If your child has a large cavity, your child might need to have a baby dental crown. However, you might have some questions about this type of restoration. For example, you might be wondering why you should spend money having the tooth restored. Keep reading to learn more about this type of dental crown.
Why does a child need a baby dental crown?
When the tooth is decayed or chipped, it needs to have a baby dental crown. One misconception is that the teeth are not in the mouth for very long. However, the molars can be in the mouth until the age of 12. It is a good idea to keep the teeth in place until they naturally come out.
This is important because the teeth save space for the permanent teeth to come in. Saving the teeth prevents orthodontic issues in the future. A child might have a stainless-steel crown. A zirconia crown is white.
What types of crowns are often recommended by many dentists?
Stainless-steel crowns have been a treatment option for many years. Researchers have been able to improve and develop this type of baby dental crown. Now, stainless-steel crowns can last for many years and are unlikely to come off easily. With a stainless-steel baby dental crown, not as much of the tooth needs to be removed.
A stainless-steel crown is thinner than other types. It is a good idea to preserve the natural tooth structure of the child. However, a drawback of these crowns is that it makes the tooth look silver. Another misconception is that it is the same substance used in mercury fillings. However, this is not true. As mentioned before, these are made out of stainless steel.
Sometimes, patients might also get a zirconia crown. This can offer a more pleasing result. The crowns are a white color. This is similar to porcelain, which cannot be bent. A child will need to focus on proper brushing.
What happens after the procedure?
If the child received a local anesthetic, the mouth will be numb. The parent should see that the child does not bite the tongue, lip or cheeks. It is good to avoid eating and drinking until the numbness wears off. The child’s crown might feel tight for several days.
Parents can provide the child with over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary. It might be difficult for the child to eat or speak properly for the first few days. Soft foods can be helpful during this period of time. The crown might look like it is high in the child’s bite. However, the crown will settle in a few weeks.
Visit a dentist for a baby dental crown
Dental crowns for children are important for protecting the teeth. This can help the primary teeth to better perform the important functions. You have a few options as to the type of material for the crown. Making an appointment with a pediatric dentist today is your first step.
Request an appointment here: https://novapedsdentistry.com or call Nova Pediatric Dentistry at (201) 812-2952 for an appointment in our Dumont office.
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