Crowns Strengthen Children’s Smiles
When a tooth in your child’s smile is cracked or chipped, or has a cavity too severe to be treated with a dental filling, then we may recommend a full restoration. Also known as a crown, this can cover the tooth and restore your little one’s smile. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about our dental crowns.
When a Tooth Needs a Crown
Restorative dentistry is designed to address damage or decay and prevent the loss of a tooth. Treatment also protects children from serious discomfort, such as tooth sensitivity and toothaches. To create one, we will first prepare the tooth by removing structure from it, making room for the crown. We will first numb the tooth to keep your child comfortable, and we also have sedation options for kids with anxiety or special needs. Once we remove structure, we can then attach the restoration with a powerful bonding agent. For the side and rear teeth, we may use stainless steel, as these teeth must endure greater bite forces. We also have zirconia, which looks more natural, for the front facing ones too. Placement helps not only prevent the impacts of untreated cavities, but helps maintain a good bite balance too.
Taking a Preventive Approach to Children’s Dentistry
A crown helps return little smiles to full function, health, and beauty. But can anything be done to prevent the need for a dental restoration? Yes, actually! Taking a preventive approach to children’s dentistry helps lower the risks of cavities and injury. For example, be sure your little one brushes twice a day and flosses every evening. They should also use a fluoride toothpaste each time, about a rice-sized amount. Be sure to also cut back on sugary foods and drinks as this leaves behind particles that feed harmful bacteria and increase the risk of cavities.
Wearing an athletic mouthguard if they play full contact sports or martial arts is important too, as this helps limit the risk of injury, protecting teeth from dental emergencies like being cracked, chipped, or knocked loose or out completely. We could also discuss fluoride treatment and dental sealants to help lower the risk of cavities. Fluoride treatment helps strengthen outer enamel, and dental sealants coat the rear teeth to prevent cavities from developing in this vulnerable area.
If you have any questions about our dental crowns, or about how to safeguard little smiles, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Questions About Restorative Dentistry?
We would like to help you enjoy good oral health by addressing damage or decay that threatens your tooth. If you have any questions about repairing and restoring your child’s tooth, then contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Restorations for Kids