Need a great kids’ dentist near Puyallup, Sumner, or Tacoma? Our friend and sponsor Dr.Sakai of Just for Kids Dentistry has an office on convenient River Road, and he and his staff are currently welcoming new patients, including first timers and kiddos with special needs.
Today’s Toothy Tuesday addresses the issue of crowns for children’s teeth.
Q: When Are Crowns Used In Primary Teeth?
A:
A crown is a cover placed over the entire tooth that is made to look like a tooth. It is used for teeth that are badly damaged or decayed. Many people call this a “cap.” In children, crowns are used several reasons.
It’s important to try to save primary teeth until they are ready to fall out on their own. Primary teeth are important
for several reasons:
- Chewing food
- Allowing speech to develop normally
- Maintaining spaces for the permanent teeth
- Guiding the permanent teeth into position
A cap is one way to treat severe tooth decay. If decayed primary teeth are not treated, the infection can spread in
the mouth. Pain and infection can lead to other health problems as well.
Molars
Molars are the teeth in the back of the mouth. They are used primarily for chewing. There are eight primary
molars. Dentists will use a crown on children’s primary molars in several cases:
- When a primary or young permanent tooth has extensive decay, often on three or more surfaces
- When a filling would be very large, because large fillings can weaken the tooth and make it more likely to
- break
- When a primary tooth has not developed normally
- When a child with high levels of decay is also disabled or has poor oral hygiene habits. In this case, the
- crown will protect the tooth from further decay.
Featuring Consumer Information From the Colombia University College of Dental Medicine
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with provided content. If you are looking for a dentist for your child, Dr. Sakai would be glad to meet with you and give you a tour of his office. You can also schedule your visit online! Thank you for letting his staff know you found them on Sounds Fun Mom!
We love Dr. Sakai! My daughter had to have extensive dental work due to a medical condition. He was our second opinion and opted for a less invasive plan than the previous dentist who wanted her to be put under anesthesia at the children’s hospital. She did great and keeps asking when she can go back to the dentist.
I highly recommend Just for Kids!