Why a Pediatric Dentist May Recommend a Stainless Steel Crown for a Baby Tooth
Children have a greater chance of developing cavities than adults. If the decay is severe, a pediatric dentist may suggest a stainless steel crown to protect the affected baby tooth. Without this treatment, total tooth loss could occur. It may not seem necessary to go to such lengths to preserve a baby tooth, but dental crowns can be essential for some young children.
Understanding dental crowns for children
When a child experiences multiple cavities or severe tooth decay, the overall structure of the tooth can become weakened. This can put a child at risk for a number of potential side effects, including:
- Pain and discomfort
- More cavities in the future
- Infection
- Tooth loss
If the damage to a baby tooth is severe, a stainless steel crown may be used to preserve the tooth until it is ready to fall out on its own. This is a common solution that is considered both safe and beneficial for most children.
From highly active lifestyles and high-sugar diets to nail-biting habits, kids can be tough on their teeth. Stainless steel is often used in children's crowns because it is stronger and less likely to chip or break like porcelain or resin.
The importance of caring for baby teeth
Some people may assume that baby teeth do not require dental work because they will eventually fall out. However, baby teeth play an important role in a child's growth and development and should be saved whenever possible.
Proper alignment for adult teeth
Baby teeth help keep permanent teeth in place once they start to grow in. If adjoining baby teeth are missing, the permanent teeth can shift or move out of place. As a result, alignment issues are far more likely to develop, which means braces and other types of dental intervention are more likely to be needed.
Better eating habits and digestion
It goes without saying that teeth are necessary for chewing food. If children lose baby teeth early, it can be more difficult to try a wider variety of foods, which can negatively impact health and development. In addition, poorly chewed food is harder to digest, which could lead to discomfort and minimized nutrient absorption.
Improved speech development
Baby teeth are critical for speech development in toddlers and young children. Sacrificing a baby tooth because of decay can lead to problems as children learn to properly form sounds during those early years. This may require speech intervention in the future.
Foundations for good oral health
Good home care habits start at a young age. If parents wait for permanent teeth to erupt before encouraging routine dental care, children are more likely to experience tooth decay and other problems down the road. Training children how to brush and floss while making routine visits to the pediatric dentist can help children maintain better oral health well into adulthood.
Conclusion
Severe tooth decay in children may require a stainless steel crown to preserve the affected tooth. It is important to keep baby teeth intact for as long as possible to ensure better health and development. A pediatric dentist can help parents choose the right action plan to treat and prevent tooth decay in young children.
Request an appointment here: https://www.littlesproutspd.com or call Little Sprouts Pediatric Dentistry at (973) 221-2919 for an appointment in our Glen Ridge office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Glen Ridge, NJ.
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