When it comes to your child’s smile, you may be surprised if our pediatric dentist recommends a dental crown to fix a damaged tooth. But there are good reasons for your child to get a crown, such as when a tooth is severely decayed, preventing a dental filling from being the best solution.
Your child’s teeth might suffer if they don’t get the proper nutrients they need or if their oral hygiene routine is lax so they end up getting dental caries (or cavities). Believe it or not, these temporary teeth are essential for your child’s developing smile. That’s why they need daily oral care just like grown-up teeth! And the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry continually recommends dental crowns for children who have extensive tooth decay.
Crowns are a dental restoration covering a tooth that is lacking enough structure to keep it from breaking down or fracturing further. It is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed on top of a damaged tooth to build up its structure so that it looks and functions normally again. The crown itself sits right over the gum line so it is visible. Whenever possible, preserving a tooth is a better solution than extracting it so it can continue functioning as a placeholder for the permanent tooth to come.
We offer porcelain pediatric crowns for both back and front teeth. These are ideal if you are wanting your child’s tooth to look aesthetically pleasing while they continue to develop and come in. Our team’s goal is to keep your child’s smile looking great for their budding self-esteem.
Another crown choice we offer is stainless steel crowns. However, these are strictly used for teeth in the back of your child’s mouth where they aren’t so obvious. The benefits they offer are many; they are durable and quick to place while offering complete protection for a damaged tooth. They also lessen the likelihood of requiring retreatment and have a higher rate of success than placing fillings if your child is under four years old.
Our dentists, Dr. Armand Begian and associates strive to make sure your child gets the best possible treatment so their smile can grow healthy and strong for better oral health later. Please call (805) 985-2400 if you have any concerns about your child’s oral health! Protecting your child’s teeth is a great way to start out the new year strong!