Cavities are extremely common. In fact, almost 60% of children in the U.S. develop them. But when cavities are left untreated, they can lead to even bigger problems, including tooth loss. Dental crowns can help protect a damaged tooth. We offer dental crowns at Helotes Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. Here's how you can tell if your child needs one.
What are cavities?
Cavities are small pockets of decay that cause small holes in the enamel, or hard outer layer, of the tooth. When detected early, cavities can usually be eliminated with dental fillings. This fills the hole with a tooth-like substance to avoid any infection from spreading in the tooth. But if cavities are not treated soon enough, the decay will spread throughout the tooth. In this case, specialized treatment is required to salvage its healthy parts.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-like caps that cover a tooth to help it heal and strengthen over time. They can be used on baby teeth and permanent teeth alike. This makes them a great solution for pediatric patients who are experiencing decay or trauma.
Dental crowns & baby teeth
Even though baby teeth are temporary, they play a vital role in a child’s oral health development. Baby teeth not only help a child eat and talk in their early years, but they also create space for healthy adult teeth to emerge. When baby teeth are lost prematurely due to decay and injury, it can create spacing issues, bite issues, and jaw development issues. If your child is experiencing tooth decay or has sustained an injury affecting a baby tooth, they may be a candidate for a dental crown.
Tooth restoration for children
At Helotes Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we offer realistic tooth-colored crowns that blend in with your child’s smile! We will develop a custom treatment plan that will help get your child's oral health on track. The dental crown process is a quick and painless one. And it's much preferred to what your child would experience if you avoid getting them the treatment they need. For nervous patients, we offer a variety of sedation options to help them feel at ease during their treatment.
Affordable pediatric dentistry in San Antonio, TX
Taking your child to twice yearly dental appointments for professional cleanings and examinations can help catch cavities early on and avoid the need for dental crowns altogether. Regardless of the state of your child’s smile, we pride ourselves on offering affordable, professional service. Contact us to schedule an appointment!
Contact Helotes Pediatric Dentistry Today!