Preserving Childhood Smiles
At Pediatric Dentistry of Palo Alto, our mission is to ensure every child enjoys a healthy, beautiful smile through all stages of their growth. Despite the best efforts in home dental care, children can experience decay and injuries that compromise their primary teeth's integrity. In such cases, preserving these teeth becomes crucial until they are naturally replaced by permanent teeth. This is where pediatric dental crowns come into play, offering a reliable solution for restoring damaged teeth.
The Role of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns serve as a protective "cap" for a damaged tooth, effectively becoming the new outer surface above the gum line. They are particularly beneficial for teeth that are too damaged for fillings, providing both strength and aesthetic improvement. Crowns can be crafted from various materials, including porcelain for front teeth, due to its natural appearance, and metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) for back teeth, owing to their durability.
The process of fitting a crown involves taking an impression of your child's tooth to create a custom-fit crown in our lab. This ensures the restored tooth supports normal bite and jaw movements, an essential aspect of pediatric dentistry highlighted by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).
Stainless Steel and Zirconia Crowns
Stainless Steel Crowns: A tried-and-true option for primary teeth, stainless steel crowns are durable and can be placed in a single visit, making them an efficient temporary restoration until a permanent tooth emerges.
Zirconia Crowns: Crafted from zirconium dioxide, zirconia crowns offer superior strength and aesthetics. Their durability and minimal requirement for tooth reduction during placement make them an excellent choice for preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible.
Introducing EZCrowns™
Pediatric Dentistry of Palo Alto is proud to offer EZCrowns by Sprig Oral Health, the pioneering all-ceramic zirconia crowns designed specifically for children. These crowns are not only strong and durable but also aesthetically pleasing, ensuring they blend seamlessly with your child's natural teeth. EZCrowns stand out for their biocompatibility, eliminating the risk of allergic reactions associated with metal crowns, and their smooth, stain-resistant surface that mimics the appearance of natural teeth.
Commitment to Your Child's Smile
Choosing the right type of crown for your child involves considering both the functional and aesthetic needs. Dr. Adams and Dr. Jon at Pediatric Dentistry of Palo Alto are dedicated to providing personalized care that aligns with the highest standards of pediatric dentistry. Our practice, located at 325 Sharon Park Drive, Suite D3, Menlo Park, CA, is equipped to offer the latest advancements in dental restorations, including pediatric dental crowns.
To learn more about how dental crowns can benefit your child or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (650) 321-6448. Let us help restore your child's smile and confidence with the best dental care solutions available.
FAQs
Why would my child need a dental crown? A dental crown is recommended when a baby tooth has a large cavity, is cracked, or has had a baby root canal (pulpotomy). Crowns help protect the tooth, restore its function, and prevent further damage or infection until the tooth naturally falls out.
Are dental crowns safe for children? Yes, crowns used in pediatric dentistry are completely safe and designed specifically for children’s teeth. Our team uses biocompatible materials and ensures that the crown fits comfortably and functions just like a natural tooth.
What types of crowns do you offer for kids? We offer stainless steel crowns, which are durable and commonly used for back molars, and white zirconia crowns, which are tooth-colored and often chosen for front teeth to maintain a natural look.
Will my child feel any pain during the procedure? We make every effort to ensure your child is comfortable during their crown placement. We use gentle techniques, local anesthetic, and sedation options if needed, depending on your child’s comfort level and the extent of treatment.
Can a baby tooth with a crown still fall out naturally? Yes, a crown does not interfere with the natural process of the baby tooth falling out when it’s time. The crown simply protects the tooth in the meantime and helps maintain space for the adult tooth to come in properly.
