Restorative dental services make up a large part of our practice. From damage caused by dental injuries to the development of dental caries, restorations are a common necessity for many people, including children. As with all of our other services, our team at Smiley Tooth Pediatric Dental Specialists provides a welcoming and nurturing environment for all of our patients with an emphasis on comfort. We utilize the latest techniques and protocols to ensure efficient and effective treatment so that children have positive experiences during and after their procedures. When performing restorations, we focus on restoring oral function and the quality of life.
When Restorations are Necessary
Teeth are not capable of self-healing and therefore, permanent damage to a tooth caused by a chip, crack or cavity can lead to the need for an extraction if professional treatment is not performed quickly enough. When a tooth is damaged beyond what a filling can fix, more extensive restorations like dental crowns and endodontic therapy such as a pulpotomy might be needed. Having restorative dental work done in a timely manner means that patients can retain their biological teeth, which is normally ideal for promoting healthy occlusions, oral function and orthodontic progress.
Understanding Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are restorations that protect the entire tooth structure above the surface of the gum line. A crown is a restoration that covers a tooth completely after caries excavation due to deep decay or malformed tooth structure. To ensure that a crown fits properly, the dentist takes great care to place a crown that has a snug fit over the tooth.
Pulpotomy Procedures
Inside the tooth there is a chamber-like section that contains a vital cellular substance called dental pulp. For children, part of the pulp chamber is necessary for the development of a tooth. Unfortunately, severe cavities or a cracked tooth can expose the pulp chamber to debris and bacteria. If the pulp chamber becomes infected, it can ultimately reach the nerve of the tooth and lead to an abscess.
When a patient has a tooth that has signs of infection in the pulp chamber, our dentist will perform a pulpotomy. This procedure removes a portion of the diseased pulp chamber before the infection spreads to the root of the tooth. Once the infected portion of the pulp chamber is removed, it is sealed to protect the internal, structural integrity of a tooth. Afterward, a dental crown is placed on the tooth to protect and rebuild external tooth structure.
When restorations such as dental crowns are necessary, you can count on our Dentists at Smiley Tooth Pediatric Dental Specialists to provide excellent oral care in a serene and welcoming setting for children. Call us today to reserve an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When a deep cavity has developed, sometimes the internal structure of the tooth needs to be removed to preserve the vitality of a tooth. When deciduous (baby) teeth have infected pulp chambers, a pulpotomy followed by a dental crown is necessary. A pulpotomy involves removing a portion of the pulp chamber in the crown of the tooth. This is done by removing dental caries and accessing the pulp chamber. The coronal (uppermost portion) part of the pulp chamber is excavated (cleaned) and sealed. This will protect the lower portion of the pulp chamber, which contains vital cellular material, and prevent the development of an abscess. A pulpotomy followed by the placement of a crown restores comfort and oral function while preventing the need for a tooth extraction.
Dental crowns are restorations that are used to restore the shape and size of a diseased or injured tooth. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap and it is permanently bonded over the outside of all a tooth’s structure above the gum line. Unlike a filling, which only treats a small area of decay on the biting surface of a tooth or its side, a crown covers the top and all sides of a tooth. Dental crowns are necessary when a tooth is severely worn down or has been affected by advanced tooth decay that has reached the internal structure of a tooth. Once a crown is placed, a child will be able to enjoy proper oral function while the restoration protects biological tooth structure.
Most dental insurers do cover the cost of restorations but the amount of coverage provided depends on the carrier and the plan. Some insurers may cover the entire cost of the crown after the deductible while others will cover a percentage of the restoration’s cost. For questions about payment and billing, speak to a member of our front desk personnel. As a courtesy, we will file insurance claims on your behalf. We can help you understand your dental coverage as well.