Dental Crowns in Roanoke

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped coverings that are cemented to the tooth in order to restore the tooth’s original shape and function. A crown may be needed if a baby tooth has large cavities, breaks, or if a pulpotomy is performed on the tooth.

Large cavities caused by severe decay or fractured teeth may not be able to be repaired because we may risk the filling falling out or wearing out over time. This will only lead to the need for additional dental procedures in the future. A crown will be durable and last until your child’s baby tooth is ready to fall out on its own.

It is Important to Restore Baby Teeth

Whenever possible, it is important to restore baby teeth. Children typically begin losing teeth around the age of six, however, molars typically don’t fall out until the age of 12. We want to work to repair your child’s baby teeth until they can fall out naturally in order to reduce the chance of permanent teeth erupting improperly, thereby preventing the need for future orthodontic treatment when possible.

While it is important to save primary teeth whenever possible, it is also important to prevent tooth decay from spreading. The enamel of baby teeth is much thinner than it is on permanent teeth, which allows decay to spread more rapidly between the teeth. A crown can repair the tooth, and prevent decay or infection from spreading.

A dental crown to repair a damaged baby tooth is important because:

  • Baby teeth act as space holders for permanent teeth.
  • Baby teeth guide the next permanent teeth into their correct spaces.
  • Baby teeth help your child speak and chew properly.

Depending on where in the mouth the crown is needed, there are different types of crowns that can be used.

  • Stainless steel crowns are the most durable and are best used on the molars where the most chewing occurs. They are durable and cost-effective.
  • Composite crowns can be used on the front teeth as they will blend in better with the natural color of the teeth.
  • Polycarbonate crowns cost less than other options and can also be used on the front teeth, however, they are not as durable and are more of a temporary solution.
  • Resin veneers are the most expensive option, but combine the durability of stainless steel with the aesthetics of resin facing. They can be used on front or back teeth.
  • Zirconia ceramic can be used on the front or back teeth and is known for both its durability and aesthetic quality. However, it can be difficult to get a perfect fit for your child’s tooth.

Dental Crowns Procedure

During the crown procedure, the dentist will start by using a numbing gel to numb the area around the tooth. Once the area is numb, the dentist will inject a local anesthetic to ensure the entire tooth area is numb. Then the dentist will use a dental dam, which is a piece of latex or similar material that is used to isolate only the tooth that is being treated. Any decay will be removed and the tooth will be shaped in order to fit the crown. Crowns for primary teeth can typically be placed in only one visit.

Occasionally your child may experience a bit of discomfort for up to 24 hours after the crown procedure. This is due to the irritation of the gums and soft tissue of the tooth during the procedure. An over-the-counter pain reliever can be used. If the pain lasts longer than 24 hours, please call our office. We recommend your child avoid eating until the numbness has worn off, in order to prevent biting of the lip or cheek.

FAQ’s

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are essentially coverings for a damaged tooth to restore the tooth to its original shape, size and function. The crown is cemented to the tooth to allow the tooth to continue to work properly. This ensures the tooth can remain in place until it is ready to fall out on its own.

Why are dental crowns important?

Your child’s dentist may recommend a crown when it is necessary to restore or repair a tooth that has been damaged due to a large cavity, broken tooth, or an improperly developed baby tooth. Dental crowns can preserve the baby tooth, ensuring your child can speak and eat properly, and permanent teeth can erupt correctly.

How does the dental crown procedure work?

Your child’s tooth will be numbed and a dental dam will be placed to keep the area dry. Our dentists will work to remove any decay present in the tooth and shape the tooth to fit the crown.

How long does a dental crown last?

Your child’s dental crown should last until the tooth is ready to come out on its own.

Can I get a cavity under a crown?

It is possible to get a cavity under a crown. If this happens, it is important to address the situation before it can cause pain or discomfort for your child. The old crown will be removed, the cavity will be treated and then a new crown will be fit for your child.

Treatment Options