Baby teeth cavities are more common than most parents think. Their enamel is softer and can easily get damaged by the acids produced by bacteria in their mouth. Moreover, cavities can spread faster in a child's mouth, so acting quickly is paramount.
If your child has a cavity, here's how a pediatric dental crown can help.
What Is a Pediatric Dental Crown and How Does It Work?
Pediatric dental crowns are small, tooth-colored caps, used to restore damaged teeth. They can be a solution to restore a baby's tooth shape, strength, and functionality following a big cavity or an accident that caused damage to the tooth.
During the appointment, the dentist will first remove the decayed or damaged parts, and then clean and disinfect the tooth. Once the tooth is ready, they will place the crown on top to restore it.
Recovery is quite straightforward and your little one will experience minimal discomfort. They won't be allowed to eat for a few hours after the procedure and they may need a few days to get used to the crown, but that's about it.
With proper care, the crown should last until the adult teeth are ready to emerge. Make sure that you brush your child's teeth twice a day and bring them in for regular check-ups to help them maintain good oral health.
But Is It Worth It?
A lot of parents are a bit skeptical when we recommend pediatric dental crowns. They are curious if crowns are truly necessary since baby teeth are supposed to fall out anyway.
But, baby teeth aren't there just to make your child's smile even more adorable. They serve as placeholders for adult teeth, making sure that they will erupt in their correct position. Premature baby tooth loss can lead to misaligned adult teeth, requiring more extensive orthodontic treatment later.
Baby teeth also help in speech development, proper chewing, and maintaining self-confidence.
Your child may not be aware right now of the aesthetic role their teeth play. But, as they grow and their self-awareness increases, they will start to realize that the appearance of their teeth matters.
A crown can restore not just the functionality but also the confidence of a child who might be self-conscious about a broken or decayed tooth or misalignment following premature baby tooth loss.
Lastly, you should consider the financial aspect too. A pediatric crown may seem costly at first, but the long-term benefits often justify the expense. Ignoring the problem now could lead to more expensive treatments down the road, such as orthodontic treatment.
Pediatric Dental Crowns in Marshfield
Is your child dealing with a severe cavity? At Marshfield Pediatric Dentistry we offer gentle pediatric dentistry and focus on making sure that our little patients will enjoy long-term good oral health.
You can contact us online or call our office at (781) 205-1124 to book an appointment for your child.
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