March 7, 2022

Stainless steel crowns instead of a filling?

While baby teeth do not remain forever and often fall out by the time a kid reaches the age of 13, it is critical that children take care of their temporary teeth and visit a children’s dentist to ensure that they are healthy. Tooth decay and cavities, on the other hand, can be extremely harmful to baby teeth. Placing a stainless steel crown on the afflicted tooth is a common strategy utilized by pediatric dentists to address these concerns.

Children's tooth decay

Tooth decay, or the breakdown of tooth enamel, can occur in children over time as a result of a high-sugar diet, insufficient fluoride intake, or poor dental hygiene. Visible white patches on the teeth and probable dental discomfort are common early symptoms of decay. If left unchecked, acids eat away at the teeth and develop holes, resulting in cavities. These holes are first light brown in hue. If plaque builds up and the cavity is not identified right away, it will deepen and turn a darker brown or black color.

Cavities diagnosis

Cavities frequently cause tooth pain as well as sensitivity to extremely hot, cold, or sweet meals and beverages. Some adults, however, may not detect any symptoms, and small children may not be able to effectively articulate their distress. During an examination or an X-ray, dentists can often detect indicators of tooth decay or cavities. It’s a good idea to visit a children’s dentist on a regular basis to catch a cavity before it gets worse, or to go in right away if you notice any symptoms.

Cavities are being treated in a children’s dental office.

A cavity can easily be treated with a filling to fix the hole if found early. A local anesthetic is used to numb the mouth before removing decay with a dental drill and filling the cavity with a tooth-colored composite.

Fillings, on the other hand, cannot be used on teeth with big or many cavities. Stainless crowns are frequently used in these situations. This solution is more durable than a filling and can be used on teeth with significant deterioration. A stainless steel crown is unattractive, which isn’t often an issue for molars, which are located at the back of the mouth. A plastic white facing can be placed instead of a filling if a cavity forms on a visible front tooth.

Conclusion

Baby teeth, like permanent teeth, are necessary for effective speech and chewing, as well as preventing future overcrowding by serving as a placeholder for permanent teeth. As a result, when a child’s baby tooth is affected by cavities or decay, it’s crucial to look into ways to save the tooth rather than simply extracting it until an adult tooth emerges. A stainless steel crown fitted at a children’s dentistry is one option for dealing with serious tooth decay that will endure longer.