Pediatric Crowns in Meridian, ID

A dental crown is needed when a child’s tooth becomes damaged, either from decay or injury and needs protection. A pediatric dentist at Dental Care for Kids will determine if a crown is necessary based on the child’s specific situation. Typically, a crown is used on baby teeth with a large cavity and must protect the remaining tooth structure. As the child gets older, their adult teeth will come in to replace the now-weakened baby teeth. However, if a baby tooth falls out before its time, it can lead to space loss and prevent a permanent tooth from coming in correctly. 

The Benefits of Pediatric Crowns 

Children are just as susceptible to tooth decay as adults, and pediatric dental crowns can be used to treat severe decay in children’s teeth. Since children are so prone to cavities, restorative dentistry often starts early in childhood to ensure that children have healthy smiles for life! Dental crowns are a versatile restoration that can strengthen weakened teeth and protect them from further damage. 

Crowns are also beneficial because babies and children can maintain a normal diet and smile without embarrassment. If a baby's tooth is severely decayed, it may require a crown to prevent complications with the permanent tooth below. Dental crowns can also be placed over baby teeth that lose fillings to restore function and prevent further decay or damage. 

The Procedure for Pediatric Crowns 

• The child will receive local anesthesia to numb the affected tooth and surrounding tissues. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is also used by our pediatric dentists to create a calm and stress-free environment for children undergoing treatment. It helps alleviate anxiety and enhance a child's ability to cooperate during dental procedures.
• The dentist will remove any decayed or damaged portions of the tooth, creating space for the crown. 
• The appropriate size and shape of the pediatric crown will be selected and adjusted to fit the child's tooth. For stainless steel crowns, the dentist may need to contour and crimp the crown to ensure a secure fit. 
• The crown will be cemented onto the tooth using a dental adhesive or cement. The dentist will ensure proper positioning and occlusion to ensure optimal function. 
• Any excess cement will be removed, and the bite will be checked to ensure proper alignment. 

Pediatric crowns are customized to fit the unique needs of children's teeth and can play a crucial role in preserving the dental health of young patients. For the best dental care, visit Dental Care for Kids at 3235 N Towerbridge Way, Suite #200, Meridian, ID 83646, or call (208) 888-7711.