When it comes to repairing a damaged or missing tooth, there are two common options that patients are offered: dental crowns and implants. Both solutions offer their own unique advantages, but you’ll likely be left wondering if either of them is even an option for your child.
That’s why we’re here today to help you make the most informed decision possible!
Let’s start by comparing the two options and then discussing whether or not they are viable pediatric options:
Considering Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a popular option for restoring damaged or missing teeth. They are also known as “caps” and are essentially a type of artificial restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line.
Additionally, according to Colgate, crowns are made from a variety of materials including…
- Ceramic
- Zirconia
- Metal
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)
- And more
Crowns are designed to fit over the natural tooth. They offer a number of advantages compared to other dental treatments, including the ability to restore structure and function to a tooth and protect it from further damage or decay.
Investigating Dental Implants
Implants, on the other hand, are an artificial replacement for missing teeth made of titanium posts that are fused into the jawbone. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA), implants are also particularly used for aging populations.
Dental implants are a great option for treating damaged or missing teeth, as they offer a range of benefits over traditional crowns. For starters, implants are much more durable than traditional crowns and last longer — typically up to 25 years with proper care.
Additionally, implant-supported prosthetics look and feel more natural than those supported by crowns, and they don’t require any special maintenance after they are placed.
Would These Be Suitable for My Child?
Simply put, children should not have dental crowns or implants as they are too young. This is because children’s teeth grow and develop differently than adult teeth, so it is important that they visit the dentist regularly to check for any problems with their teeth.
Additionally, with regard to dental implants in specific, jaw growth is paramount. If a child gets an implant before their jaw is done growing, it could ultimately impede the overall growth of the bone, as well as impact other teeth as they erupt with age.
That being said, if any issues do arise with your child’s teeth, your trusted pediatric dentist will be able to appropriately recommend treatment like fillings or braces. And who better to trust than the award-winning team of board-certified pediatric dentists here at Setzer, Cochran, and Soares Pediatric Dentistry?
Our team has decades’ worth of combined experience working with children in oral hygiene, orthodontics, and more!
So, are you ready to schedule your child with locally-trusted pediatric professionals? Then it’s time to contact Setzer, Cochran, and Soares Pediatric Dentistry! Call us today at (904) 733-7254 to get started.