Dental Crowns in Hurst,TX
Pediatric Dental Crowns in Hurst, TX
A pediatric dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is cemented over a tooth to restore its appearance and function. We may recommend a dental crown for your child if your child
- has a cavity that has grown so large and destroyed so much of a tooth that there is not enough tooth left to support a white filling;
- has a tooth with soft enamel, or that is not formed properly, and that is already breaking down even without cavities;
- needs nerve treatment (a baby root canal);
- has a tooth that is cracked or fractured as a result of dental trauma or grinding; or
- is at high risk for tooth decay and has trouble maintaining proper oral hygiene.
How Do Dental Crowns Protect Children’s Teeth?
Dental crowns (sometimes referred to as “dental caps”) protect children’s teeth in two important ways. First, they help protect against tooth decay. Because a dental crown covers the entire visible portion of your child’s tooth, it shields the tooth from harmful, cavity-causing bacteria.
Second, pediatric dental crowns offer damaged teeth support and protection against chewing and biting forces. When a child chews or bites down with a tooth that is cracked, fractured or otherwise broken, the child risks damaging the tooth further. Dental crowns are made from hard, durable materials that serve as a buffer between broken teeth and hard chewing and biting forces, protecting the teeth from further breakage.
Why Are Crowns on Baby Teeth Necessary?
Although they are eventually replaced by permanent teeth, primary teeth are extremely important.
Baby teeth help children speak clearly and chew properly. Children typically begin losing their baby teeth around age 6 and continue losing them until about age 12. Primary teeth that are lost too soon cannot be replaced with dental implants, because implants can interfere with the growth and development of a child’s jaw. This means that when children do not take care of and protect their primary teeth, they are putting themselves at risk for years of chewing and speaking difficulties.
In addition, baby teeth help permanent teeth come in correctly. Protecting a damaged primary tooth with a crown can potentially help your child avoid bite issues and costly orthodontic work down the road.
What Types of Dental Crowns Go on Baby Teeth?
For front teeth where appearance is important, Hurst Pediatric Dentistry offers a variety of tooth-colored crowns, including composite crowns and Zirconia crowns. Parents are often surprised at how well tooth-colored crowns blend in with their children’s teeth. With Zirconia crowns in particular, it is extremely difficult to distinguish a crowned tooth from a natural tooth.
For molars, we instead recommend stainless steel crowns because they are thinner and more flexible than tooth-colored crowns. This means that less of the damaged tooth needs to be removed before placing a stainless steel crown than would need to be removed to place a tooth-colored crown. Stainless steel crowns are also extremely durable and a more economical option.
Book an Appointment for Caps on Baby Teeth Today
At Hurst Pediatric Dentistry, we have lots of experience placing crowns on baby teeth. Dr. Lin works carefully to remove the minimal amount of tooth structure necessary before placing crowns, which promotes faster healing of the impacted area. If you think your child might need a dental crown, call us at (817) 510-6400 or request an appointment online.
Hurst Pediatric Dentistry is located in Hurst, Texas. We provide preventative, restorative and emergency dental care to pediatric patients from Hurst, Bedford, Euless, North Richland Hills, Keller, Southlake, Grapevine, Colleyville, Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding areas.
This article is intended to provide general information about oral health topics. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any disease or as a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional who is fully aware of and familiar with the specifics of your case. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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