When teeth are significantly delayed or broken, they are at increased risk of enduring further damage. The good news is that dental crowns can be placed over compromised teeth to protect them into the future. This way, your child is much less likely to need an extraction or other invasive treatments. To get a dental crown, their tooth first needs to be prepared. Continue reading to learn about the different steps you can expect.
Remove Damage
The first step in the dental crown preparation process is removing the damaged portions of the tooth. The dentist will do so using dental tools. Their mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic beforehand, so they don’t need to worry about the procedure being painful. Removing any existing damage is necessary to support a strong, healthy crown.
Cleaning
Next, your child’s dentist will clean their tooth. In many cases, the removal of the damage and decay will result in empty spaces. These areas are susceptible to bacterial growth, so they need to be thoroughly cleaned out and disinfected.
Filling
Once a tooth has been sanitized, your child’s dentist will fill in any empty spaces with dental material. Today, tooth-colored composite resin is popular, but metal amalgam fillings are still used in some cases. By filling the tooth, they are reducing the risk of developing a new infection.
Smoothing
The final step in the preparation process is smoothing and polishing the surface of the tooth. Decayed and damaged teeth often have sharp edges. Dental instruments can be used to shave down certain spots. Your child shouldn’t feel any pain thanks to their local anesthetic.
Crown Placement
Impressions are taken of the prepared tooth and sent to the dental lab so your child’s restoration can be made. In the meantime, they will be given a temporary crown to keep their tooth safe and help them get used to how their new crown will feel. After a couple of weeks, you can return to the dental office to have their permanent crown adhered to their tooth. If everything looks and feels great, they will be good to go!
If your child needs a dental crown, now you know the exact process to expect. This way, their tooth can stay safe for many years down the road.
About the Author
Dr. Maria Murad earned her dental doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy and her specialty training in pediatric dentistry at the prestigious University of Texas Health Science Center. To learn more about dental crowns or to schedule an appointment for your child at her office in Pickering, visit her website or call (905) 995-6060.