Dr. Mathew and our pediatric dental care team understand how important it is to keep your child’s smile healthy and beautiful. A dental crown is sometimes necessary to protect a tooth from further damage or decay, even in young children. Dental crowns are a safe and effective way to restore the function and appearance of a child’s tooth and support healthy oral development.
What is a Pediatric Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its strength, size, shape, and appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials, including stainless steel, porcelain, or composite resin. For children, stainless steel crowns are commonly used because they are durable, cost-effective, and can withstand the pressure of chewing and biting.
When Are Children’s Dental Crowns Needed?
Dental crowns for children are often recommended when a tooth is severely decayed or damaged and cannot be repaired with a simple filling. Other reasons a child might need a dental crown include:
- Large cavities: If a cavity is too large for a filling, a crown can help restore the tooth.
- Tooth damage from an injury: If a child knocks out or chips a tooth, a crown can protect it from further damage.
- Baby teeth that need to be preserved: In some cases, a crown is placed on a baby tooth to help maintain space for permanent teeth to come in properly.
Crowns can also be used after the pulp therapy procedure, where the inner part of the tooth has been treated. Afterward, the crown helps protect the tooth from further damage.
Benefits of Dental Crowns for Children
Dental crowns offer several important benefits for children’s oral health. First, they protect teeth from further damage by completely covering them and protecting them from additional decay, cracks, or fractures. This is especially helpful in preserving tooth structure and natural bite in a growing child.
Crowns also help alleviate pain associated with decayed or damaged teeth by reinforcing the tooth’s structure, offering extra strength during chewing. Crowns can play a vital role in preserving baby teeth, keeping them intact until they naturally fall out while maintaining the necessary space for permanent teeth to come in correctly. For older children or teens, porcelain crowns can be used to restore a more natural appearance, particularly for visible front teeth, ensuring both function and aesthetics are preserved.