From the time parents see their child’s first tooth emerging, they take extra care to keep their smile healthy. If later on, one of the baby teeth gets too damaged to be saved, a crown might be recommended. Parents often ask: The tooth will fall off anyway, why put a crown on it? Our pediatric dentist in Houston explains why this simple procedure is worth it.
Pediatric dental crowns, more commonly known as “baby tooth caps,” are a protective covering for teeth that are too damaged.
Cavities are the primary reason your kid may need a dental crown. Dentists always consider dental fillings first. But when that’s not enough to save the tooth, then a crown placement may be needed.
When a baby tooth has a large cavity, a protective covering like a crown can help restore strength and function to the tooth.
Sometimes, children may need a dental crown if one of their baby teeth breaks or chips after an injury.
Yes, when a child has a cavity or damage that cannot be fixed with a filling, putting a crown is the next best option. When parents in Houston ask, “Why put a crown on a tooth that will fall off?”, the answer is that it’s necessary to keep the baby tooth intact until it’s time for the permanent tooth to appear.
Keep in mind that baby teeth are not just for biting and chewing. They’re also placeholders for your child’s adult teeth that typically emerge after the age of 6.
Before that, if a baby tooth falls out too soon, the remaining teeth can shift. Putting a crown on a damaged baby tooth helps keep it in place. It also makes chewing and biting more comfortable.
This is another common concern parents have. Yes, your child’s tooth will fall out when it’s the right time. That’s because baby teeth caps are not the same as the dental crowns adults get.
Our Houston team makes a crown that fits right onto your child’s tooth for now. When it’s time for the permanent tooth to erupt, it pushes the baby tooth and the crown covering it.
The process happens naturally. But with a crown, the damaged baby tooth falls out at the right time, not too soon.
Putting a crown on a damaged baby tooth is definitely worth it if the risk is that the tooth may be lost too early. Wondering if your kid needs one? Consult our dental experts at Aquario Dental and Braces to find out. Schedule an appointment at our Wayside Drive or West Little York office today!
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