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Do Caps Go on Baby Teeth?

Published in Pediatric Dental Crowns 3 mins read

Yes, dental caps, also known as dental crowns, are indeed used on baby teeth when necessary. They play a crucial role in pediatric dentistry to restore and protect primary (baby) teeth that have been significantly damaged.

Why Are Crowns Used on Baby Teeth?

Dental crowns are a common treatment option for children, particularly when a baby tooth has extensive decay or damage that a regular dental filling cannot effectively repair. According to dental guidelines, if a child has multiple cavities on a tooth or a large cavity that cannot be repaired with a dental filling, a dental crown is the best option for treating this. The primary goal is to save the tooth, prevent further decay, maintain the space for permanent teeth to erupt correctly, and avoid premature tooth loss.

Key reasons for placing crowns on baby teeth include:

  • Extensive Cavities: When decay is too large or widespread for a standard filling.
  • Multiple Cavities: If a single tooth has several cavities.
  • After Pulp Treatment: Often used to protect a tooth that has undergone nerve treatment (pulpotomy or pulpectomy).
  • Developmental Defects: To restore teeth with weak enamel or structural abnormalities.
  • Trauma: To protect a tooth that has been injured or fractured.

Types of Dental Crowns for Baby Teeth

The type of crown used depends on the tooth's location and specific needs.

Crown Type Common Use Appearance
Stainless-Steel Crowns Back baby teeth (molars) Silver/metallic
Tooth-Colored Crowns Front baby teeth (incisors and canines) Blends with natural teeth

As stated in pediatric dental practices, stainless-steel crowns are usually used for baby teeth at the back, while tooth-colored crowns are used for front-row teeth. Stainless-steel crowns are durable, cost-effective, and provide full coverage protection, making them ideal for the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Tooth-colored options, like those made from zirconia or composite resin, are preferred for front teeth where aesthetics are a concern.

The Crown Placement Process

The process of placing a crown on a baby tooth is generally straightforward and can often be completed in a single visit. The pediatric dentist will:

  1. Numb the area around the tooth.
  2. Remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth.
  3. Shape the tooth to fit the crown.
  4. Cement the pre-made crown onto the tooth.

Placing a crown helps restore the tooth's function and maintains its position in the dental arch until it's naturally replaced by a permanent tooth. This ensures proper chewing, speech development, and alignment for the erupting adult teeth.