How A Stainless Steel Crown Can Save A Baby Tooth

Although baby teeth don’t stick around forever, the truth is that these little chompers need to be functional for quite a few years. The first tooth appears around six months, per the American Dental Association (ADA), and by ages two to three, all 20 baby teeth will have erupted. Although children begin to lose a few baby teeth by about six, they won't lose their baby molars until age 12 or 13. So keeping these teeth healthy until they fall out naturally helps the permanent teeth grow into their proper position, reducing the chances that they'll need extensive orthodontic treatment later.

Beyond their size, baby teeth are a bit different than permanent teeth in that the enamel layer isn't as thick, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the inner pulp portion – which consists of blood vessels and nerves – is larger and much nearer to the surface. Decay can therefore spread through the enamel and affect the pulp much more quickly than in a permanent tooth. For this reason, at the first sign of a small cavity, your dentist will want to repair it with a filling and avoid the need for more complex treatment.

When a baby tooth is extensively decayed and using other filling materials isn't likely to be successful, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends restoring the tooth with a stainless steel crown, especially if the tooth has received pulpal therapy. After removing the decay, your dentist will fit and cement a prefabricated crown made of stainless steel over the tooth. Here are some advantages of stainless steel crowns:

• Durable and inexpensive.
• Full coverage protection for the tooth.
• Very little sensitivity.
• Less likely to need retreatment.
• More successful than metal fillings in children under four years old.
• Good choice for children who need general anesthesia.
• Can serve as an attachment for a space maintainer.

If the pulp of the tooth is involved, the dentist may also need to perform pulpal therapy before placing the crown. But rest assured it is quite common, even for young permanent teeth.

Although tooth decay is preventable, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that between 60 and 90 percent of school-aged children globally suffer from cavities requiring treatment. As a parent, however, there's a lot you can do to keep your child from ever needing a stainless steel crown.

The first is to engage in prevention immediately. When you're home from the hospital, begin cleaning your newborn's gums after feedings with a wet gauze or washcloth. As teeth appear over time, continue cleaning with a gauze before graduating to Colgate® My First® Toothbrush. And to avoid baby bottle decay, never put your baby to bed with a bottle or fill it with sugary drinks or juices.

Brush your child's teeth twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the tooth enamel. The ADA recommends brushing with a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice for children under age three, and using a pea-sized amount for children three to six years old. Just make sure they don't swallow it! When your child has two teeth that are touching, you can begin regularly flossing, too.

Schedule your child's first dental visit when the first tooth erupts, or by no later than their first birthday. The ADA strongly suggests children see a dentist no later than this milestone. With regular check-up visits, your dentist can continually evaluate your child's need for fluoride supplements, in-office fluoride treatments, sealants and possible orthodontic referrals.

Children inspire you to keep their teeth as healthy and as bright as your own. But if one of your child's teeth requires a stainless steel crown, remember it's a good option for the health of your child, their baby tooth and the permanent tooth underneath.

When might a child need a stainless steel crown for their baby tooth?

A stainless steel crown might be recommended if your child has a baby tooth that is too decayed for other restoration methods, e.g. fillings. 

Is the installation procedure painful for children?

A stainless steel crown can be fitted without the use of local anesthesia, which means no needles! While the procedure shouldn’t be painful, the dentist might need to place a lot of pressure on the teeth and gums, which can be uncomfortable. Your child might have a little tenderness and tooth sensitivity in the days after, but this should subside quickly. 

Can children eat normally with a stainless steel crown?

In the first 24 hours after a stainless steel crown, your child should chew on the other side from the crown. It may be more comfortable for your child to eat soft foods like yogurt while the tenderness subsides. After that, your child can resume their normal diet. 

How long do stainless steel crowns typically last on baby teeth?

Stainless steel crowns are very durable and should last until the baby tooth falls out. However, in rare cases, a stainless steel crown may need to be replaced after a couple of years if it wears down. 

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.