When teeth get decayed or damaged, sometimes the best option to protect them is a dental crown. If your child has a particularly bad cavity, breaks a tooth, or has other major tooth damage, getting a crown at McKinney Pediatric Dentistry will ensure that the tooth is protected in the future.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is essentially a cap that goes over an existing tooth. It’s shaped just like the tooth it will cover but is hollowed out so that it can fit snugly over the real tooth.
When a tooth has major decay or damage, it needs stronger protection than a filling, which is where the crown comes into play. After the dentist removes any decay and ensures the tooth is ready to be covered, they’ll place a crown to keep the tooth strong and intact.
What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?
Dental crowns can be made of a variety of different materials. Some are made of gold or silver, some are made of a combination of metals, and still others are made of porcelain, ceramic, or resin.
Metal crowns are long-lasting and are often the cheapest option, but they also do not blend in with your natural teeth. They can be a good choice for baby teeth, which will fall out anyway.
Porcelain, ceramic, and resin crowns can all be custom-made to blend in perfectly with your teeth. These are a great option for crowns on permanent teeth since they don’t interfere with the natural beauty of your smile.
No matter the material, all dental crowns are designed to be sturdy and long-lasting. They can last up to fifteen years with the proper care.
Why Is a Dental Crown Needed?
A dental crown is typically needed when there is major damage to the tooth in question. Some causes of major damage include:
- Extensive decay
- A broken or cracked tooth
- A tooth that is worn down or weak
Crowns can provide extra support to a weak tooth, prevent decay, re-shape a broken or cracked tooth, and protect large fillings that replace extensive decay.
Placing a Dental Crown
The process for placing a dental crown is fairly simple.
- Consultation: If your child complains of a toothache, schedule an appointment with us. Our children’s dentists will take a look at the tooth and decide whether a crown is needed.
- Preparation: At a second appointment, one of our dentists will numb the area and clean all of the decayed enamel out of the damaged tooth. This will prepare the tooth to receive a crown.
- Crown Fabrication: The dentist will take an impression of the tooth to create a custom crown. These impressions will be sent to a lab where the crown will be milled.
- Crown Placement: You’ll bring your child back for another visit and we’ll carefully place the crown on the prepared tooth. We’ll make sure it fits properly and then cement it into place.
Child-Friendly Dentistry at McKinney Pediatric Dentistry
Looking for a friendly dentistry to bring your kids? Try McKinney Pediatric Dentistry! We specialize in treating children, even for complex cases like dental crowns.
At McKinney Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that treating children comes with unique challenges. If your child is afraid of the dentist or has trouble sitting still for dentist appointments, don’t worry! We offer behavior management as well as sedation options to ensure that your child gets the care they need while in a calming, relaxed environment.
Call Today to Schedule an Appointment with McKinney Pediatric Dentistry
McKinney Pediatric Dentistry is your one-stop shop for all your child’s dental needs! Whether it’s a routine cleaning or a cavity, your child’s oral health is our top priority.