Stainless Steel Crowns In Pediatric Dentistry: Saving A Child’s Tooth

sample of stainless steel crowns

Stainless steel crowns are dental options that dental professionals apply to repair a decayed baby molar. They make the stainless steel crowns at the child’s molar’s exact size and shape in pediatric dentistry. Additionally, it serves as the cap to a child’s tooth with large or deep cavities. It would be great to visit www.dentalex.com.au, a family-center clinic in Woden Canberra that delivers quality and comfort for families.

 

The stainless steel crowns in pediatric dentistry

a kid with stainless steel crownsThese are the type of dental crowns widely used in pediatric dentistry to save a child’s tooth. People often call them the “silver” crowns. This type of dental crown is firm and durable. Additionally, it is an excellent option, not unless if you are concern with esthetics. If you prefer good looks or appearance, this one is not for you.

We all know that baby teeth are temporary. However, it plays a vital role in the growth of their permanent teeth. For this reason, when a child’s tooth becomes badly decayed during the primary stage, a pediatric dentist will choose a stainless steel crown as the best treatment option.

 

Two types of stainless steel crowns

Stainless steel crowns are custom-made according to the size of a child’s tooth. Dentists will use dental cement to seal it in place. Let us now differentiate the two types of stainless steel crowns.

  1. Precontoured crowns – between the two, this is more popular. It closely resembles the tooth’s shape and natural appearance. Moreover, they are pre-contoured before final placement. Besides that, it only requires minimal trimming.
  2. Pre-trimmed crowns – this type already has a specific size. Additionally, they have straight, non-contoured sides.

The dentist will select what they think is best for your kid’s tooth condition. But then again, how are these crowns working for your children?

 

The main purpose of stainless steel crowns

Stainless steel crowns play a vital role in the world of pediatric dentistry. We have stated below its primary purposes and why they are famous for pediatric dentists.

  1. It protects the child’s tooth from additional decay or infection.
  2. These crowns offer an alternative to removing a decayed tooth.
  3. Furthermore, it is an excellent option to maintain the space in a child’s mouth wherein the permanent tooth can erupt.
  4. As the baby tooth naturally falls out, it goes the same way for these dental crowns.
  5. The application of this restorative option is only simple.
  6. The material of these crowns contains safe metals and not harmful to your kids.
  7. You can guarantee its durability at a low cost.
  8. It is a better option than metal fillings.
  9. These crowns are an excellent choice for children who require general anesthesia.
  10. It offers little to no sensitivity for your children.

Pediatric dentists choose these stainless crowns to save a child’s tooth. It is the best option so far, especially when a baby’s tooth has extensive decay. Furthermore, dentists highly recommend this if pulpal therapy took place.

 

Potential drawbacks of stainless steel crowns

This dental crown is nowhere near perfect. It also includes potential drawbacks. However, these disadvantages do not hinder the functionality of this restoration option.

  1. Appearance: People would be able to notice the crowns right away due to their color.
  2. Allergic reactions: Even though the materials have improved already nowadays, some people remain allergic and experience irritation due to these crowns’ nickel content.
  3. Potential oral problems: It is also possible that impaction can occur between the adjacent and permanent teeth. Additionally, gingival inflammation and periodontal problems can appear around the crowns.

Nevertheless, the dentist will know if the patient is not fit to receive such a treatment option. They will do series of evaluations to ensure the patient will receive the most appropriate restoration option. On the other hand, what are the indicators that a child will need such treatment at such a young age?

 

Key indicators for stainless steel crowns requirement

Your child’s tooth might need stainless steel crowns if their primary molars have a severe condition of tooth decay or damage. Examples of these conditions are fractures or chips that are possibly due to an accident.

Aside from that, these crowns are also applicable if the child’s permanent first molars have developmental defects. Examples of these disorders are dental erosion or worn-out teeth due to excessive teeth grinding.

If you notice any of these, your pediatric dentist might require stainless steel crowns to address these conditions. Meanwhile, these conditions usually occur due to plaque buildup that can cause cavities. So, you might as well work that out to prevent these conditions from occurring.

Here are a few of the causes why your child may experience cavities.

 

Causes of cavities

  1. High consumption of sugary foods and beverages, and even those with high carbohydrates content.
  2. Smoking can cause enamel breakdown and the formation of a cavity on teeth.
  3. Improper oral health care practice.
  4. Having a dry mouth due to medications may result in cavity formation.

Preventive dental care measures are essential at a young age. This Gordon dental team advises that you teach your kid proper dental hygiene as early as possible. This way, it will reduce their risk of having oral health problems. As parents, your initiative is vital for this.

 

Bottom line

Every oral health condition is a result of improper oral health care practice. You can get dental issues regardless of how young or how old you are. You are highly at risk if you don’t practice preventive measures to take care of your teeth.

Moreover, it is not only your dental health that is at risk. The overall health will also be caught off-guard. As we all know, there are oral health conditions that can significantly affect overall health as well.

Generally speaking, this only shows how important it is to maintain proper oral hygiene. If we don’t care for our teeth as early as possible, the greater we are at risk. So, visit your dentist regularly and apply preventive oral care now.