the small restoration; crowns encircle the entire tooth for protection from the outside.
- Tooth Fracture: If a child has a significantly fractured tooth, a dental crown can provide protection and reinforcement, preventing the risk of a dental emergency, tooth pain, or premature tooth loss.
- Following Nerve/Pulp Treatment: Children with abscessed teeth may require a “pulpotomy,” “pulp therapy,” or what some parents refer to as a “pediatric root canal.” When that’s the case, a dental crown is usually placed on the treated tooth to provide added support so that the tooth can last up until it’s closer to the time when it will fall out naturally.
- Preventing Premature Tooth Loss: Instead of pulling a decayed, cracked, or abscessed baby tooth, it’s important to preserve normal tooth spacing as long as possible. Premature tooth loss can cause shifting in your child’s bite, resulting in major orthodontic complications and changes in the bony growth patterns of their jaw. A pediatric dental crown can offset the risk of these complications by preserving their baby teeth for a longer span of time.
How Does a Crown Procedure Work?
The process of getting a dental crown for a child typically involves one treatment appointment. Numbing medication is always used to keep your child comfortable. Most family or pediatric dentists also recommend adding on gentle nitrous oxide sedation or something a little stronger, especially if more complex procedures are needed (like pulp therapy with crowns.)
During the visit, we’ll gently remove the damaged tooth structures from the affected tooth, then fit a pediatric crown on top of it. This restoration will reinforce the tooth structure that remains, so that your child can continue biting and chewing normally. Depending on which tooth we’re treating, we’ll discuss the different types of pediatric dental crowns available, so that you can help us select the most appropriate one for your child’s needs.
Dental Crowns in Brighton
If your child needs a dental crown Brighton, CO or you’d like a second opinion, Kids City Dental offers child-focused care for kids of all ages. Our team of experienced dentists and staff are dedicated to providing excellent dental care in a child-friendly and comfortable environment. We offer a diverse range of pediatric dental treatments, including dental crowns, tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of children. We’ll sit down with you to discuss your family’s options and walk you through the treatment planning process from start to finish.
Schedule a Consultation
If your child needs a dental crown or if you want a second opinion, it’s best to schedule a consultation with a trusted family or pediatric dentist. At Kids City Dental in Brighton, our kid-friendly team is always here to help. Contact us today to reserve your first visit with us!