Dental Crowns in Lincoln Park MI

Dental crowns for kids are protective coverings placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, and function, ensuring it can withstand regular chewing forces. Unlike adult crowns, typically made from materials like porcelain or metal, pediatric crowns often use stainless steel due to their durability and resistance to wear. These crowns are often used in cases where a tooth has significant decay or trauma or needs to be protected after a root canal treatment.

Placing a dental crown in children involves cleaning the affected tooth, shaping it to fit it, and securing the crown with a dental adhesive. This treatment helps maintain the health of the primary teeth and supports proper alignment for the eruption of permanent teeth. 

When Are Dental Crowns Necessary for Kids? 

• A crown may be needed when a tooth has extensive decay that cannot be adequately restored with a filling alone. Crowns cover the entire tooth, providing a protective barrier against further decay and restoring the tooth's strength and function. This is crucial for maintaining the tooth's ability to chew and speak properly. 

• Children are prone to accidents and injuries that can result in cracked, chipped, or broken teeth. A crown can protect the damaged tooth, restore its shape, and prevent further injury. It helps ensure that the tooth remains functional and does not cause discomfort or difficulties with eating. 

• If a child requires a root canal, the affected tooth can become weakened and more susceptible to fractures. A crown is often placed over the tooth after the root canal procedure to provide structural support and protect it from damage. This helps the tooth maintain its function and longevity. 

• In some cases, crowns are used as a preventive measure to protect teeth at high risk of decay. For instance, a tooth with deep grooves or previously treated for decay may be covered with a crown to prevent future problems and reduce the risk of extensive damage. 

• Primary (baby) teeth are critical in holding space for permanent teeth and guiding their proper eruption. If a primary tooth is severely damaged or decayed, a crown can help maintain its position and function, ensuring the permanent teeth have the correct alignment and space to come in properly.

• Dental crowns in Lincoln Park, MI, help restore a child's ability to chew, bite, and speak comfortably. A damaged or decayed tooth can cause discomfort and difficulties with eating. Covering the tooth with a crown resolves these issues, allowing the child to eat a balanced diet and speak clearly without pain or difficulty. 

• While primary teeth are less visible than permanent teeth, their appearance still matters to children and their parents. Crowns, particularly those made from tooth-colored materials, can improve the appearance of a damaged or discolored tooth, contributing to the child's confidence and self-esteem. 

The Process of Getting a Dental Crown

The journey to getting dental crowns in Lincoln Park, MI for a child begins with a comprehensive assessment by our pediatric dentist in Lincoln Park, MI. The dentist will examine the affected tooth, often using X-rays to evaluate the extent of decay or damage. This diagnostic phase helps determine whether a crown is the appropriate treatment and assesses the tooth's overall health and surrounding area. If a crown is deemed necessary, the dentist will discuss the procedure with the parents or guardians, explaining the benefits and answering any questions. 

Once the decision is made to proceed with a crown, the next step is to prepare the tooth. Our dentist will start by numbing the area with local anesthesia to ensure the child is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. The tooth will be cleaned thoroughly, and any decayed or damaged parts will be removed. The remaining tooth structure will be shaped to create an ideal base for the crown. This preparation involves reducing the tooth size so that the crown can fit snugly over it. 

After the tooth is prepared, our dentist will take an impression of the tooth and surrounding area. This impression can be made using traditional molding materials or advanced digital scanning technology. The impression is used as the basis for creating a custom-made crown that fits perfectly. While the permanent crown is being fabricated, a temporary crown will be placed over the prepared tooth to protect it and maintain function. The temporary crown is usually made of plastic or resin and is designed to stay in place until the final crown is ready.  

The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the permanent crown is crafted. The laboratory technicians use the impressions to create a crown that matches the natural tooth's size, shape, and color. Depending on the complexity and materials used, this process can take several days to a few weeks. During this time, the child will wear the temporary crown and follow the dentist's instructions for care. 

Once the permanent crown is ready, the child will return to the dentist's office for the final fitting. The dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the permanent one over the prepared tooth. The crown's fit, bite, and alignment will be carefully checked to ensure comfort and functionality. The dentist will then secure the crown using dental solid cement. The child may need to bite down gently to help set the cement and ensure the crown is seated correctly. 

After the permanent crown is placed, the dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor the crown's fit and the child's comfort. Parents must encourage proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing, to maintain the health of the crowned tooth and surrounding teeth. The dentist will guide you on how to care for the crown and what to expect regarding any adjustments that might be needed. Contact us today to learn more.

Dental crowns are a vital part of pediatric dentistry. They address both functional and aesthetic needs while helping to prevent further dental issues. Visit Kids First Pediatric Dentistry PC at 3778 Dix Hwy, Lincoln Park, MI 48146, or call (313) 386-0570 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how dental crowns can benefit your child!