- Stainless steel crowns are a durable, preformed covering for children’s primary (baby) molars that have significant decay or damage, helping to preserve the tooth’s structure until the permanent tooth comes in. They are a common, long-lasting, and affordable choice that is stronger and more reliable than large fillings, though they are not typically used on front teeth due to aesthetics. The placement is a quick procedure that often requires no drilling if the cavity is large, and aftercare involves good oral hygiene and avoiding sticky foods.
What They Are
- Preformed Caps: Stainless steel crowns are pre-made metal caps that fit over a damaged tooth.
- Durable and Strong: They are designed to withstand biting and chewing forces, making them ideal for molars that have to handle heavy use.
- Long-Lasting: They are resistant to corrosion and are a very durable restoration for primary teeth.
When They Are Recommended
- Severe Decay: When a child has cavities on multiple surfaces of a tooth or a high risk for decay.
- Large Cavities: They are a better option than large fillings for severely damaged teeth.
- Protecting Weak Enamel: They can seal a tooth with weak enamel or after a root canal.
- To Prevent Premature Loss: They help prevent the premature loss of baby teeth, which can cause spacing problems for the permanent teeth that follow.
How They Are Placed
- No Drilling Is Often Needed: For very large cavities, dentists can often just remove the decay and place the crown without drilling the tooth down significantly.
- Procedure: The dentist prepares the tooth, chooses a crown of the right size, and cements it in place using dental adhesive.
- Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is typically used to ensure the child doesn’t feel pain, though some techniques may avoid injections for certain cases.
Aftercare
- Brushing and Flossing: Continue regular brushing and flossing, and be sure to clean around the crown to prevent plaque buildup.
- Avoid Sticky Foods: Chewy candies and gum can potentially dislodge the crown.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Follow up with your dentist for routine visits to monitor the crown and the child’s overall oral health.
