As a parent, you want what’s best for your children, and part of what’s best for them is to take them for regular dental checkups and cleanings and teach them the importance of brushing and flossing at home.
However, even if parents have the best intentions, some children experience tooth decay and may require dental crowns to protect their natural teeth. Unfortunately, if this happens to your child, it’s natural to feel anxious and uncertain about the dental crown procedure. Keep reading to learn what you need to know about dental crowns for children.
Why Crown Baby Teeth?
If your child has a cavity, your dentist in Smyrna, GA, will use a dental filling to preserve the tooth, but if the tooth decay is too extensive to be fixed with a dental filling, they may need to place a crown over the tooth.
Dental crowns are “caps” that cover the entire tooth, protecting them from breakage and further damage. The alternative to a dental crown would be to remove the damaged tooth, but that could lead to the following complications:
- Misalignment of baby teeth
- Crowding of permanent teeth
The Dental Crown Process for Children
1. Before your child gets a dental crown, the dentist will use nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” to keep them comfortable and calm.
2. Next, we will use local anesthesia to numb your child’s mouth.
3. Then, your dentist will reduce the tooth’s surface to allow room for the dental crown.
4. After that, the dental crown will be fitted and cemented in place.
5. Finally, any excess cement will be trimmed and cleaned.
Your child may experience minor discomfort for a day or two following the dental crown procedure, so you can give them an over-the-counter pain reliever to help.
Need More Information about Dental Crowns in Smyrna, GA?
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a dental team member to discuss your child’s oral health, please get in touch with our dental office at (770) 435-3100. Our caring dental team is ready to answer your questions and put your mind at ease. Whether you need a regular dental checkup and cleaning or a more extensive dental procedure, we can help.
We look forward to hearing from you.