Understanding Dental Crowns for Kids: Why & How It Works
Becoming a parent is a rewarding journey that comes with massive responsibility. Once your child enters the world, you should provide for their needs and well-being. One area that you should never overlook is your child’s dental health.
However, that also means bracing yourself for daunting scenarios, like when your children’s dentist tells you your child needs a dental crown for their primary teeth. You may wonder why it’s necessary and ask if they can pull the tooth out instead and let the permanent tooth grow naturally.
If you want to help your child smile better, this article will explain why your kid needs this dental treatment. We’ll also discuss what to expect during and after the procedure.
Why Should I Get a Dental Crown for My Kid?
Getting a crown for your child’s primary teeth is an investment in their future health. If your dentist prematurely pulls the primary teeth because of decay or injury, it can cause problems as the jaw develops. Without these teeth, permanent teeth can shift and cause overcrowding or misalignment.
This situation can eventually lead to the need for orthodontic treatments or other dental procedures, which can be costly. You can save your child from unnecessary dental treatments and expenses later on by letting a dentist place a crown instead of extracting the primary teeth entirely.
5 Things to Expect When Getting a Pediatric Dental Crown
Getting this dental solution can be understandably daunting, especially for little children and first-time parents. Once you’ve decided you’ll get a dental crown for your little one, this section will explain what you can expect when acquiring one for your child.
1. Know the Crown Options
These crowns aren’t uniform and can differ depending on your child’s requirements and preferences. You can choose from various materials, and the best option will vary depending on your child’s aesthetic needs and tooth structure. Consult your children’s dentist to determine each choice’s benefits and drawbacks.
2. Prepare the Tooth
Your dentist can restore your child’s tooth with a dental crown by preparing the damaged tooth. They’ll shape it to create a suitable surface for the material and ensure an accurate fit.
3. Create Impressions
Next, your children’s dentist will take an impression of the tooth with a digital scanner or dental putty. They’ll send this impression to the laboratory to create the crown. If you pick a porcelain option, the dentist will select the shade that closely resembles your child’s natural tooth color.
4. Wear the Temporary Crown
Your dentist will put a substitute crown on the tooth to protect it while they create the permanent one, which may take a few days.
5. Apply the Permanent Crown
When your dentist finishes the permanent crown, they’ll request a date and time to place it. They’ll first apply a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and gum tissue to ensure a painless and comfortable process for your child.
What Can I Expect After My Child’s Dental Crown Procedure?
After driving your child home from the procedure, you must not feed them until the numbness disappears. This step will prevent them from accidentally biting their lip or cheek, which can cause injury.
Your child may experience discomfort for up to 24 hours because of the irritated tooth pulp and surrounding soft tissue. You can help them alleviate this unpleasant feeling by giving them over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. However, if the pain lasts more than 24 hours, contact your children’s dentist immediately. Otherwise, it can result in costly complications.
Conclusion
Your child deserves to smile confidently because their teeth’s condition can significantly affect their self-esteem. You can make better decisions for your kid by visiting the dentist and considering dental crowns.
If your child needs pediatric dental crowns in Weymouth, Massachusetts, bring them to Weymouth Dental Arts! Our clinic uses the latest technologies to make your visit quick and comfortable. Book an appointment now!