Our specialist paediatric dentists may recommend dental crowns for children in several specific situations where conventional fillings aren't sufficient.
Understanding Dental Crowns in Geelong
Dental crowns are often recommended when a primary (baby) tooth has extensive decay that affects multiple surfaces or a large portion of the tooth. While we always aim to use the most conservative treatment possible, sometimes a crown provides better protection and durability for a severely damaged tooth that still needs to remain in place for several years.
For children who have undergone pulp therapy (similar to a root canal in adults), a crown is typically necessary to protect the remaining tooth structure. Without this reinforcement, the tooth becomes brittle and susceptible to fracture during normal chewing and biting.
Children with developmental defects of their enamel may benefit from crowns to protect teeth that are naturally weaker or more prone to decay. Similarly, teeth that are fractured due to trauma often require crowns to restore both function and appearance.
For children at high risk of dental caries, particularly those with special needs or medical conditions that make oral hygiene challenging, crowns may be a preventive measure for teeth at significant risk of decay.
Dental Crowns in Hoppers Crossing for Your Child's Needs
At our practices, we typically use stainless steel crowns for back teeth due to their exceptional durability and reliability. For front teeth where aesthetics are important, we offer tooth-coloured options.
The decision to place a crown is always made in consultation with parents after a thorough examination and discussion of all available options. We consider factors such as the child's age, cooperation level, remaining development time of the affected tooth and overall oral health needs.
While crowns require more extensive preparation than fillings, they often represent the most cost-effective and successful long-term solution for severely compromised primary teeth, helping to maintain proper spacing for permanent teeth and supporting healthy oral development.