The appearance of a “silver crown” on a child’s tooth often raises questions for parents. These restorations are a common and effective solution used to protect and preserve primary, or baby, teeth that have been significantly compromised. The term “silver crown” is the common name for a Stainless Steel Crown (SSC), which represents a standard of care for specific dental situations in children. This approach allows the damaged tooth to remain functional until it is naturally ready to fall out.
Defining Stainless Steel Crowns
The crowns referred to as “silver crowns” are officially known as Stainless Steel Crowns (SSCs). They are specifically designed for use on primary teeth. These durable caps are pre-formed and made from a mixture of stainless steel, nickel, and chrome, giving them their characteristic metallic color. Unlike the custom-made ceramic crowns used for adult teeth, SSCs come in a variety of pre-sized shapes that a dentist selects to fit the individual tooth.
The prefabricated nature of the crown simplifies the restoration process, often allowing the entire procedure to be completed in a single dental visit. SSCs provide full coverage, acting as a robust shield over the entire remaining tooth structure. This material choice offers high durability and is less costly compared to other restorative options. The stainless steel composition ensures the crown can withstand the forces of chewing for years.
When Are Silver Crowns Necessary
The primary purpose of a silver crown is to restore a primary tooth when a traditional filling would be insufficient or likely to fail. Dentists recommend this full-coverage restoration when tooth decay is extensive, covering multiple surfaces of the tooth. When a large cavity compromises a substantial portion of the structure, a filling cannot provide the necessary strength to prevent fracture.
A silver crown is also the standard restoration following a pulpotomy or pulpectomy, procedures performed when decay has reached the nerve tissue of the tooth. The crown seals the tooth following this nerve treatment, protecting the remaining structure from bacteria and preventing re-infection. SSCs are also used for children who have a high risk of developing new cavities or those with difficulty maintaining consistent oral hygiene.
Children who have fractured a tooth due to trauma or who have developmental defects, such as enamel hypoplasia, may also require an SSC. These conditions weaken the tooth structure, making a strong, protective cap necessary to preserve the tooth’s function until the permanent tooth erupts. Preserving the baby tooth is important because it acts as a natural space maintainer, guiding the permanent tooth into its correct position and preventing alignment issues.
What Happens During Placement
Placing a silver crown is generally straightforward and completed efficiently in a single appointment. The first step involves administering a local anesthetic to ensure the child is comfortable and the tooth is numb. After the area is anesthetized, the dentist meticulously removes all decayed or damaged tooth material.
Next, the tooth is minimally shaped or reduced along the chewing surface and sides. This allows the crown to slide over it without interfering with the child’s bite. This preparation creates a stable foundation for the restoration and helps ensure a secure fit. The dentist then selects the correct size from a kit of prefabricated crowns by measuring the tooth and performing a trial fitting.
Once the appropriate crown is selected and adjusted for an optimal fit around the gum line, it is cemented onto the prepared tooth. A strong, biocompatible dental cement is used to fill the crown and bond it firmly to the tooth structure. The dentist checks the bite one final time to confirm the occlusion is correct before the procedure is complete.
How Long Do Silver Crowns Last
Stainless Steel Crowns are not meant to be a lifelong restoration but are engineered to last for the remaining duration of the primary tooth’s presence in the mouth. They are highly durable and are expected to remain intact until the root of the baby tooth naturally dissolves, a process called root resorption. When the primary tooth becomes loose and falls out, the silver crown will detach with it as a single unit.
The lifespan of a crown is variable, lasting anywhere from a few years to potentially five to ten years, depending on the child’s age when the crown was placed. Since baby molars can remain in the mouth until a child is around 12 or 13 years old, the crown must be strong enough to withstand years of chewing. Maintaining the crown requires the same care as natural teeth, including regular brushing, flossing, and avoiding sticky or hard foods that could dislodge the cap.