How Do Crowns for Children Work?

Pediatric crowns are a somewhat new concept in dentistry, so most people won’t understand what they are or how they work. We’ll look at the general idea behind crowns, how they benefit children, and where you can find them in Midwest City, OK.

How Does the Crown Process Work?

The crown process for kids works somewhat similarly to the crown process for adults: the child has tooth damage, and the crown goes on top to protect it. Again, the types of tooth damage for kids are similar to the types of tooth damage for adults (e.g., baby root canal, fractured tooth, or large cavity).

Typically, all pediatric crowns in Midwest City, OK are partial crowns made of stainless steel. Dentists opt for this material not just because it’s durable, even for exceptionally active children, but because it also takes less time to fit. So, if you have a child who prefers to get in and out of the dentist as quickly as possible, you can potentially take care of everything in one fast appointment.

Why Get Pediatric Crowns?

Dentistry has come a long way in the last few decades. In the past, dentists may have been quick to yank permanent teeth to save them from gradual decay. Today, dentists in Midwest City, OK understand that they can foster and preserve healthy teeth if they have the right tactics from early on.

At Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry, we can fit your child for a pediatric crown until they lose their primary tooth. This not only helps prevent extractions, it can also be used as a space maintainer to ensure that surrounding teeth don’t grow into the wrong positioning. If you have questions about how a crown can boost your child’s long-term oral health, contact our staff today to learn more!

 

5 Benefits of Dental Crowns for Kids 

Dental crowns aren’t just for adults —kids can benefit from having these tooth restorations, too! Our dentists in Oklahoma City and Midwest City, OK, at Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry offer crowns for permanent teeth and baby teeth to help save them from needing to be pulled. We’ll explore some of the main advantages this treatment offers!

Helps Maintain Space Between Baby Teeth

When kids lose baby teeth too early, this creates gaps that may affect the way their permanent teeth come in. Dental crowns can help keep the right amount of space between teeth and prevent these larger gaps from forming.

Lowers the Risk of Repeat Treatments

Even with treatment, kids can develop cavities or other problems in the same tooth. Putting a crown on helps prevent this! Crowns help reduce the chance that your kids will need the same teeth treated again.

Protects Teeth from Damage and Decay

When you have your kids’ teeth treated for cavities or other damage, dental crowns can provide ongoing protection. Without crowns, these teeth may be more vulnerable to further damage or decay.

Improves Chewing and Talking Abilities

Damaged or decayed teeth can make it harder for your kids to eat or speak clearly. Dental crowns allow them to talk and eat their food without serious problems.

Offers a Durable Treatment

Pediatric dental crowns made of stainless steel provide a long-lasting treatment compared to other crown materials.

Schedule an Appointment for Dental Crowns!

Do your kids need crowns for tooth decay? Whether they have baby teeth or permanent teeth, we can provide them with the right type! At Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry, we offer dental crowns in Oklahoma City and Midwest City, OK, for kids of all ages to restore teeth.

Child Smiling

What Happens when a Child Needs a Crown?

If your child has severe decay of a tooth, even if it is a baby tooth, it may need a crown instead of a cavity. Placing a crown, or a tooth-shaped cap, on a baby tooth is a slightly different process than with an adult patient. Here’s what you can expect if your child needs this procedure.

Why Crowns Are Important

You may be thinking that adding a crown to a baby tooth is unnecessary. After all, the tooth will eventually fall out. However, if you don’t address the damage and decay, your child can suffer unwanted and unnecessary pain. The decay can also spread to nearby teeth. Removing the tooth too early can lead to shifting and space concerns for the remaining teeth. Sometimes, a crown is the best option.

How Crowns for Kids Work

Crowns for children work in the same way as crowns for adults. First, your child’s dentist in Oklahoma City, OK, will thoroughly numb the tooth and surrounding gums. Then, the dentist will isolate the tooth using a dental dam and drill into the tooth to remove the decay. Finally, the crown is placed and adhered to the tooth. The goal is to restore the function of the tooth until it can fall out naturally when the adult tooth starts to grow in.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

While tooth decay can mean a child needs a crown, not all children will suffer from decay. You can help your child avoid tooth decay by asking your dentist in Oklahoma City, OK, about sealants. These thin coatings cover the surface of a tooth to prevent food from getting stuck, which can lead to decay.

Whether you’re hoping to avoid problems with proactive treatment or have a problem you need to address, you can count on Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry to help protect and restore your child’s teeth.