Have you ever been told that your child needs a crown instead of a white filling or another type of tooth-colored restoration for one of their baby teeth? It’s a common concern among parents so today Dr. Jon is diving into the reasons why crowns may sometimes be the best option for maintaining your child’s oral health.
When examining a child’s mouth, pediatric dentists look out for several clinical indicators. One such indicator is cervical decalcification, which manifests as a band of early cavity formation around a tooth. Even if there’s no significant cavity present, a preformed metal crown—or a stainless steel crown—might still be the best option for the tooth’s longevity. It’s important to recognize that the best treatment isn’t always the most aesthetically pleasing one. Generally, dentists try to keep less aesthetic treatments to the back of the mouth except when clinically necessary.
Another scenario where crowns are often recommended is when a baby tooth has multiple caries (cavity) lesions. If a child has cavities in different areas of the same tooth, research indicates that a multi-surface intracoronal white filling doesn’t hold up as well as a stainless steel crown. Crowns are designed to offer superior durability, ensuring that the tooth remains protected for as long as possible.
Developmental defects in enamel, such as enamel hypoplasia or enamel hypocalcification, also play a significant role when deciding between a filling and a crown. These defects can make it difficult for restorations to adhere reliably to the tooth. The best restoration option for teeth with such defects is a stainless steel crown, which provides greater stability and protection.
Furthermore, a technical yet crucial indicator involves cavities that extend beyond what dentists call line angles. Think of a tooth shaped like a cube, with multiple faces. If a cavity stretches from one face of this cube to another, the literature suggests that a stainless steel crown is the best option. This is because it offers better durability compared to a large white filling that spans multiple surfaces.
Dr. Jon emphasizes that these clinical indicators help pediatric dentists determine the best treatment strategy for each child. By adhering to the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, dentists aim to provide restorations that will last and serve the child well into the future. While it can be tempting to opt for more aesthetically pleasing treatments, the primary goal is to ensure the long-term health and functionality of the tooth!
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