What are dental crowns

Dental Crowns, known commonly as crowns or caps, are used to restore the structure and integrity of a tooth. Dental crowns are common in adults, but sometimes children need dental crowns, too! If a cavity damages a significant portion of a primary tooth, or if a patient is very young and filling might not last until the adult tooth comes in, we recommend the use of a dental crown. At Smile Wright Dental, we make custom, made-to-fit crowns that start at the gum line to restore your child’s tooth to its original shape and size. Most people choose porcelain crowns because they match the color and look of real teeth, but crowns come in other materials, including gold and metal. Our dentists will help you choose the right crown for your child.

What are some reasons for dental crowns?

Aside from being an alternative to filling a cavity, dental crowns can be used for many other reasons, both periodontal and cosmetic, including:

• To protect a tooth after a root canal
• To anchor and attach a dental bridge
• To cover a dental implant
• To strengthen a fractured or weak tooth
• To support a large filling
• To improve the look of a misshapen tooth

What is involved with a dental crown procedure?

Just like with our other dentistry procedures, our priority is to make your child as comfortable as possible during their dental crown procedure. Once we completely numb their mouth using local anesthesia, all of the affected tooth areas are removed and cleaned to ensure there is no tooth decay left. The remaining surface is prepared so the crown will stay in place. Our dentist will then cement the custom crown in the proper place.

What should my child do after their dental crown procedure?

Your child might experience some mild discomfort and gum irritation immediately following their dental crown procedure. This is nothing to be concerned about. In the first few days after their procedure, your child should stick to soft foods, avoiding anything hard or sticky like whole apples, popcorn, or hard candy. Hard or sticky food can dislodge the crown, and popcorn and chips can get stuck underneath the crown. In both of those situations, the dental crown would need to be removed and replaced. While it may be uncomfortable at first, it’s important to continue a good oral health care routine after a dental crown procedure, including flossing and brushing at least twice a day. This will prevent further irritation and even infection after the procedure.

Call Smile Wright Dental in Xenia, Ohio, to learn more about our dental crown procedures and to set up an appointment.