Crowns

Stainless Steel Crown:
A stainless steel crown is a silver crown placed on back or front teeth. This type of restoration is often required when a cavity is very large and a significant portion of the tooth has been destroyed or must be removed. Stainless steel crowns are also placed on teeth following pulpal therapy (described below) or when multiple surfaces of a tooth have cavities. Stainless steel crowns are prefabricated and placed in a single visit. They cover the entire crown of the tooth and remain in place until the tooth is naturally lost. The benefits of stainless steel crowns include improved durability and resistance to biting forces, and they decrease the risk of new cavity formation on the tooth. The dentist may also recommend a stainless steel crown if your child has a high risk of cavity development.

Stainless Steel Crown Post-Operative Instructions:
The placement of a stainless steel crown requires local anesthetic (numbing). Please follow the local anesthetic post-operative instructions described above. Once home from the appointment, your child may require a dose of an over-the-counter pain medication, such as Motrin or Tylenol. Please follow the dosing instructions on the package, and contact the dentist if the pain does not resolve or worsens. Your child may need a day or two to adjust to the crown. Typically, children adapt to the texture and bite within a few days and return to normal eating and activity quickly. It’s important to avoid sticky foods, candy, and gum for the duration of the crown. Sticky and hard foods can pull the crown off the tooth, resulting in sensitivity and requiring repair. A stainless steel crown should be brushed and flossed like a natural tooth, and are more

NuSmile/White Crown:

NuSmile crowns are white crowns that have a silver coping. The white/composite material is baked onto the silver coping. Crowns are required when a cavity is very large and a significant portion of the tooth has been destroyed or must be removed. Crowns are also placed on teeth following pulp therapy (described below). NuSmile crowns cover the entire visible surface of the tooth and remain in place until the tooth is naturally lost. Although crowns can be placed in a single visit, their placement is extremely technique sensitive and requires a compliant, still child. Therefore, the dentists may recommend medication to help relax your child when NuSmile crowns are placed. The white/composite material can chip/fracture due to how the crowns are made, so extra caution should be taken to avoid sticky/crunchy/hard foods/snacks to minimize this occurrence.

NuSmile/White Crown Post-Operative Instructions:
The placement of a NuSmile crown requires local anesthetic (numbing). Please follow the local anesthetic post-operative instructions described above. Once home from the appointment, your child may require a dose of an over-the-counter pain medication, such as Motrin or Tylenol. Please follow the dosing instructions on the package, and contact the dentist if the pain does not resolve or worsens. Your child may need a day or two to adjust to the crown. Typically, children adapt quickly and return to normal eating and activity quickly. Composite crowns on front teeth are more prone to chipping and cracking. Therefore, it’s important to assist your child in cutting hard foods (carrots, apples, corn-on-the-cob, etc.) into smaller pieces that can be placed on back teeth. It is also important to limit your child’s intake of foods and drinks that may cause staining. A composite crown should be brushed and flossed like a natural tooth.