Dental Crowns for Children: When Are They the Best Option?

Most dental crowns go on adult teeth. There are times, however, when our pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, requires a more comprehensive restoration solution for young teeth. Sometimes it is necessary to protect a primary tooth until it is ready to come out on its own, and a dental crown is the best answer.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged tooth to restore its function and appearance. The crown protects the natural tooth root and allows it to continue functioning. It is often the alternative to extracting the tooth entirely.

Why Consider Dental Crowns for Baby Teeth?

Baby or primary teeth are going to fall out anyway, so why consider a dental crown? To understand, you have to remember the ultimate purpose of a baby tooth. Its main job is to hold a place for a permanent tooth.

The timeline for replacing baby teeth with permanent ones is very sensitive. If trauma or decay takes a baby tooth too soon, it can screw up the natural alignment of the permanent teeth. That is something our pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, will always try to avoid. A crown protects that spot so that the permanent tooth can come in normally.

The Danger of Decay

Dental decay in one tooth puts all your child’s baby teeth at risk, too. Once the decay starts, it can spread quickly because baby teeth are weaker than permanent teeth.

If there is significant decay, the dentist may decide that a cap will provide the most protection for all the teeth. So, the crown not only saves the natural tooth but also prevents decay from spreading to other teeth.

A dental crown is typically a last resort to save a baby tooth, but a valuable one. Schedule an appointment today with our pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, for a comprehensive check-up to ensure your child’s optimal oral health.