Dental Crowns for Children
When it comes to pediatric dentistry, you want the best for your children. One day your child may need a dental crown. At Chrisman and Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Bloomington, IL, we proudly offer dental crown service for children.
Here, Drs. Jay W. Chrisman and David D. Wyse discuss the benefits and applications of dental crowns for children. If you have further questions about crowns in pediatric dental care, our dentists can answer them further during a consultation.
When Are Crowns Used for Children?
Generally speaking, crowns are not commonly used on children as their baby teeth will inevitably fall out. There are, however, occasional instances when children may need dental crowns:
- Severe infection: When a cavity becomes infected and a filling is not viable, a crown may be used to protect the baby tooth.
- Cracked tooth: A tooth’s health can become compromised by fractures. In the event of a broken tooth, a crown will help preserve the tooth and add an extra layer of strength and reinforcement.
- Root canal: In severe cases, a tooth will have suffered enough damage that it needs a root canal. In this case, the tooth can be saved and protected with a crown.
Timeline and Procedure
The process of receiving a dental crown requires two visits.
During the first visit, your dentist will take an impression of the teeth. The tooth will be prepped, and a temporary crown will be placed. Following this visit, an off-site dental lab creates the custom crown.
During the second visit, the finished crown will be placed on the tooth, replacing the temporary restoration.
Types of Dental Crowns for Children
There are many kinds of dental crowns available. Our Bloomington-based dentistswill discuss which one is best for your child. There are a few different kinds of dental crowns available:
- Metal: By far the most common, metal crowns are a staple of pediatric dentistry and are commonly used to restore and protect primary teeth.
- Resin: For a more natural appearance, resin crowns can be used. These are made using a composite resin that, when hardened, mimics the color and strength of natural teeth.
- Metal with Resin Overlay: Combining the strength of metal crowns with a resin veneer, these are a great choice for durable crowns that look like real teeth.
- Ceramic Crowns: These are the most expensive type of crowns, and not often used when capping primary teeth.
Will Dental Crowns Affect New Tooth Growth?
One of the great features of dental crowns for children is that they do not affect new tooth growth. When the baby tooth is ready to fall, the crown comes with it.
Overall, crowns will not impact new teeth forming or the loss of baby teeth, which is reassuring to parents of young patients.
Do Dental Crowns Prevent All Tooth Decay?
You may be under the impression that once a tooth has a crown, it will not be prone to further cavities. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The underlying tooth structure can still become decayed or infected. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are still important.
Our dentists recommend keeping track of your child’s oral health routines. Find ways to motivate them, such as using a light-up electric toothbrush. Being an active helper and observer of your child’s oral hygiene routine can minimize tooth decay and save you time, money, and trouble down the road.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you have any questions regarding dental crowns for children or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out. Give our Bloomington office a call today at (309) 663-6393, or go online to schedule an appointment.
