When your child starts to complain about a toothache, you think it must be a cavity. Don’t worry! About half of children have had at least one cavity before they turn 11. Based on your own experiences with dental work, this situation will likely require one of two restorations: a dental crown or filling. But what exactly sets these two apart, and when is each one used for a child? Keep reading to find out.
What’s the Difference Between a Dental Crown and a Filling?
Although both are valuable dental restorations that can repair teeth following tooth decay or damage, crowns and fillings are actually quite different from each other. Made of porcelain or porcelain fused to metal, a dental crown surrounds the entire tooth. Before receiving a crown, the outside layer of the tooth must be reduced and prepared to make room for the restoration. Crowns are exceptionally durable and are often crafted to look just like real teeth, especially for more visible front teeth.
A filling consists of composite resin, a compound of dental plastic and fine ceramic particles, and only substitutes for a small area of lost enamel. This material starts as a putty-like substance that is colored to match the rest of the tooth. With some sculpting and a curing light, the composite resin assumes a more natural form and completes the tooth after a minor cavity.
When Should My Child Get a Dental Crown?
Compared to a filling, a dental crown is far more extensive in its repair. As a result, it is usually reserved for teeth that have suffered more advanced injury or decay. In fact, this restoration is often used following root canal treatment on permanent teeth or even pulp therapy on baby teeth. These procedures involve going deeper into the tooth and prevent the need for extraction or premature loss. While preserving most of the structure, the crown acts as an exterior shield, blocking oral bacteria from infecting the vulnerable tooth inside.
When Should My Child Get a Dental Filling?
When it comes to dental health, less is often more, and your pediatric dentist will try to use the most conservative treatment possible. If your child has only a small cavity, they probably don’t need to have an entire crown put over the tooth. A filling allows your child to keep more of their healthy, natural structure. Also, this restoration helps them have confidence in their oral health and smile.
When you bring your child in to have their toothache examined, your pediatric dentist will discuss which restoration would be most appropriate to complete the tooth again. In either case, your child can get back to smiling with a functional, beautiful restoration.
About the Practice
Dr. Patrick Bowman and Dr. Kathleen Waguespack practice pediatric dentistry at Wash Park Pediatric Dentistry in Denver, CO. Board-certified and highly trained, they each bring decades of experience treating young patients from infants to 18-year-olds. At every appointment, they strive to help patients and their families feel comfortable. If your child needs a dental appointment, reach out to us online or call our office at 720-647-6310.