Dental Crowns in Glendale

It’s possible that your child would benefit from a dental crown. Dental crowns are coverings that are cemented on top of the tooth to help restore the tooth to its original shape. When a cavity is small, a pediatric dentist can use a traditional filling to fix the tooth. But if the decay is extensive, crowns are used because the tooth could possibly break during a filling.

Some parents might wonder why a pediatric dentist would not just pull a child’s decayed baby tooth. If there is a missing baby tooth long before the permanent tooth comes in, it’s very likely that nearby teeth will move into the empty space and cause crowding and misalignment. A dental crown allows the baby tooth to stay as a placeholder until the permanent tooth arrives.

Dental crowns can also help prevent the spread of decay and infection. Baby teeth are thinner than permanent teeth, so decay can spread fast and easily between teeth. There are different types of crowns.

Stainless steel crowns are the most common type used in pediatric dentistry for molars. These crowns are affordable and durable. Crowns have a surface level called a “facing.” Stainless steel crowns with a pre-veneered white facing can be used if the crown is placed on a front tooth.

Composite strip crowns (resin) are also a popular choice because the composite filling material looks very natural. A shade guide is used by the dentist to match the crown’s color to the child’s tooth.

No matter which crown is chosen, the child is given a painkiller during the crown fitting process. Children may feel some discomfort after the procedure, which can be handled with over-the-counter pain medicine.

If your child needs a crown or other dental care, please call our office to schedule a visit with the dentist who will examine your child’s teeth and explain the treatment options. Call us today!