Dental Crowns for Baby Teeth
Disclaimer: Not medical or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician.
Primary (baby) teeth serve a number of important roles in the oral cavity before they are replaced by permanent ones. However, baby teeth might become damaged ahead of time. Minor carious lesions or damages can be restored with modern filling materials. But when a tooth filling is not an option, dentists recommend placing dental crowns.
A dentist may suggest the use of dental crowns in the following situations.
- Teeth have been significantly affected by damage (two or more walls are destroyed by cavities). Large dental fillings are unable to withstand chewing force, leading to frequent chips and cracks in the dental tissue that have to be treated. The crown helps to save a badly decayed primary tooth until its replacement. Primary incisors fall out at 6-8 years old, canines at 8-10 years old, and molars at 9-12 years old.
- Recurrent caries. The crown is made to fit tightly over the tooth. This prevents harmful bacteria from re-entering.
- The child has pulpitis. This is the most common indication for placing a crown. It helps to preserve the maximum amount of tissue and protect a damaged tooth from injuries and chips.
- Enamel hypoplasia is a condition, which makes teeth brittle and fragile.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) often occurs during sleep.
- In cases of dental trauma.
- When permanent teeth have erupted with abnormal enamel formation.
- The child needs to close a large gap between the teeth to improve speech.
In each of these cases, placing dental crowns on baby teeth until they fall out naturally helps the permanent teeth grow into their proper position. It is not necessary to remove the dental crown. It will stay on the baby tooth until it is ready to fall out on its own.
What are Crowns for Primary Teeth Made Of?
Metal crowns are the most common type of crown used for children. They are usually made of stainless steel, chrome-cobalt, palladium, and silver. Gold dental crowns are suitable for children with metal allergies.
Why Do Children Get Metal Crowns?
As a child grows, the ratio of jaws to teeth in the oral cavity undergoes changes. This phenomenon represents physiological tooth wear in the primary dentition. Over time, the cusps and the edges of incisor teeth become flat due to constant contact with the opposing teeth during chewing and speech. If a tooth with a crown remains unchanged, it can affect the action of the masticatory system. It is for this reason children require a crown that can adapt to an adjusting and growing mouth. Stainless steel crowns are a great option in such cases.
Zirconia crowns can be used for the front teeth. Zirconium Dioxide is a material with both aesthetic qualities and mechanical toughness. It can give your child a smile that is virtually indistinguishable from healthy, natural teeth.
A common alternative to stainless steel crowns is composite strip crowns.
They consist of a shell that is filled with composite material and fitted over the tooth. Then the dentist will use a light to cure the composite filling and remove the shell. Although strip crowns are more pleasing in appearance, they are the least ideal in terms of strength compared to stainless steel crowns.
All these types of dental crowns come in different sizes and can be customized for any tooth. The dentist will select the right size crown and shape it for each child. There is no need for dental impressions or multiple visits typical for adult patients. The application of dental crowns for children is usually completed in one visit. Your child will get a healthy tooth the same day.
What to Expect After a Child Gets a Crown?
- The new crown may feel bulky immediately after placement. It is a normal reaction of the surrounding tissues to the crown. The discomfort usually goes away on its own within a day.
- The gums may bleed and feel sore when brushing teeth or eating for several days after treatment.
- A few days after the procedure, the gums around the crown may change color.
- It may cause a grey-colored gum line over the crown. It appears as part of the normal healing process. You do not need to touch it or try to remove it, it will disappear by itself.
All these effects are normal after crown placement, and there is nothing you need to be afraid of.
How to Take Care of Child’s Dental Crown
- Most importantly, teeth should be brushed twice a day. The area around the crown must be cleaned carefully to avoid injuring the gum. Try to prevent plaque formation as it can lead to inflammation of the gums. If gums remain swollen, make a dentist appointment immediately.
- Once the crown has been placed, your child must avoid hard, acidic (including fruit juices) foods, hot food and drinks during the first 3-5 days.
Dental World doctors will help you find the solution that works best for your child to keep their smiles healthy and beautiful.