Kids are the ones least interested in dentist visits. Moreover, they are careless with their oral hygiene and often neglect taking care of them. It’s crucial to realize that the primary teeth play a vital role in the eruption of your baby’s permanent teeth as well. It helps them chew food well so that they get the proper nutrition required at their age.
However, kids often face various dental problems due to their eating habits. Be it cavities or a misshapen tooth, one of the ultimate solutions to their oral problems can be the dental crowns for kids.
Gone are the days when you had to run to the dentist now and then for getting your kids dental issues fixed. One or two visits are going to fix the problem of the decayed tooth for long using the steel crown for kids. In this article, we will look at some of the benefits of dental crowns for children.
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ToggleAt What Age Can a Child Get a Crown?
Children can potentially require dental crowns at different ages, depending on their oral health needs. While there is no specific age requirement for getting a crown, certain factors determine when it becomes necessary. Dentists typically consider the following aspects before recommending a crown for a child:
Extent of Tooth Damage: The severity of tooth damage is a crucial factor in determining the need for a crown. If a child’s tooth has experienced extensive decay, trauma, or structural defects, a crown may be necessary to restore its function and appearance.
Tooth Development: The stage of tooth development is also taken into account. Children who have their primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, will not receive permanent dental crowns. However, if a child has a severely damaged primary tooth that affects their oral health, a stainless-steel crown may be placed to protect it until the permanent tooth erupts.
It is important to note that each child’s case is unique, and the decision to place a crown will be made by the child’s dentist after a thorough examination and evaluation.
How to Get Dental Crowns for Kids
Before diving into the reasons why your kid needs a dental crown, let us first understand how it is all done. Dental crowns are tooth caps that can be affixed to cover the damaged or decayed tooth.They are placed post the pulpotomy (pulp/nerve treatment for baby teeth) of your kid.
Although children have primary teeth that are bound to break off, they must be in good condition to not cause any troubles. Stainless steel crowns are one of the best options for your kid’s primary teeth.
Types of Dental Crowns Available
Dental crowns can be of various types like:
- Stainless Steel Crown
- Porcelain Crown
- All-Resin Crowns
- Metal Crowns
- Ceramic Crowns, etc
However, the best-suited ones for the kid’s primary teeth are the stainless steel crowns which have several benefits over the other.
Benefits of Steel Crowns for Kids
- Corrosion Resistant: Since these are made of stainless steel, they do not get aggravated by saliva and remain corrosion resistant. They are mainly made with a mix of iron, chromium, carbon and other metals.
- Strong and Long Lasting: A stainless steel crown can last for over 15 years. Isn’t it long enough for your baby’s tooth to come out new? Well, the steel crowns are strong and durable along with serving its purpose to its best.
- Inexpensive: You won’t need to spend thousands of bucks over the steel crown. These are cost-effective and you won’t feel bad when they fall off with the primary tooth.
- Maintains proper oral hygiene: Steel crowns are well-known for keeping the dental problems away by fighting the germs and preventing them to come back.
Why Dental Crowns for Kids?
Let’s us jump right into the top five reasons to get a dental crown for children:
1.The Longevity of Your Kid’s Teeth:
Many people might think that the children’s teeth are primary and will eventually fall off one day on its own, so why work so hard for fixing it. Well, this is an entirely wrong opinion because it’s the primary teeth that are going to help your little ones eat, speak, and smile at their best.
If they do not function properly, how will they talk, eat, and smile with ease and confidence? Children start to lose their primary teeth at the age of six. However, the molars can stay up to the age of 12-13.
You can’t simply wait for the damaged tooth to fall off on its own. Dental crowns fix children’s teeth quite well and help to attain the longevity of your kid’s teeth.
2. Brushing Away Early Decay:
Tooth decay can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, especially to children. The little ones often retaliate by crying and yet do not want to have frequent visits to the doctor.
In case the decay is beginning to attack, make sure you get it diagnosed by your dentist, and after clearing the damaged portion, get a proper sized dental crown for your child. Although it is best to take care of their teeth and gums from the start so that they do not require any of these medical treatments.
However, just in case you need one, stainless steel crowns are one of the best options for the health of your child’s primary as well as secondary teeth underneath.
3. Do Away with Cavities:
Tooth decay can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, especially to children. The little ones often retaliate by crying and yet do not want to have frequent visits to the doctor. In case the decay is beginning to attack, make sure you get it diagnosed by your dentist, and after clearing the damaged portion, get a proper sized dental crown for your child.
Although it is best to take care of their teeth and gums from the start so that they do not require any of these medical treatments. However, just in case you need one, stainless steel crowns are one of the best options for the health of your child’s primary as well as secondary teeth underneath.
4. Cracked or Chipped Tooth:
This is not very common in kids, but still, if your child has difficulty chewing food or speaking, due to the chipped tooth, it is recommended to get him/her a steel crown to prevent any further damage.
Sometimes it can lead to cracks between the teeth and if any food particle gets to it, it becomes painful. Such problems can be tackled with the use of crowns which prevents further cracks in the teeth.
5. Decreased Frequency of General Anesthesia:
Getting a dental crown is easy and doesn’t put your child through much pain. This is good for children as they are likely to resist getting any painful dental treatments, even if it is for their good. Without any heavy anesthetics, you can get your kid a protective dental crown so that they have a happy childhood.
FAQs about Children and Dental Crowns
Can a toddler get a dental crown?
Yes, in some cases, toddlers may need dental crowns. However, it is less common for toddlers to require crowns compared to older children. Dentists usually explore alternative treatment options first, such as fillings or dental bonding, before considering crowns for toddlers.
Are dental crowns for children different from those for adults?
Dental crowns for children and adults are similar in their purpose and function. However, there are variations in materials and sizes to accommodate the differences in tooth sizes and structures between primary and permanent teeth.
Is the placement of a dental crown painful for a child?
The placement of a dental crown is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure the child’s comfort during the procedure. While some children may experience slight discomfort afterward, it can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are getting popular among the kids as they are a viable option to prevent further damage to their teeth and lay a solid foundation for their upcoming secondary teeth.
With plenty of advantages and positive points, the dentists suggest the use of dental crowns as a safe option for kids. Steel crowns are one of the best options as they are cost-effective as well as long-lasting.
No matter your age, dental condition, and if you have a million questions, Dr. Sims can assist you or your young children in a professional manner and loves answering any of your questions or concerns. Dr. Sims grew up in Grimsby playing basketball, so he’s always up for talking about the Raptors! He’s also a football fan - go Buffalo Bills! In his free time, if he’s not watching a basketball game or football game, you’ll likely find him working out, cooking (got any new recipe ideas?), and of course, spending time with his amazing family.
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