Dental Crowns in Kids: Are they necessary?
When we suggest to parents that their child needs a dental crown, the first question they have is why? followed by “baby teeth will eventually fall; why have a crown fitted on it? “
Dental crowns are a cap placed on the top of damaged tooth/teeth to restore them and protect them from further damage. Kids’ teeth are prone to infections and decay because of their love for sweet food and less knowledge about dental hygiene. These then attract bacterial infection on the surface of the teeth and eventually damage the teeth. The decayed tooth then hurts the nearby teeth as the infection spreads.
Now, as a parent, you might wonder why it is not best just to extract the damaged tooth/teeth or wait for it to fall out on its own, as the permanent tooth will eventually appear. Let us know why it is essential to save primary teeth.
It is vital to save primary teeth by the dental crown as these teeth act as a space holder for permanent teeth. If primary teeth fall out before time, there is too much space left for secondary teeth, and those teeth come out in any direction. The second most important of saving primary teeth is to help chew food and speak appropriately during developmental years. Not only do the infections spread in the mouth, but it is also very painful for the kid. Thus, dental crowns are necessary to protect the tooth from premature extraction and falling out.
Now that we know why a dental crown is necessary, let us know how your pediatric dentist will perform the procedure:
A dental crown is chosen based on the need and preference of your child’s teeth. Your dentist will start the procedure by numbing the area. Later, the dentist puts a dental dam to isolate the tooth being treated. Next, the decaying part will be removed, and the crown will be fixed on the tooth.
Next time you see a damaged tooth, visit us for your kids' dental crown.