Pediatric Crowns: Royal Protection for Your Prince or Princess
Pediatric crowns are tooth-shaped caps that restore and protect damaged or decayed teeth in young children. Just like a crown fits perfectly on a king or queen, these crowns restore strength to your child’s tooth, ensuring it functions properly while supporting the growth of their little smile. Pediatric crowns safeguard baby teeth, which are crucial for speech, chewing, and holding space for the permanent teeth to come in.
We offer two types of crowns for our young royals: stainless steel for the back teeth and composite resin for the front teeth. This variety helps us provide the perfect fit for your child, ensuring they leave our office with a healthy and royal smile.
Why Would Your Child Need a Dental Crown?
Pediatric crowns are necessary when a tooth has damage, decay, or weakening. Here are some common reasons why your child may need a dental crown:
- Severe Tooth Decay: When cavities are too large for a simple filling, a crown can restore the tooth’s structure.
- Cracked or Fractured Teeth: Crowns can protect cracked or fractured teeth, helping them function properly.
- Weakened Teeth: Teeth weakened due to enamel defects or previous dental treatments may need a crown for added strength.
- Support After a Root Canal: Crowns are often necessary to ensure the tooth remains functional after root canal treatments.
- Misshapen or Discolored Teeth: Crowns can also enhance the appearance of teeth that are misshapen, discolored, or otherwise aesthetically challenging.
If you notice any of these issues with your child’s teeth, contact us to see if pediatric crowns are the right solution.
The Process for Pediatric Crowns in Central Austin
At Central Park Pediatric Dentistry, we ensure your child’s comfort throughout the entire crown placement process. Our team uses gentle, child-friendly techniques to create a calm and enjoyable experience. Here’s what you can expect when your child gets a pediatric dental crown:
- Initial Assessment: We begin by thoroughly examining your child’s oral health, which may include digital X-rays to see any decay or damage. Based on these findings, the dentist will recommend the best crown for your child.
- Preparing the Tooth: To ensure a perfect fit, the dentist removes the decayed or damaged part of the tooth and shapes it to accommodate the crown. This preparation step ensures the crown will fit securely and comfortably.
- Crown Placement: After preparing the tooth, the dentist places the crown, which may be a pre-made stainless steel or a custom-fitted composite resin crown, depending on the tooth’s location and appearance. He then secures the crown with dental cement.
- Final Adjustments: After placing the crown, the dentist checks the fit and ensures the crown aligns correctly with your child’s bite, providing comfort and function.
Aftercare for Pediatric Crowns
To ensure the longevity of your child’s new crown, follow these essential aftercare tips:
- Gentle Brushing: Ensure your child brushes the crowned tooth gently but thoroughly twice daily to maintain oral hygiene and avoid damaging the crown.
- Flossing: Teach your child to floss around the crown carefully to prevent plaque buildup.
- Healthy Diet: Encourage your child to avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that could damage the crown. Opt for a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule regular checkups with us to monitor the condition of the crown and your child’s overall oral health.
- Address Any Discomfort: If your child experiences discomfort or the crown feels loose, contact us immediately for an evaluation.
Get Treatment Fit for Royalty with Pediatric Crowns in Central Austin
Your child deserves the best care for their growing smile, and pediatric crowns might be just what they need to keep their teeth strong and healthy. At Central Park Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Daniel Johnson and Dr. Adam Parker treat every child like royalty. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for pediatric crowns in Central Austin and let us help your child achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.