Dental Crowns
Dental Crowns in Lawrence and Lenexa, KS
Missing or damaged teeth can pose a variety of struggles for children. They may experience difficulty in chewing food properly, leading to poor nutrition and digestive issues. Speech development can also be affected, causing potential communication difficulties. At Honey Bee Pediatric Dental Co., we recognize the importance of providing effective solutions to restore damaged teeth in children. Dental crowns are vital in addressing these challenges by providing durable and functional tooth restorations.
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What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made tooth-shaped caps designed to fit over a tooth, covering it entirely above the gum line. The crowns are crafted to resemble the natural appearance of teeth, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal. They are often recommended by pediatric dentists when a tooth is severely decayed, weakened, fractured, or has undergone extensive dental procedures such as root canal therapy.
Benefits of Dental Crown Replacement
Whether a tooth is damaged, decayed, or requires reinforcement after a dental procedure, dental crowns provide an effective solution. By preserving the tooth, crown replacement can help avoid the need for more extensive and costly dental procedures in the future.
Improved Oral Health
Dental crown replacement plays a vital role in improving overall oral health. Covering and protecting a damaged tooth prevents further decay, fractures, or wear. This restoration helps maintain the integrity of the tooth structure, reducing the risk of bacterial infection and potential complications.
Restored Functionality
When a tooth is weakened or compromised, its functionality may be significantly affected. Dental crown replacement restores the tooth’s strength, allowing your child to chew, bite, and speak easily. This enhanced functionality helps promote proper digestion, nutrition, and speech development.
Aesthetic Advantages
The custom design and natural-looking materials used in dental crown replacement allow for seamless integration with the surrounding teeth. Crowns can match the color, shape, and size of adjacent teeth, resulting in a beautiful, uniform smile. This aesthetic improvement can boost your child’s self-confidence and overall appearance.
Long-lasting Solution
Dental crowns are crafted using durable materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin, ensuring longevity. With proper care and regular dental visits, dental crowns can last many years, providing a long-lasting solution for your child’s dental restoration needs.
Types of Tooth Crowns
At Honey Bee Pediatric Dental Co., we provide several types of dental crowns that suit different needs and circumstances for our patients. Each type of crown is designed to provide durability and functionality.
- Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are a popular choice for primary (baby) teeth due to their durability and cost-effectiveness. These prefabricated crowns provide excellent strength and protection for heavily decayed or damaged teeth. Stainless steel crowns are particularly beneficial for posterior (back) teeth, where the biting forces are stronger. They are also an ideal temporary solution while waiting for permanent teeth to erupt.
- Zirconia crowns are a more aesthetically pleasing option for both primary and permanent teeth. They are made of a strong, tooth-colored ceramic material called zirconium oxide. Zirconia crowns offer exceptional durability, biocompatibility, and natural appearance. They are an excellent choice for front teeth or when a more esthetic result is desired.
- Stainless steel crowns with white facing combine the strength of stainless steel crowns with the aesthetics of a natural tooth. These crowns have a stainless steel base, which provides strength and stability, while the visible facing is made of tooth-colored composite resin or ceramic material. This combination allows for a more natural appearance while maintaining the durability of stainless steel.
The Dental Crown Procedure
- Initial Consultation – The first step is an initial consultation. During this appointment, we will examine your child’s teeth and determine if a dental crown is an appropriate treatment, then discuss the benefits, options, and any necessary preparations involved.
- Local Anesthesia – To ensure a pain-free experience, local anesthesia is administered. This numbs the area around the tooth where the crown will be placed, ensuring your child remains comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Tooth Preparation – Once the area is numb, the pediatric dentist will carefully prepare the tooth to accommodate the dental crown. This involves removing any decayed or damaged portions of the tooth and shaping it to create a stable foundation for the crown.
- Crown Fitting – The pre-fabricated crowns are tried, and the best fit is determined by the dentist.
- Crown Placement – Once the final crown is selected, your dentist will cement the crown in place. They will ensure an adequate bite alignment and make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and functionality.
Caring for Your Tooth Cap
Proper maintenance for dental crowns is the same as for your child’s natural teeth. Encourage your child to maintain optimal oral hygiene by brushing their teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Advise your child to avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods that may put excessive pressure on the dental crown. Encourage a well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and limited sugary snacks or drinks. Regular check-ups and cleanings are crucial to monitor the condition of the dental crown and ensure optimal oral health. If your child experiences any discomfort, pain, or sensitivity around the dental crown, it’s important to notify your pediatric dentist promptly.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
The lifespan of dental crowns can vary depending on several factors, including the type of crown, oral hygiene practices, and individual oral health. The goal is that the pediatric dental crown will last until the tooth exfoliates naturally. Regular dental check-ups allow us to evaluate the condition of the crown and provide guidance on its maintenance or potential replacement when necessary.
Tooth Replacement Options in Lawrence and Lenexa, KS
By choosing dental crowns, you provide your child with a durable and functional solution to address dental challenges. Contact us today to learn more about dental crowns or to schedule an appointment at Honey Bee Pediatric Dental Co. in Lawrence and Lenexa, KS. Dr. Rhoads and Dr. Ferns understand the unique needs of pediatric patients and strive to create a positive dental experience for every child.