Primary teeth are important for a child’s development. They are necessary for proper chewing and biting of food. Primary teeth also help in speech development. Early loss of primary teeth can cause problems with eating, speaking, and developing a good bite. It can also lead to the need for braces later on in life. That’s why it’s important to take care of your child’s primary teeth and to seek dental treatment if they are lost or damaged. In this blog post, we will discuss the use of a prefabricated stainless steel crown to restore decayed and fractured teeth.
What is a Prefabricated Stainless Steel Crown?
A prefabricated stainless steel crown is a fixed dental restoration used to restore decayed or damaged primary teeth (molars). It is commonly used in pediatric dentistry, but it can also be used for permanent molars. These pediatric crowns are made from stainless steel and come in various sizes. They fit over primary molars like a cap and are held in place with dental cement. A prefabricated stainless steel crown is recommended in the following cases:
- Extensive tooth decay.
- A primary tooth with large dental fillings.
- After pulpotomy and pulpectomy, which are a procedure to remove the infected, inflamed tooth pulp (similar to root canal treatment but for children).
- Misshapen primary teeth.
- Children with extremely poor oral hygiene.
- People with special needs.
- It can be used as a temporary crown for severely decayed or fractured adult teeth (permanent molars).
Benefits of a Prefabricated Stainless Steel Crown
Prefabricated stainless steel crowns offer numerous benefits, making them a popular choice for children’s damaged teeth. Here are some advantages:
- Coverage protection: Stainless steel crowns offer excellent coverage protection for the entire tooth. This means they can shield the tooth from further tooth decay or damage, preserving the integrity of the remaining healthy tooth structure.
- Restore tooth function: They effectively restore tooth function, allowing patients to chew and bite properly. Moreover, they maintain space for permanent teeth, which is important for the development of a good bite.
- Cost-effective option: Prefabricated stainless steel crowns offer a cost-effective and durable solution for restoring damaged teeth, making them an affordable choice for patients seeking long-lasting dental restoration.
- Permanent solution: These crowns are considered a permanent solution for severely decayed or fractured teeth. Once placed, they provide long-term protection and function, reducing the need for future dental procedures.
- Ease of placement: An additional advantage is that a prefabricated stainless steel crown is easy to place, requiring only a single dental appointment in most cases. They are particularly beneficial for children, as they can be quickly and effectively used to restore primary teeth, ensuring that children maintain oral health and function until permanent teeth emerge.
Drawbacks of a Prefabricated Stainless Steel Crown
While prefabricated stainless steel crowns offer numerous advantages, they also have some drawbacks to consider. One significant drawback is their aesthetic appearance, as stainless steel crowns don’t blend with the natural teeth due to their metallic color.
Aesthetic crown options, such as composite, porcelain, or ceramic crowns, offer superior aesthetics compared to stainless steel crowns, as they can be color-matched to blend seamlessly with the natural teeth. However, they are an expensive option.
How is a Prefabricated Stainless Steel Crown Procedure Done?
The prefabricated stainless steel crown procedure is a common restorative option in pediatric dentistry, designed to restore the natural tooth’s function and shape. The placement of prefabricated stainless steel crowns typically requires one dental appointment. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how a prefabricated crown placement procedure is performed:
- Assessment and diagnosis: The pediatric dentist assesses your child’s oral health. This includes checking for dental caries and cavities in toddlers, and determining if a stainless steel crown is the appropriate restorative option for the affected tooth.
- Treatment of dental caries: Before placing the crown, the dentist treats existing dental caries by removing the decayed tissue from the affected tooth. This ensures that the tooth is free from infection and prepared for the crown placement.
- Tooth preparation: The pediatric dentist performs tooth reduction, removing a portion of the tooth structure (enamel layer) from the occlusal surface and the sides to create space for the crown. The walls of the prepared tooth are shaped to have parallel walls to ensure a secure fit.
- Crown selection: The dentist selects the correct size of the prefabricated crown from a wide array of available crown sizes, choosing one that closely matches the prepared tooth.
- Crown trial fitting: The selected crown is placed over the prepared tooth to check for proper fit and alignment. The pediatric dentist ensures the dental crown covers the entire tooth without interfering with the bite or adjacent teeth.
- Cementation and crown seating: Dental cement is applied to the inside of the crown, which is then seated over the prepared tooth. Excess cement is cleaned away, and the crown is held in place until the cement sets.
- Post-procedure care: Parents are given instructions on maintaining their child’s new dental crown. A proper oral care routine plays a crucial role in the longevity of the stainless steel crown and the health of the adjacent teeth and gums.
How to Care for Your Child’s Teeth?
Caring for your child’s teeth is essential for their overall health and well-being. Start by establishing a consistent oral care routine early on.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to floss daily to remove food particles and plaque buildup. Monitor their brushing until they can do it effectively on their own, typically around the age of 6 or 7, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).
Additionally, ensure your child visits the pediatric dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings, typically every six months. During these dental office visits, the pediatric dentist can assess your child’s oral health, provide preventive treatments like fluoride applications or dental sealants, and address any concerns or issues promptly.
Alongside proper oral hygiene and dental visits, promote healthy eating habits by limiting sugary snacks and drinks, as these can contribute to tooth decay.
Encourage your child to drink plenty of water and consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods to support strong and healthy teeth.
Conclusion
Primary teeth are necessary for proper chewing, which is important for general health. They also help develop a good bite and prevent the need for braces later on in life. That is why it is important to restore your child’s decayed and fractured teeth.
A prefabricated stainless steel crown is a practical, cost-effective option for preserving your child’s primary molars. They come in different sizes and can be customized for any tooth. The procedure is very simple and usually requires one visit to the dentist. Visit your dentist to see if the prefabricated stainless steel crowns are suitable for your child’s molars.
