Dental crowns can be made from many materials, such as porcelain, porcelain-over-metal, metal alloy, gold or stainless steel. Tooth-colored crowns, such as those made from porcelain, resin or porcelain-over-metal, are usually quite popular because they can blend with the other natural teeth in the patient's mouth. However, stainless steel crowns are also regularly used. Here are a few reasons why:
Cavities in Primary Teeth
When a cavity develops in a primary tooth, it may be filled using dental composite material or amalgam. However, if a cavity is too large to support the use of amalgam, it may be severe enough to necessitate the use of a dental crown. Because the primary tooth will eventually be shed, it is often best to use an inexpensive crown that can be placed quickly.
Broken or Chipped Primary Teeth
Stainless steel crowns can be applied to primary teeth that are broken or chipped to ensure that the structural integrity of the damaged tooth is properly supported.
Pulpectomy in Primary Tooth
Primary teeth that require a pulpectomy, which is the removal of the pulp inside of the tooth, may also be covered with a stainless steel crown. The pulp of the tooth is the area of the tooth in which the dental nerves and blood vessels our house.
Single Visits for Impatient Kids
Stainless crowns can be applied during a single dental visit. Thus, a young child does not have to endure any unnecessary discomfort or return for a subsequent visit shortly after the first appointment.
Tight Budgets
For people who are on a tight budget, stainless steel crowns can be more suitable based on their financial means. The crown still provides great protection to a compromised tooth. In addition, stainless steel crowns are not very damaging to adjacent teeth.
Back Molars
Certain types of crowns, such as porcelain, may not fit snugly over a back molar due to gaps between the construction of the crown and the many contours of a back tooth. However, a stainless steel crown can be molded to fit snugly over the molar due to the crown's pliability.
In addition, since a molar is in the back of the mouth, it is not seen when a person smiles or speaks. Thus, if the crown applied to a back molar is not tooth-colored, it matters little.
If you believe that you will benefit from the application of a dental crown, contact Comfort Dental or a similar location.
Share3 March 2016
Toddlers should see a dentist for the first time by the age of twelve months or by the time their first tooth comes in. But if you are a parent with toddlers anything like mine, the prospect of going to the dentist (let alone anywhere!) can be pretty intimidating. My kids were a handful growing up. They had tantrums any time we would have to sit in a waiting room, and they refused to get in the dentist's chair during their first few visits. So, I had to employ a professional to help me make the transition to finally getting them in that dental chair without all the screaming and crying. I know I'm not the only parent in this situation, so I decided to share the information I've learned with others who can use a little help. You can find all my advice right here on these pages!