What Is a Dental Crown?

If you’ve spent any amount of time looking up dental procedures, you probably have come across a treatment called dental crowns. You may have needed a dental crown yourself. If not, the first time you may hear about dental crowns is if your child’s dentist recommends that they get one. Here, we’ll give you a brief overview of what dental crowns are and how they can help restore a smile.

Dental Crown 101

A dental crown is aptly named. Dental crowns are like little caps that are placed on the top of damaged teeth as a sort of covering. They are designed to match the appearance of natural teeth so that they blend right in. Also, they’re made from durable material. This could be metal, porcelain, or ceramic, depending on the location of the crown. They will protect the treated tooth from decay and damage in the future.

Reasons Someone May Need a Dental Crown

Dental crowns are generally considered a restorative dental treatment. This means that they’re used to restore the health and function of a tooth, rather than just provide a cosmetic improvement. Although they can still enhance the appearance of a tooth in the process. Someone may need a dental crown if a normal tooth filling isn’t enough to repair the amount of decay in a tooth. If your child damages a tooth playing a sport, a crown can be used to strengthen a broken tooth.

The Dental Crown Process

Getting a dental crown takes two appointments. First we’ll prepare the tooth and make an impression, which is used to create a custom crown. We’ll use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth to keep your child from feeling pain. At the second appointment, we’ll place the crown to be sure that it fits perfectly. We also offer several types of dental sedation if necessary to make the procedure more comfortable for your child.

Caring for Crowns

Your child’s dental crown will last as long as it’s needed when properly cared for. If the crown covers a baby tooth then it will come out when the tooth falls out. The crown itself can’t decay, but the tooth beneath it is still susceptible to decay so it’s really important for your child to keep up with their at-home oral care. Regular visits to Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry for twice a year cleanings are also important.

Pediatric Dental Crowns at Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry

If you think your child might need a dental crown, or you’re looking for a trustworthy place that can provide your child with a dental crown, contact our San Antonio team. Our dentists have special training geared to caring for children. We are happy to provide this restorative service along with a variety of other pediatric dental services. Call or click the contact link to schedule an appointment!