Dental crowns are not uncommon in pediatric dentistry. Whether it’s because a tooth is damaged, decayed, or has had a baby root canal, there are many situations in which children need crowns.
The advantage of dental crowns is that they allow us to preserve the healthy tooth structure while removing the portion with decay or damage, restoring strength and function to the tooth. This is a better solution than extraction, as extracting primary teeth can cause orthodontic issues, while extracting secondary teeth can cause bone loss in the jaw, changes in the bite, and loose or shifting teeth.
Common materials used for pediatric dental crowns include:
Ceramic crowns may be used to replace secondary teeth that are located near the front of the mouth. They are fabricated with tooth-colored ceramic that matches the adjacent teeth for a natural appearance. For primary teeth that need crowns, we offer EZ-Pedo metal-free zirconia ceramic crowns.
Stainless Steel Crowns
Stainless steel is the gold standard when it comes to pediatric dental crowns for restoring primary teeth. Stainless steel crowns are resistant to corrosion.
During your child’s appointment, we will determine if a dental crown is an appropriate solution and work with you to decide upon the best type of crown for their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dental Crowns
Are crowns safe for kids?
Yes, crowns are absolutely safe for kids. We use non-toxic, BPA-free materials for all of our dental crowns. If your child has any metal allergies, please let us know.
Why do dentists put crowns on baby teeth?
Because baby teeth are so small, drilling to remove a large cavity may not be possible without compromising the tooth structure, leaving it prone to breakage. Crowns allow us to remove all areas of decay and protect the remaining tooth structure from infection.
Is it worth getting crowns on baby teeth?
Absolutely. If we extract a baby tooth instead of placing a crown, a space maintainer is often needed to ensure that the adult tooth has room to erupt. Without a space maintainer, extensive orthodontic treatment may be needed in the future. Additionally, missing teeth can impact your child’s ability to speak and eat healthy foods.
Do stainless steel crowns contain mercury?
No, stainless steel crowns do not contain mercury. They are made from chromium, nickel, and iron.
Do crowns on baby teeth fall out?
Yes, crowns are bonded onto the baby teeth, so when the tooth is ready to fall out on its own, the crown will come with it. This is exactly what we want it to do!