Why Does My Child Need A Crown?

One reason is to protect a tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma. The crown protects the healthy tooth structure, preventing further damage and potential tooth loss.

Dental crowns are also used to correct the appearance of a misshapen or severely discolored tooth. This can help boost their self-confidence and improve their overall oral health.

Crowns are the most common dental restoration used to save baby teeth damaged by decay that can’t be repaired with a filling.

Did you know? Baby teeth are important for several reasons. They help children chew and speak properly, and they maintain space for permanent teeth to grow in. This is why pulling a tooth is always a last resort. 

Types of Crowns

Many types of crown materials are available. The type of crown that is right for you will be determined by your dental needs and budget.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are made from a porcelain-based material that closely resembles the color and translucency of natural teeth. Porcelain crowns are durable and long-lasting and can be used to restore both front and back teeth.

Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns

Porcelain fused to metal is made from a metal base with a porcelain overlay. They are strong and durable and can be used to restore back teeth. PFM crowns are available in several different tooth-colored options to match adjacent teeth.

Metal Crowns

Stainless steel or metal crowns are made from a stainless steel material. They are most often used to restore baby teeth but can also be used to restore adult teeth. Stainless steel crowns are strong and durable but are not as realistic looking as other dental crowns and work well for molars. Generally, this type of crown is used for most Medicaid-covered procedures.

Ceramic Crowns

Ceramic dental crowns are made from a high-strength, translucent material that closely resembles natural teeth. They are often used for front teeth as they provide the most natural appearance.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia dental crowns are made from a strong, durable material that is resistant to fractures and cracks. They are often used for back teeth as they can withstand the biting force of molars.

Onlay Crowns

An onlay dental crown is a type of dental restoration that covers the biting surface of a tooth. Onlay crowns save most of the tooth structure and can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and composite resin. They are more cost-effective than full crowns and can be used to restore the function and appearance of your teeth.

Inlay Crowns

An inlay crown is a type of dental restoration that covers the biting surface of a tooth. Inlays are similar to onlays but are used when there is less damage to the tooth. They are more cost-effective than crowns and can be used to restore the function and appearance of your teeth.

3/4 Crowns

As the name implies, a 3/4 dental crown covers most, but not all, of the tooth. They are similar to inlays and onlays, but cover a larger surface area.

Dental Crown Procedure

The procedure usually requires two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared for the crown. This involves removing decay or damage and shaping the tooth so the crown can be placed over it. The amount removed will depend on the type of dental crown being used.

A dental impression is then taken of the prepared tooth. This impression is used to create a tooth model, which is then used to create the dental crown.

To protect the tooth while the crown is being made, a temporary crown is placed over the tooth. The temporary crown is usually made from acrylic or stainless steel and secured with temporary cement.

The permanent crown may be created in the clinic or a dental laboratory. If it is created in a lab, it can take up to two weeks to make.

During the second visit, the temporary crown is removed and replaced with the permanent crown. The permanent crown is placed over the tooth and secured with cement. The crown is checked for fit and bite and then adjusted as necessary.

Caring for Dental Crowns

Dental crowns require the same care as your natural teeth. This means brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Regular dental checkups and cleaning are important to check the stability of the crown as well as the health of the gums and teeth. 

Are There Any Risks?

Crowns are generally safe, and infections and allergic reactions are rare. The most common complication is the crown coming loose or falling out. 

Crowns can sometimes irritate your gums and cause inflammation. Gum recession can occur if the gum tissue around the dental crown pulls away from the tooth. If this happens, the dental crown may need to be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions