Downey Park Family Dentistry is excited to announce that our offices are reopen to serve our community. We are taking additional special measures to ensure the health and safety of our patients and team, and appreciate your understanding that things will look and function a bit differently in our office for the time being.
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Dental crowns can be thought of as protective caps for your little one’s teeth. A crown is a restorative treatment for damaged, vulnerable, or aesthetically displeasing teeth. When teeth have large portions of the tooth structure missing, are weakened, or are susceptible to damage, a strong and durable material needs to be placed around it to protect it from wear and tear so the tooth doesn’t break.
Often crowns are needed when your child has a large cavity that requires removing much of the tooth and replacing it with a large filling. Since fillings are only temporary and can wear away under chewing forces, a dental crown can be placed on top for more heavy-duty protection. This will also prevent tooth sensitivity.
If your child has suffered from dental trauma, they may have a broken tooth. A dental crown can hold a broken tooth together, preventing it from falling apart and necessitating an extraction.
Crowns are often placed over teeth after a pulpotomy or root canal because these procedures weaken the integrity and strength of the tooth. Crowns can also be used cosmetically, to cover up imperfections such as discoloration or an oddly shaped tooth. Call your kids dentist in Modesto for a consultation.
A crown can be used for children to cover a badly damaged tooth or after endodontic therapy.
A stainless steel crown is a metal-based pediatric crown that is often used to protect primary teeth from damage, prevent them from breaking, or cover a large filling. While these crowns are silver in color, they are typically used in baby teeth, which will fall out on their own eventually anyway.
These are the standard for primary teeth and heavily damaged teeth because they offer superior strength and durability. These crowns will last the entire lifespan of your child’s baby teeth so they don’t interfere with their permanent tooth development.
A zirconia crown is a more aesthetic alternative to stainless steel crowns because they are white in color and better match your child’s natural teeth. While stainless steel crowns have always been the gold standard for pediatric crowns, zirconia is another highly durable and strong material that can be just as effective and last just as long.
If your child needs a crown on a front tooth that will show when they smile, they may prefer a zirconia crown. These crowns can last for up to 20 years and are suitable for permanent teeth. Questions? Call your Modesto children's dentist.
A tooth colored dental crown is an alternative treatment to a silver crown if repairing a front tooth for a child.
Dental crowns are versatile in their use - they can be used to repair tooth damage, protect a weakened tooth, cover aesthetic imperfections, and treat severely decayed teeth. They are highly durable and strong, which means they’re long-term solutions to serious problems.
High-quality dental crowns made of metal or zirconia can last for decades. Since a dental crown prevents an unhealthy or damaged tooth from falling apart, it can save a tooth from extraction.
Extractions should not be taken lightly by your kids dentist in Modesto, CA because they lead to permanent bone loss that causes many issues, including a changing bite and premature facial sagging. Finally, dental crowns can look incredibly natural.
Dental crowns are a common treatment option for children who have severe tooth decay or damage that cannot be repaired with a dental filling. One of the questions parents often have is how long these crowns will last for their kids.
The lifespan of a dental crown can vary depending on several factors, including the child's oral hygiene habits, diet, and the specific materials used for the crown. On average, pediatric dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. It's important to note that dental crowns are not permanent solutions. As children grow, their teeth and jaws change, which can affect the fit and stability of the crown. Additionally, children may engage in activities that can put extra stress on the crown, such as chewing on hard objects or participating in contact sports.
Regular dental check-ups with our team at First Smiles Children’s Dentistry and proper oral hygiene practices are crucial for maintaining the longevity of dental crowns. Encouraging your child to brush their teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and visit the dentist for routine cleanings and examinations will help ensure the crown's durability.
When a child has a cavity or tooth decay, the treatment approach depends on the extent of the damage. In some cases, a dental filling may be sufficient to restore the tooth. However, there are situations where a dental crown is a more suitable option for children.
Dental crowns provide more extensive coverage and protection for severely decayed or damaged teeth. They are recommended when a tooth has extensive decay, a large cavity, or has undergone a root canal treatment. Crowns can also be used to strengthen weak or cracked teeth, improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth, or to support a dental bridge.
Compared to fillings, dental crowns offer superior durability and longevity. Dental crowns can withstand the forces of chewing and biting better than fillings, making them ideal for children who may have a higher risk of tooth decay or damage.
Ultimately, the decision between a dental filling and a crown is based on the individual child's needs and the dentist's professional judgment. During a dental exam, your child’s dentist will assess the extent of the tooth damage and recommend the most appropriate treatment option for them.
The thought of your child being sedated can be a concern. However, whether or not sedation is necessary for a dental crown procedure depends on several factors, including the child's age, behavior, and the complexity of the treatment.
For most children, dental crown procedures can be performed with local anesthesia alone. Local anesthesia numbs the area around the tooth, ensuring that your child doesn't feel any pain during the procedure. The dentist will carefully administer the anesthesia and monitor your child throughout the treatment to ensure their comfort and safety.
In some cases, however, sedation may be recommended for children who are very young, have difficulty sitting still, or experience dental anxiety. Sedation options can range from mild sedation, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), to deeper sedation administered through an IV. The dentist will evaluate your child's specific needs and discuss the best sedation option, if necessary.
If you have any questions regarding dental crowns for children, please give us a call at First Smiles Children’s Dentistry to make an appointment with Dr. Ha for a dental crown assessment for you child.
Dental crowns can be made of many different materials, from ceramic and porcelain to metal and zirconia.
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