Why Would My Child Need a Dental Crown

At Dentistry for Children, we offer a range of restorative dentistry solutions, including dental crowns, to strengthen weak or damaged baby teeth, restoring their strength and function. Your child’s dental crown will stay in place until its adult replacement is ready to come in, ensuring its long-term health. Here’s all you need to know about children’s dental crowns and why your child would need one.

What Is a Pediatric Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover the visible surfaces of weak or damaged teeth, providing strength and protection. At Dentistry for Children, we offer pediatric stainless steel crowns that come pre-made in different shapes and sizes and are ready to place without the need for impressions or molds. These cost-effective restorations are incredibly strong and durable, preserving your child’s affected baby tooth until it is time for it to fall out naturally.

Stainless steel crowns are typically placed in a single appointment. Dr. Halum will remove any decayed or damaged structure and reshape the affected tooth to accommodate the restoration. Next, he will select an appropriately sized prefabricated crown, fit it onto the prepared tooth, and make any needed adjustments for a correct bite and optimal function.

Why Would Your Child Need a Dental Crown?

Your child may require a dental crown for the following reasons:

• Extensive Tooth Decay: Deep decay or a large cavity can significantly weaken the tooth structure, leaving it prone to further damage or breakage. A stainless steel dental crown can restore the tooth’s strength and prevent further decay or damage.
• Large Fillings: If a tooth has a large filling, especially a molar, it may be at risk of fracturing or breaking. A dental crown offers support and reinforces the tooth structure, preventing further damage.
• Traumatic Tooth Injuries: Biting down on hard candy or a blow to the face during a game can lead to a chip or fracture, compromising the tooth’s integrity. A dental crown covers and protects the affected tooth, restoring its function and preventing further damage or breakage.
• Improperly Formed Tooth: In some cases, a tooth may not form properly, making it weak and prone to breaking. A dental crown can help protect the tooth and improve its function.
• After Baby Tooth Nerve Treatment: Baby tooth nerve treatment, a procedure known as a pulpotomy, involves the removal of any diseased inner pulp tissues and filling the space with an antibacterial agent. We typically place a stainless steel crown after treatment to provide structural support.
• Developmental Concerns: Conditions such as enamel hypoplasia cause the enamel to be thin or improperly formed, leaving the teeth vulnerable and prone to damage. A dental crown can provide strength and protection for an affected tooth.

Why Save a Damaged Baby Tooth?

Many parents wonder why our team at Dentistry for Children stresses the importance of restoring baby teeth since they will eventually fall out. Your little one’s baby teeth, also known as the primary teeth, play a critical role in your child’s growth and development. The tiny chompers help your child learn to pronounce new sounds, ensuring their speech development stays on track. They also help your child chew and eat with comfort, ensuring proper nutrition for healthy growth and long-term healthy smiles.

Baby teeth not only support healthy development, but they also play a critical role in the health of the adult teeth yet to erupt, preserving the space they need to come in their proper alignment. If a baby tooth is lost or has to be extracted before its time due to extensive decay or trauma, the neighboring teeth usually begin to shift and drift toward the gap, interfering with the proper eruption of the adult teeth. That can result in crooked teeth and problems with the bite, which will most likely require orthodontic treatment later in life.

How Can You Prevent the Need for a Dental Crown?

At Dentistry for Children, we are proponents of prevention to maintain long-term healthy smiles and lower the risk of tooth decay or damage. We encourage our young patients to brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily. We also recommend limiting sugary, sticky, or acidic foods or drinks, which increase the risk of tooth decay and tooth enamel erosion. Instead, teach your child to reach out for smile-healthy options, including fresh fruits and crunchy veggies, cheese, nuts, milk, and water. Maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet helps provide the nutrients the teeth and gums need to stay healthy. It also helps your child grow healthy and strong.

One of the cornerstones of preventive dental care is to visit Dentistry for Children for your child’s regular, twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Halum and his child-centered team will ensure your little one’s teeth stay healthy and sound. If we uncover any early signs of tooth decay or damage, we will recommend prompt treatment to prevent the need for more involved treatments down the road. We may also recommend fluoride treatments or dental sealants as needed to lower the risk of tooth decay and cavities.

Remember – if your child develops any dental problems or has a painful tooth between regular visits, don’t wait. Contact Dentistry for Children to schedule an appointment to ensure prompt treatment. We are always happy to offer tips and guidance to lower the risk of dental disease. We strive to ensure our young patients maintain long-term healthy and beautiful smiles.

Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist to Care for Your Child’s Smile?

While many general dentists offer children’s dental services, choosing an experienced pediatric dentist to care for your child’s smile provides numerous advantages. Pediatric dentists are specialists who undergo at least two years of training after dental school focused on caring for the unique dental needs of children. They have extensive knowledge and understanding of a child’s oral growth and development from when the first tooth emerges all the way through adolescence.

Pediatric dentists have special training in addressing anxiety and special healthcare concerns, providing safe and stress-free care for your child. Their training in child psychology helps guide positive behavior and ensure their young patients have the best possible experience.

At Dentistry for Children, we’ve designed our practice with your child in mind. From smaller, child-friendly equipment to a comfortable, inviting office, we strive to ensure your child loves going to the dentist. We are passionate about caring for our young patients, which shows in everything we do.

Pediatric Dental Crowns Near Me in Highland, IN

Contact Dentistry for Children to learn more about restoring your child’s healthy smile with a pediatric dental crown. Dr. Halum and our kid-friendly team will ensure your little one is comfortable and free from stress while receiving the best possible care. We invite you to call our office at 219-924-5437 to schedule an appointment or use our online form to request one today!