At the Pediatric Dental Center in Northern Kentucky, we understand that your child’s oral health is a top priority. One of the treatments we provide to ensure their smile stays healthy and strong is the dental crown, commonly referred to as a tooth cap. Here’s why your child might need one and what you can expect from the procedure.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a protective cap that covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. It completely encases the tooth, providing strength, preventing further oral health issues, and enhancing the appearance of your child’s smile. After receiving a toothcap, many children can go back to enjoying their favorite activities, like blowing bubbles or eating their favorite snacks, without any discomfort.
When is a Tooth Cap Necessary?
Our children’s dentist will perform a thorough dental exam and take X-rays to determine if a dental crown is the best solution for your child. While we prefer to use conservative treatments like dental fillings when possible, there are situations where a dental crown is the most effective option. A dental crown might be recommended if your child has a large cavity that poses a risk to their oral health if the tooth has been severely damaged by physical trauma or extensive decay, or if the tooth is significantly worn down, discolored, or misshapen.
What to Expect During the Procedure
We prioritize your child’s comfort throughout the entire dental crown process. We even offer safe sedation options for children who feel anxious about dental visits. Here’s how we ensure the procedure is smooth and virtually painless: We start by taking precise impressions of your child’s tooth to create a custom-fitted crown in our lab. Your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to completely numb the area around the affected tooth. The tooth is then prepared by removing decay and shaping it to fit the crown perfectly. The dental crown is bonded to the tooth using dental cement. Finally, the dentist will polish and adjust the crown to ensure a perfect fit and natural look.
Benefits of a Dental Crown
A dental crown offers numerous benefits for your child’s dental health. It protects a weak tooth from breaking, holds together a cracked tooth, and restores a broken or worn-down tooth. Additionally, it restores the full function of your child’s bite force and chewing ability, helps maintain your child’s smile spacing and bite alignment, and reduces the need for more extensive treatments in the future. Overall, it restores your child’s confidence with a beautiful, healthy smile.
How Do Tooth Crowns Work?
The process of getting a dental crown is straightforward. The outer surface of the damaged tooth is carefully removed to make room for the crown. Once prepared, the crown is permanently cemented onto the tooth, providing a durable and long-lasting solution.
At the Pediatric Dental Center in Northern Kentucky, we are committed to providing the best care for your child’s dental health. If you think your child might need a dental crown or have any questions, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help your child smile confidently and healthily!
Contact the Pediatric Dental Center for expert care!
