What To Expect When Your Child Gets A Dental Crown

Importance of Baby Teeth and Dental Crowns

As parents, we often wonder why baby teeth are so crucial when permanent teeth eventually replace them. Baby teeth play a crucial part in the oral development of children. They help children speak and chew properly; more importantly, they act as placeholders for the permanent teeth that will grow in their place.

When a baby tooth is lost prematurely from decay or injury, the surrounding teeth tend to shift and move. This movement can cause various dental issues, such as overcrowding, misaligned teeth, and potential orthodontic problems in the future. Moreover, losing baby teeth too soon can lead to difficulty eating, speaking, and maintaining proper oral hygiene.

Understanding the need for preserving baby teeth, pediatric dentists recommend dental crowns in Houston, TX, as an effective solution to regain the functionality and appearance of decayed or damaged teeth. A pediatric dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the whole tooth, providing protection and support to the tooth’s structure.

The Urbach Pediatric Dentistry Experience

At Urbach Pediatric Dentistry, our team of experienced and caring pediatric dentists near you understands the significance of preserving baby teeth for optimal oral health. With a tradition of exceptional dental care spanning three generations, we have been dedicated to serving families and providing children with the highest quality dental treatments.

Our first step in the dental crown procedure is to consult with parents about the available crown options. Depending on your child’s needs and preferences, we discuss the different materials, such as stainless steel, white facings, and composite strip crowns. Our dentists carefully consider factors like durability, aesthetics, and insurance coverage before recommending the most suitable option for your child.

The Dental Crown Procedure Step-by-Step

• Tooth Preparation: To ensure the proper fit of the crown, the decayed or damaged tooth is carefully shaped. This process removes the affected areas and creates an ideal surface for crown placement.
• Impressions: Dental impressions are crucial for crafting a precise crown that fits perfectly over the prepared tooth. We obtain accurate impressions using dental putty or digital scanners and send them to the dental lab for crown fabrication.
• Temporary Dental Crown: While the permanent crown is being custom-made, we place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect it from sensitivity and damage.
• Applying the Permanent Crown: Once the custom-made crown is ready, we schedule an appointment for your child to have it fitted. To ensure a comfortable experience, our dentist uses local anesthesia to numb the tooth and the nearby gum tissue. It ensures that the procedure is pain-free for your child.

Post-Treatment Care for Dental Crowns

Following specific post-treatment care instructions after the dental crown procedure is essential to ensure a smooth recovery and long-lasting results. Your child should avoid eating until the anesthesia wears off completely to prevent accidental injury to their lips, cheeks, or tongue.

It is normal for children to experience some discomfort for up to 24 hours after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help alleviate the discomfort. If the pain persists beyond 24 hours, contacting our pediatric dentists promptly for further evaluation is crucial.

Maintaining Excellent Oral Care

While dental crowns near you are a valuable treatment option for restoring and preserving little mouths, maintaining excellent oral care at home is equally vital. Regular brushing and flossing and consistent dental check-ups every six months are essential practices to prevent tooth decay and maintain good oral hygiene.

At Urbach Pediatric Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of educating parents and children about proper oral care techniques. Our team teaches children how to brush and floss effectively, making the process enjoyable and engaging.

As parents, taking care of our children’s oral health is one of our top priorities. Dental crowns play a significant role in preserving baby teeth and ensuring the proper development of permanent teeth. By choosing Urbach Pediatric Dentistry, you entrust your child’s dental care to experienced professionals dedicated to providing the best treatment and compassionate care. Our commitment to excellent dental care spans three generations, and we continue to uphold our tradition of exceptional service. Whether your child needs dental crowns, a routine check-up, or any other pediatric dental service, our team is here to assist you.