Dental crowns can have variable longevity depending on the material they are made of, their location in the mouth, and the condition of the tooth that they are covering. Stainless steel crowns are the strongest and most durable crowns, which is why they are the gold standard for pediatric dental crowns when a child has a decayed or damaged molar.
However, when children need a crown in the front of the mouth, a silver crown can cause aesthetic problems and insecurity with their smile. This is where tooth-colored crowns come in, typically made of ceramic, porcelain, or zirconia.
Porcelain and ceramic crowns are much less durable. They’re prone to chipping and cracking, which is why they are not recommended to be placed in the rear molars, which are used for chewing. The average lifespan of dental crowns is anywhere from 5-15 years.
Metal crowns have the longest lifespan, with zirconia having comparable longevity. While porcelain and ceramic crowns are very aesthetically pleasing and suitable for the front teeth, they will not last as long as stainless steel crowns.
However, if the crown is being placed on a baby tooth, it will naturally fall out anyway. You may opt for a silver crown to be placed in the front of the mouth temporarily, to ensure that they protect the health of their permanent tooth.
Yes, dental crowns can potentially be repaired depending on the material used and the extent of the damage. It’s common for crowns made of more fragile materials like porcelain or ceramic to chip or crack.
If minor damage like a chip occurs, dentists can typically repair it using resin. If a crown falls out, it can be re-cemented. However, if there is severe damage to the crown, we will need to assess the damage to determine if it can be repaired or if you will need an entirely new crown.
If your child needs a dental crown repaired, you should contact us right away and inform us of all the relevant details. If they suffered from dental trauma, ensure that they haven’t caused damage to the inside of their mouth, stop any bleeding, and control pain with anti-inflammatory pain medication.
Your child will need to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. They also need to floss between their teeth once a day to remove leftover food particles.
Regular dental cleanings and checkups every 6 months will remove plaque buildup that leads to cavities and the dentist will check on the condition of your child’s crowns. After receiving stainless steel crowns, your child will need to avoid sticky foods for the first 3-4 days, as the cement has not fully hardened yet.
It may also help reduce irritation if your child rinses their mouth a few times a day with a lukewarm saltwater solution. Tooth-colored crowns can suffer from discoloration over time so your child should reduce their consumption of staining foods and drinks like highly pigmented sauces, juices, and soda.
Schedule Your Child’s Crown Consultation!
If your child needs a pediatric dental crown, contact us at Big Picture Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jason Brock.
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