Getting a pediatric dental crown can invoke a lot of anxiety, for parents and children alike. You may be wondering if a crown is the best treatment option for your child’s situation, or if another might be better. At Kids Connection, we understand that many dental procedures cause a lot of questions for parents. Will it cause my child pain? How long does the procedure take? Our team proudly provides compassionate care and answers to all of your questions about dental crowns.
Who Needs a Dental Crown?
Nearly 15 million Americans have at least one dental crown. The reason for the crown can range from dental trauma or injury to tooth decay or disease. Many dentists recommend crowns for patients in order to strengthen weak teeth or – in children with baby teeth – to prevent more extensive dental work in the future. Here are some reasons why you or your child may need a dental crown:
- Tooth Decay
- Severe Cavities
- Infection
- Tooth Injury
- Chipped Tooth
Dental Crowns for Kids
Many parents wonder why children need dental crowns when their baby teeth will fall out anyway. The answer is simple. One of the main reasons that children need early orthodontic intervention is due to premature tooth loss, crowding, and space maintenance. Whether it is because of tooth decay or not, many dentists will prefer placing a dental crown over tooth extraction to prevent your child’s adult teeth from erupting early or in an inappropriate position. Saving the tooth – and the space – can help prevent costly orthodontic treatment down the road.
What to Expect
Our caring dental team at Kids Connection makes getting a dental crown simple. Because this is a common dental procedure, you can feel confident that your child will do well and be comfortable during their visit. Typically, getting a crown involves:
- Exam. The dentist will examine your child’s teeth and updated x-rays may be taken.
- Impression. Our dental assistants will take an impression of your child’s tooth so they can place a temporary crown.
- Placement of Temporary Crown. Because the permanent crown has to be custom-made for the unique fit of your child’s tooth, it can take up to two weeks for the final placement. Leaving a damaged or diseased tooth exposed in between, however, can increase the risk of infection. For this reason, the dentist will place a temporary crown.
- Placement of Permanent Crown. After the permanent crown has been created, a second appointment will be needed for the final placement. Typically, the tooth will be cleaned prior to this.
How are Dental Crowns Made?
Permanent crowns can be made from many materials such as stainless steel, all metal (such as gold or another alloy), porcelain-fused-to-metal, all resin, or all ceramic. We can talk with you about your options during your appointment.
For children, a popular option is stainless steel crowns. The crown covers the entire tooth and protects it from further decay. When the primary tooth comes out to make room for the permanent tooth, the crown comes out naturally with it. This is a great option for children as it can be placed at the initial appointment without needing a second to install a more permanent crown.
Your Trusted Pediatric Dental Specialist in Phoenix
Our team makes it easy to choose Kids Connection for pediatric dental crowns in Phoenix, AZ and for all your dental needs. If your child is suffering from a dental emergency, such as a broken tooth or tooth infection, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment right away! While we do our best to save your child’s tooth, in some cases, they may require a tooth extraction.