Dental Crowns for Children

Just because baby teeth will fall out doesn’t mean they’re unimportant. Children still need them to eat and speak, and an ache or break in one could cause them a lot of trouble. Although there are circumstances in which it would be necessary to extract one, we at Kidz Connextion would always rather save a natural tooth. This week, we’re discussing the process of getting a dental crown, and why it may be the best option.

 

Dental crowns are artificial replacements for the part of the tooth you can see. They are used if a tooth is too decayed or broken to support a filling or partial crown. If a tooth requires a new crown, but we determine that it’s root is still stable, the replacement process will involve cementing an artificial crown onto the root. In the cases of front teeth, when we want the crown to look like a natural tooth, this is done by smoothing the remaining enamel down into an abutment, and making a mold of the patient’s mouth. The patient will wear an artificial crown while the mold is sent to a dental laboratory, and a crown is custom-manufactured. During a return visit a few weeks later, the crown will be cemented over the abutment, and the patient will be eating normally within a few days. 

 

If the tooth getting a crown is a molar or premolar, we may determine that a stainless steel crown is a better option. This might allow us to adjust a pre-made crown to fit your child, which would only take a single visit. Patients are always numbed while crowns are being placed, and we offer additional sedation options to ensure each child’s comfort and safety. 

During the placement process, a patient may also require a root canal to remove infected dental pulp. Although it is always important to brush and floss regularly, a steel crown is more resistant to decay than other material. With a tooth in place, a child won’t need an orthodontic spacer to hold open a gap until its permanent replacement erupts, and they’ll be able to chew and speak without difficulty.

 

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.