Pediatric Dental Crowns | Deer Valley

We understand the importance of maintaining healthy primary teeth for your child’s overall dental health. When a child develops a large cavity or breaks a tooth, placing a dental crown can protect the tooth until the adult tooth emerges. Dental crowns not only safeguard the tooth but also ensure that the adult tooth will fit properly and come in straight. Let’s explore the types of pediatric dental crowns we offer and how they can benefit your child’s smile.

Pediatric Dental Crowns: Protecting Your Child’s Smile

Dental crowns, also known as tooth caps, are protective caps placed over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their shape, strength, and function. For children, white tooth caps are typically used on primary (baby) teeth to preserve the tooth until it naturally falls out and the permanent tooth comes in. Pediatric dental caps can prevent further decay, reduce the risk of infection, and maintain proper spacing for permanent teeth.

Types of Pediatric Crowns

At Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry, we offer two main types of crowns for primary teeth: stainless steel crowns and tooth-colored composite resin crowns. The choice of crown depends on the location and specific needs of the tooth.

Stainless steel crowns are commonly used for back teeth (molars), which require extra protection due to their role in chewing. Here are some benefits of stainless steel dental caps:

• Durability: Stainless steel crowns are extremely strong and durable, making them ideal for withstanding the pressure of chewing.
• Longevity: These crowns are designed to last until the primary tooth naturally falls out, providing long-term protection.
• Cost-Effective: Stainless steel crowns are generally more affordable than other types of crowns, offering a cost-effective solution for protecting back teeth.

Tooth-colored composite resin crowns are typically used for front teeth, where appearance is more important. These crowns blend in with your child’s natural teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing result. Benefits of composite resin crowns include:

• Aesthetic Appeal: The natural-looking appearance of composite resin crowns makes them an excellent choice for visible front teeth.
• Functionality: While not as strong as stainless steel, composite resin crowns are still durable enough to protect front teeth until they fall out.
• Confidence: A tooth-colored crown helps maintain your child’s self-confidence by ensuring their smile looks natural and healthy.

When is a Dental Crown Necessary for Kids?

Our pediatric dentists at Smile Explorers may recommend a crown for several reasons:

• Large Cavities: When a cavity is too large for a filling, a crown can provide the necessary protection and strength.
• Broken or Fractured Teeth: Crowns can restore the shape and function of a tooth that has been broken or fractured.
• Weakened Teeth: Teeth weakened by decay or other factors may need crowns to prevent further damage.

Caring for Your Child’s Dental Crowns

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to ensure the longevity of your child’s dental crowns. Here are some tips to keep crowns and the surrounding teeth healthy:

• Regular Brushing: Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Flossing: Help your child floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between their teeth.
• Healthy Diet: Limit sugary snacks and drinks that can contribute to tooth decay.
• Regular Dental Visits: Schedule regular check-ups at Smile Explorers to monitor the health of your child’s teeth and crowns.

Promoting Lifelong Oral Health for Kids

At Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that healthy adult teeth start with healthy baby teeth. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality dental care to protect your child’s primary teeth and promote a lifetime of healthy smiles. By choosing the right type of dental crown and ensuring proper care, we can help maintain your child’s oral health and confidence.

If your child has a cavity or a broken tooth, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule an appointment. Our experienced team is here to provide gentle, compassionate care and to ensure your child’s dental health is the best it can be. Let us help your child achieve a healthy, happy smile that lasts a lifetime.