You all must have heard- why care so much for a baby tooth when it is bound to eventually fall out? Well, your child’s primary (baby) teeth are equally important. It is crucial to take care of them since they pave the way for permanent teeth in the future. A decayed baby tooth can be restored through regular fillings,  but extensive tooth decay requires a crown. 

Silver Spring, MD pediatric dentist offers stainless steal crowns for children with extensive tooth decay with a compromised structure. Let us delve to know more about stainless steel crowns and their benefits.

What is a stainless steel crown?

Stainless steel crowns are tooth-shaped caps that snugly fit over an entire tooth. They are often used in pediatric dentistry as a way of preserving baby teeth that are significantly damaged or decayed. It is essential to take care of not losing the primary teeth prematurely. This can cause a variety of adverse consequences that can ultimately affect the permanent teeth. Thus, stainless steel crowns protect the baby’s teeth until they are naturally lost.

What are the benefits of stainless steel crowns?

Here are some significant merits of using stainless steel crowns:

• They are inexpensive
• Are durable and long-lasting 
• Provide full coverage protection for the tooth, and prevent further damage
• Cause very little sensitivity
• Often do not require retreatment
• More successful than regular fillings
• Save the tooth from extractions

How is a stainless steel crown placed on your child’s tooth?

A stainless steel crown placement usually requires a single appointment. Your dentist will:

• First, ensure your child is relaxed and comfortable.
• Carefully examine the affected tooth.
• Isolate the concerned tooth with a rubber dam to prevent isolation.
• Use a bite block to keep the child’s mouth open (for a co-operating child). For a non-cooperative child, the dentist may use sedation.
• Excavate the tooth to remove any carious lesion present. If the decay is deep, your dentist may perform root canal therapy (pulpotomy, or pulpectomy).
• Use pre-fabricated stainless steel crowns present according to the primary teeth.
• Check the fit of the crown and make necessary adjustments if required. 
• Cement the crown with suitable dental cement. 

Conclusion 

Your child’s primary teeth are equally essential since they form a healthy and strong foundation for permanent teeth. Damage to the primary teeth can harm the permanent tooth bud as well. Furthermore, premature loss of primary teeth can negatively impact the permanent dentition. To overcome these challenges a child’s decayed or damaged tooth can be effectively restored with stainless steel crowns. These are simple and affordable solutions, especially for extensive tooth damage.