Parents are often surprised when a dentist recommends a shiny “metal tooth” for their child, but these restorations are a frequent and highly effective solution in pediatric dentistry. These silver caps, known as Stainless Steel Crowns (SSCs), are a standard method for repairing baby teeth that have been severely compromised by decay or injury. Dentists use them to ensure the damaged tooth remains functional and healthy until it is naturally ready to fall out.
What Exactly Are Stainless Steel Crowns?
A stainless steel crown is a pre-formed, full-coverage cap designed to restore a primary, or baby, tooth. These are not custom-made in a lab like crowns for adult teeth, but are selected from pre-sized options to fit the child’s tooth perfectly. The crowns are composed of a durable alloy that includes stainless steel, nickel, and chromium, which provides resistance to corrosion.
The composition is engineered for resilience, enabling it to withstand the significant chewing forces children exert. This robust structure is a key reason for their widespread use, especially on the back molars where the most pressure occurs during eating. Stainless steel crowns are biocompatible, meaning the body tolerates the material well, and they have an extensive history of safe use in children’s dental care.
Why Dentists Choose Crowns Over Fillings
Pediatric dentists often choose a stainless steel crown when a tooth has extensive decay, a situation where a traditional filling would likely fail. Baby teeth have thinner enamel and a relatively larger pulp chamber compared to permanent teeth, allowing decay to progress much more quickly and deeply. When more than half of the tooth structure is compromised, a standard filling cannot provide the necessary long-term support and is prone to breaking or falling out.
The crown is also the standard of care for a tooth that has required pulp therapy, often called a baby root canal, because it fully seals and protects the tooth from bacteria. Unlike a filling, the SSC completely encircles the tooth, acting like a protective helmet that prevents any further decay from reaching the vulnerable tooth structure underneath. This complete coverage is exceptionally durable and necessary to maintain the tooth’s function until the permanent tooth erupts. Preserving the baby tooth is important because it holds the space required for the permanent tooth, which helps guide the adult tooth into its proper position and can reduce the need for later orthodontic intervention.
The Process of Placing the Crown
The procedure for placing a stainless steel crown is completed in a single dental visit. The dentist first prepares the tooth by removing any decayed material and lightly trimming the sides and chewing surface. This preparation creates enough space for the crown to fit over the tooth without altering the child’s bite.
After the tooth is shaped, the dentist selects a pre-formed crown that matches the size and shape of the natural tooth. The crown is then adapted and adjusted to ensure it fits snugly around the gum line, creating a tight seal to prevent bacteria from entering. Finally, the crown is cemented onto the tooth using a strong dental adhesive, securing it in place. The quick nature of the procedure minimizes chair time and is less technique-sensitive than placing a large, complex filling.
How Long Will the Metal Tooth Last?
The stainless steel crown is designed to last for the entire lifespan of the baby tooth it covers. This means the crown will remain on the tooth until the permanent successor tooth begins to push it out naturally. Depending on the child’s age when the crown is placed, this can be anywhere from a few years to a decade, as some back molars do not naturally exfoliate until the child is around 12 or 13 years old.
The crown does not interfere with the natural process of the tooth becoming loose. As the permanent tooth develops beneath the gum line, it dissolves the baby tooth’s root. When the baby tooth is ready to fall out, the stainless steel crown comes out with it, making the process of removal completely natural and uneventful.