Nov
Dental crowns are common in adults, so it may be surprising if the dentist says your child needs one. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped appliances worn over a damaged tooth to rebuild its function and form. Groat Pediatric Dentistry in San Pedro, California, recommends a dental crown when the tooth’s damage is too pronounced for a filling. Expertly designed and placed by Dr. Christopher Groat, our pediatric crowns provide unrivaled aesthetics and function.
Parents often wonder why we recommend dental crowns for baby or deciduous teeth, especially since these teeth eventually fall out. Although baby teeth aren’t permanent, they are vital in aesthetics, speech, and mastication. Children start losing baby teeth around age six and continue losing them until age twelve. Premature loss of baby teeth impacts not only oral function but also the proper emergence of permanent teeth. How?
Baby teeth act like placeholders for permanent teeth. When your child loses them too soon, the surrounding teeth may shift into the space, causing misalignment and crowding. This shifting often leads to improper eruption of permanent teeth, potentially requiring orthodontic intervention later in life.
The treatment begins with a consultation to assess the extent of the tooth damage. Next, the dentist carefully reshapes the enamel to create a strong foundation for the crown. The dental team takes digital tooth scans, creating a blueprint for custom crown crafting. The dentist collaborates closely with a partner dental lab to tailor the crown for a seamless fit over the tooth.
Many parents are amazed at how natural our dental crowns look and feel. Designed to blend perfectly with the surrounding teeth, they are virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your child’s smile.
We can create dental crowns from several materials, each with pros and cons. Stainless steel crowns are the most common in children. They are durable, thinner, and easier to place. Zirconia and porcelain, which are visually beautiful and ideal for front teeth, can be used to make dental crowns.Â
Caring for your child’s crown is vital to maintain longevity and appearance. Here are some tips for maintaining pediatric crowns.
Dental crowns are created from high-quality materials to withstand the everyday grinding and chewing forces. When well maintained, dental crowns can last several years, making them an excellent investment for your child’s smile.
Dental crowns are secured with permanent adhesives and designed to remain in place for many years. However, a dental crown can become loose or fall off due to dental trauma, biting into hard substances, or other reasons. When your child’s dental crown is compromised, visit your dentist immediately for repair or replacement.
Groat Pediatric Dentistry has extensive experience placing crowns on baby teeth. If you reside in San Pedro, CA, or the surrounding cities, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, Carson, CA, Gardena, CA, Long Beach, CA, Signal Hill, Harbor City, CA, Torrance, CA, Redondo Beach, Lawndale, CA, Palos Verdes Estates, or Rolling Hills, CA, and your child needs a dental crown, call (310) 832-5133 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Groat and the team.