If you’re looking for an experienced crown dentist for kids, you have come to the right place. The dental staff at Bay Area Kids Dentist has several years of combined experience preparing and placing crowns for kids. We know that this procedure is a bit more extensive than routine cleaning, so we take extra time with your child to ensure that he or she understands what we are about to do. Our dentists and hygienists also explain why a dental crown is necessary in terms that kids can understand. This includes using simplified language and comparisons to everyday events, such as wearing a hat to guard against sun damage.
When your child’s baby tooth has extensive decay, a traditional filling is insufficient to protect it from further erosion by bacteria as well as breaks or fractures. When this occurs, your child’s dentist creates a prefabricated kids’ dental crown that goes over the tooth. The type of crown depends on the location of the tooth with the decay. For baby molars, we typically use stainless steel material to cover teeth at the very back of your child’s mouth. We also use silver dental caps after your child has had nerve treatment performed.
Our dentists use this material whenever possible because of its durability. Since the molar teeth are essential for chewing, they are subject to more pressure than the front teeth. If your child tends to clench his or her teeth or often chews ice cubes or hard foods, the back teeth need to remain especially strong. Since these pediatric crowns are in the back of the mouth, they remain hidden to others. Eventually, both the primary tooth and the crown will fall out and be replaced by a permanent adult molar.
For extensive tooth decay on a front tooth, our dental team uses composite crowns constructed from white filling material. These tooth-colored crowns blend in well with the surrounding teeth so your child doesn’t have to feel self-conscious about his or her smile. Because white fillings are less durable than silver ones, it’s essential to help your child take care of them properly. They are prone to staining, breaking, and fracturing over time, but diligence on your part will help dental crowns on the front teeth last as long as possible.
As an adult, you have probably visited the dentist several times in your life. You know what to expect and understand that cooperating with the dentist and hygienist benefits you. Children don’t have the benefit of this experience. Everything is new to them, including having someone they don’t know look inside their mouth. When treatment beyond a routine cleaning is necessary, kids may feel even more frightened of going to the dentist. At Bay Area Kids Dentist, we tailor our approach to each child’s age, personality, and any special needs. We know from experience that gaining a child’s trust is more important than rushing through an important procedure.