Why Dentists Use Stainless Steel Crowns For Primary Teeth
If your child has recently had a serious cavity, their dentist will likely treat the affected tooth with a root canal and a dental crown. During the treatment process for a pediatric cavity, the dentist removes the decay using a dental drill, fills the cavity to restore the missing pieces of tooth material, and covers the tooth with a dental crown. You may be surprised to find that, instead of a porcelain or porcelain-over-metal crown, the dentist may select a stainless steel crown for a primary tooth. Here are a few reasons why this may happen:
A stainless steel crown is less expensive.
A stainless steel crown does not cost as much as other types of crowns, such as porcelain crowns. The crowns are premade and do not require the added expense of fabrication in a dental laboratory. The dentist mechanically molds the crown around the compromised tooth.
Since a primary tooth is eventually lost, many parents may view spending a large amount of money on a tooth-colored crown as unnecessary.
A stainless steel crown is long-lasting.
Even though a stainless steel crown does not require the preparation needed for a porcelain crown, it is still long-lasting. Like other stainless steel products, a stainless steel crown is quite durable and can withstand large amounts of bite pressure. Once the dental crown is installed, it does not chip or wear away like its resin counterparts. Thus, even if your child will have the crown in place for several years, it should last without incidence.
A stainless steel crown is installed during a single dental appointment.
Porcelain and porcelain-over-metal crowns are usually installed in increments. A mold of the mouth is made. Then the mold is forwarded to a lab to guide the fabrication of the crown. After the crown is made, it must be sent back to the dental office for installation in the mouth. In the interim, a temporary crown may be worn.
With a stainless crown, the dentist applies the cap during a single appointment. Once it's molded into place, your child's tooth is supported and protected. This is definitely a benefit for small children who may have a difficult time enduring multiple dental visits to treat their tooth. Also, parents don't have to rearrange their schedule to accommodate multiple appointments.
To learn more about the use of stainless steel crowns in pediatric dentistry, consult a dentist in your area.
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