Two Reasons a Dental Crown May Be Recommended For Your Child
Posted on: 16 July 2021
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Dental treatment is essential for people of all ages. Yet there are certain procedures often thought to be reserved for adults only, such as getting dental crowns. The reality is that patients of all ages can benefit from dental crowns, in certain situations. If you have a child and the topic of whether or not you should have them get a dental crown has come up, learn about some of the reasons why this procedure might be being recommended to you.
Severe Decay
In the same vein that dental treatment is important at every age, good oral hygiene is equally important. If a child does not brush their teeth correctly, floss, or eats a diet high in sugar routinely, it is not uncommon for some of their teeth to begin to decay.
The awful thing about the decaying process is that once a tooth's enamel begins to break down, there is nearly nothing that can be done to restore it. Severely decayed teeth are at a heightened risk of falling out. However, if a child loses a primary tooth prematurely, it can affect the development and structure of their gums and the surrounding permanent teeth. For example, a new tooth may come in misaligned since the other teeth are not in place to help guide its placement. A dental crown is often recommended in this instance because it helps preserve the tooth until the primary tooth is ready to be lost naturally, and the permanent tooth breaks through.
Improper Development
Sometimes, an issue with a tooth is not the result of improper care on the part of the child or the parent. In some instances, a child's tooth simply develops improperly, such as with amelogenesis imperfecta or dentinogenesis imperfecta.
With amelogenesis imperfecta, a child's tooth will grow abnormally smaller than the other teeth in their mouth. A tooth with this development issue might also develop some grooves in it. For a child with dentinogenesis imperfecta, on the other hand, the tooth might develop with severe discoloration or a translucent appearance.
Again, as a child develops, it is always best to allow the primary teeth to fall out on their own in order to make way for their permanent teeth. As such, to improve any bite issues or cosmetic concerns that the improper development presents in the meantime, a dental professional may suggest that a crown is placed over the tooth until it falls out on its own.
If you believe your child needs dental crowns, make sure you speak in-depth with a dental provider for assistance.