Ask a Pediatric Dentist: Why Do My Child’s Teeth Need Crowns?
Wondering why a child would need a crown — or whether it’s worth it when baby teeth fall out anyway? A pediatric dentist answers the questions parents ask most about kids’ crowns.
Learning more about why a pediatric dentist is beneficial for your child is a great idea. Pediatric dentists are dental professionals who not only treat infants, children, adolescents and those who have special needs, but this type of dental professional is also more than willing to educate patients and parents on a wide variety of dental-related topics. The two to three years of additional dental training required allows a pediatric dentist to be able to treat this age group’s unique needs.
The importance of choosing a pediatric dentist
Think that you can choose between a pediatric dentist, a family dentist or even a general dentist? While you can choose any one of these dentists, it is important to understand that when you choose a dentist who has decided to focus on treating the younger generation, you are choosing a dentist who has been specifically trained in understanding specific pediatric dental needs. Pediatric dentists simply know what to look for and are a wealth of important dental information.
Ask a pediatric dentist
The following is a list of frequently asked questions parents have for pediatric dentists on the topic of dental crowns.
Why would a child’s teeth need crowns?
Even though many parents associate a dental crown as something only an adult would need when they are experiencing problems with their teeth, many times, children need a crown to protect their teeth too. Common reasons that a child would need a dental crown is because they chipped a tooth, cracked a tooth, have been diagnosed with severe tooth decay, have been diagnosed with sensitive teeth and/or have undergone root canal therapy and are now in need of tooth restoration.
Is the dental crown placement process difficult for a child?
No, placing a crown into a child’s mouth is not a difficult process. It will take two dental appointments to complete the process, as it is first necessary to prepare the tooth for the crown and make a mold. During the second dental appointment, the crown will be ready and accordingly placed on the child’s tooth.
Are crowns necessary even if the baby teeth are going to fall out anyway?
Yes, as it is important to properly care for the baby teeth so the permanent teeth have a better chance of growing in properly. While some parents may think it is easier to simply pull a baby tooth of their child’s mouth, this empty space in the mouth can cause problems when the permanent teeth begin to grow in. Dental crowns are often necessary to help children avoid future dental problems.
Parents also ask.
Two. At the first appointment the tooth is prepared for the crown and a mold is made, and at the second the finished crown is placed on the tooth. The process is straightforward and not difficult for a child to get through.
Because a root canal treats the inside of the tooth, the tooth still needs to be restored and protected afterward, and a crown does exactly that. Root canal therapy is one of the common reasons children receive crowns, alongside chipped or cracked teeth, severe decay, and sensitive teeth.
It might seem simpler, but pulling a baby tooth early leaves an empty space that can cause problems when the permanent teeth begin to grow in. Restoring the tooth with a crown lets it keep guiding the adult smile into place. If a crown has been recommended for your child, call or text us at (760) 730-3456 and we will gladly walk you through what to expect.
Want the deeper answers? Dr. Tsai answers the 20 questions parents ask most in our Comprehensive FAQ.