Why Is a Baby Dental Crown Needed After a Root Canal on a Baby Tooth?

If your child has a root canal, the dentist will likely place a baby dental crown on the tooth. A root canal treatment should be completed with this step, just like an adult would have. This will protect the tooth from further damage. Keep reading to learn why this is done for children.

About root canals for children

The pediatric dentist might have more options for the child’s treatment. This is based on how severe the damage to the child’s nerve or pulp is. For example, if the tooth is a primary tooth but is not loose, then the root canal will be performed. However, if it is ready to come out anyway, the dentist might just remove it for the child.

Importance of saving the primary teeth

There are several reasons why parents should choose to have the child’s primary teeth saved. It is impossible for the child to eat or chew properly with missing baby teeth. The baby teeth also hold a space for the permanent teeth to come through. The remaining teeth can also shift if the child loses the primary teeth too soon. That can prevent the permanent teeth from coming in properly and cause a poor bite.

Reasons for a root canal

If the child has damaged teeth from trauma, a root canal might be needed. An infection or deep decay are two other reasons for a root canal. Both the permanent teeth and the primary teeth can be treated. This is true even though a new permanent tooth may not have completely developed roots. The treatment will be based on what the patient needs.

One symptom that means a root canal is necessary is pain when the child bites down. Jaw swelling and temperature sensitivity are other symptoms. The dentist can do an X-ray to diagnose the child. The baby dental crown can prevent the tooth from fracturing.

Getting a baby dental crown

After the root canal procedure, the dentist must seal the tooth’s access point. A baby dental crown is used whether it is a permanent or a primary tooth. Often, the child will receive a stainless-steel crown. This crown can actually help to strengthen the child’s tooth.

Even when there is a baby dental crown on the primary tooth, it can still become loose when the time comes. The crown is only attached to the top of the tooth. When the tooth falls out, the crown and entire tooth will come out together. This will happen just as if the tooth was never treated.

Visit a dentist for a baby dental crown

Getting a baby dental crown for your child’s primary teeth should not be considered to be unnecessary. Even though the teeth will fall out at some point, the teeth are still necessary. Until then, their function is vitally important. The parent should help the child to care for the crowns the same way as for natural teeth. Both flossing and brushing are important things to do.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.

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