Part of the cuteness of your baby’s smile is their cute little baby teeth. Enjoy those smiles for as long as you can because they are going to be replaced by adult teeth before you know it. Parents are often surprised when dental teams in Chicago recommend crowns for baby teeth.
One might question why this is important if the baby’s teeth are going to fall off anyway. Dental crowns can protect your child’s teeth and increase its lifespan. A general dentist in Chicago, IL can give you more insight on the subject.
Why should you put a crown on your baby’s tooth?
Primary teeth play a significant role in a child’s development of adult or permanent teeth. They help them in speech and their overall growth. Primary teeth help your child to eat, speak, or chew when they are small. Therefore, it is very important to take care of them.
If your child is missing primary teeth or has broken due to some accidents, it can cause the emerging adult or permanent tooth to come in misaligned or crooked. If your child’s primary tooth is wiggling, you can use a dental crown to hold it intact in its place and protect it from further damage.
Causes for crowns on baby teeth.
There are two main causes of crowns on your baby’s teeth. These are:
- Chipped or broken tooth: Children are prone to accidents. Such accidents like falls can cause a tooth to become chipped or broken, making dental crown treatment necessary.
- Tooth decay: The most common reason for getting crowns for your baby’s teeth is cavities or tooth decay. Study reveals that about 42% of children in the age group 2-10 years have at least one cavity.
What types of crowns are available?
Stainless steel crowns are the most preferred choice for a child’s primary tooth. These crowns are best suited for molars as they are hard, durable, and help in chewing. They can last on the primary tooth for a very long time.
The plus point is that despite being tough and durable, it is very cost-effective. Other crowns made for your child’s front tooth include composite strips, polycarbonate, etc.
How does the crown procedure work?
It only takes one dental visit to place a crown on a child’s primary teeth. Firstly, the damaged tooth will be cleaned and then prepared for the treatment. To make the procedure painless or less painful, a dose of local anesthesia with laughing gas is provided. It helps them to relax and stay calm during the treatment.
Regular brushing and flossing, along with other oral hygiene habits, is important to make sure the dental crown lasts long and stays healthy.
To ensure your child’s smile stays bright and healthy, book your dental appointment today!