Dentists place crowns, often called “caps,” on baby teeth to restore and protect them when significantly compromised. This treatment helps maintain the tooth’s function until it naturally falls out.
Reasons for Crown Placement
Crowns are recommended for baby teeth when a traditional filling is insufficient to repair damage. A common reason is extensive decay that has weakened a tooth’s structure, especially if the cavity covers multiple surfaces. In such cases, a crown acts as a protective shield, preventing further deterioration and preserving its function.
Crowns are also common after pulp therapy, often called a “baby root canal.” This procedure removes infected tissue from the tooth’s inner pulp, and a crown seals and strengthens the treated tooth. Teeth fractured or chipped due to injury, or those with developmental defects like enamel hypoplasia, also frequently require crowns to restore their form and durability. They ensure the tooth remains functional for chewing and speaking.
Types of Pediatric Crowns
Several types of crowns are available for baby teeth. Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are the most common and widely recommended type for children. These silver-colored crowns are highly durable, cost-effective, and provide robust protection for molars, which bear significant chewing forces.
For visible teeth, tooth-colored options are available. Composite strip crowns are made from tooth-colored composite material, matching the child’s existing teeth for a natural appearance. Zirconia crowns, another aesthetic choice, are made from a strong, metal-free ceramic that mimics natural teeth and is suitable for both front and back teeth. Some stainless steel crowns also come with a pre-veneered white facing, combining steel’s durability with an improved aesthetic, though they can appear bulkier.
The Crown Procedure
Placing a crown on a baby tooth involves several steps, often completed in a single dental appointment. First, a local anesthetic is administered for the child’s comfort. A rubber dam may be placed to isolate the tooth, keeping the area dry and preventing the child from swallowing debris.
The dentist then removes any decay or damaged tissue. The tooth is shaped or “prepared” to create space for the crown to fit securely. For some crown types, an impression of the tooth may be taken for a custom fit. Finally, the chosen crown is fitted, adjusted, and permanently cemented onto the prepared tooth.
Why Baby Teeth Matter
While baby teeth are temporary, they play several roles in a child’s overall health and development. These primary teeth act as natural space maintainers, holding the necessary room in the jaw for the permanent teeth developing underneath. Premature loss can lead to other teeth shifting, potentially causing crowding or misalignment for the permanent teeth that follow.
Baby teeth also aid proper chewing and nutrition, allowing children to break down food. They contribute to clear speech development, as correct tooth positioning aids sound and word formation. Maintaining their health helps prevent infections and pain, supporting a child’s comfort, self-confidence, and overall well-being.