When Does My Child Need a Baby Dental Crown?

The term baby dental crown may sound intimidating to parents. However, rest assured that pediatric dentists perform these restorative procedures carefully. Baby dental crowns are meant to achieve the same goal as traditional adult crowns. The key difference is that they are meant for baby teeth as opposed to adult teeth. 

Baby teeth are the first set of teeth that grow between the ages of six months to four years. They lay the groundwork for adult teeth and play a significant role in the growth and development of the oral cavity. However, from time to time, baby teeth may become damaged, which results in a need for a baby dental crown. 

A few scenarios in which baby dental crowns are needed

Below is a list of scenarios that may require a pediatric dentist to place a baby dental crown. This information can be helpful for parents who are navigating through restoring their children's teeth. 

1. Severe cavities

The number one reason why a baby dental crown may be needed is if there are severe cavities present. Severe cavities are typically the result of excess sugar consumption or are due to poor oral hygiene. It can be hard to detect cavities in baby teeth, especially when children are young. Additionally, some parents may not take their child to a pediatric dentist until multiple teeth are present, which allows for the opportunity for cavities to form. 

A lot of people have the misconception that baby teeth do not matter since they are later replaced by adult teeth. However, this is far from the truth. The baby teeth play a significant role in the development of the adult teeth, which is why good oral hygiene is essential, regardless of age. 

2. Injury

Another reason a baby dental crown may be needed is if a child injures a baby tooth. Children are quite physical and often engage in roughhousing, which can result in falls or other injuries that may crack or chip teeth. Minor cracks or chips can be repaired by a pediatric dentist, but if the damage is severe, a baby dental crown may be required to restore the tooth. 

3. Strengthening efforts

All in all, baby dental crowns are needed to strengthen and restore teeth that are in bad shape; they are used the same way that adult dental crowns are used. Whether an injury or a cavity causes the damage, it is essential for children to undergo restoration to ensure that their oral health remains intact. Baby teeth need to remain healthy until they fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. 

Getting a baby dental crown from a pediatric dentist

Baby dental crowns are needed for various reasons, but the main need is to keep a child's teeth strong and healthy. To find out more about baby dental crowns and what they entail, it is best to consult with a pediatric dentist. Questions and concerns can be addressed, and an evaluation can be performed to determine the most appropriate course of action. Reach out today to learn more or to get started. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.pediatricdentistsuffolk.com or call Fun Park Pediatric Dentistry at (757) 767-2767 for an appointment in our Suffolk office.