Restorative & Preventive

Restorative

Crowns are a restorative procedure used to improve a tooth’s shape or to strengthen a tooth. Crowns are most often used if your child has a tooth that is broken, worn, or damaged by tooth decay, and too damaged to hold a filling.

A crown is a “cap” cemented onto an existing tooth that usually covers the portion of the tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes the tooth’s new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred on the front teeth because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth, while metal or a porcelain-fused metal (PFM) crowns are best on back teeth because of their strength.

Unlike fillings, which are applied directly onto your child’s tooth, a crown is fabricated in our lab and is based on an impression taken of your child’s mouth. We sculpt each crown for your child so that his or her bite and jaw movements function normally once the crown is placed.

Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless steel dental crowns are considered a good temporary restoration to save a primary tooth until the permanent tooth can erupt and take its place. Keeping the primary tooth if at all possible is very important. A primary tooth can be restored with a stainless steel crown during one appointment.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia dental crowns are made from zirconium dioxide, a white powdered ceramic material. When milled from a solid block, zirconia is more durable and stronger than other types of ceramic crowns. The smoothness of zirconia also minimizes wear and tear on the adjacent teeth.

The strength of zirconia not only helps it last longer, it also means the crown can be thinner than a traditional crown and require less removal of the healthy tooth structure below it for placement. It is always best to keep as much natural tooth as possible, both for longevity of the crown and the tooth itself.

EZCrowns™ All-Ceramic Zirconia Crowns

EZCrowns by Sprig Oral Health are the world’s first tooth-colored, prefabricated zirconia crowns especially designed for children’s primary teeth. They are created from a solid block of zirconia, much like highly aesthetic crowns made for adults.

• Safe: EZCrowns are 100% biocompatible—free of all metals, including nickel, which is commonly used in stainless steel crowns—to eliminate adverse allergic reactions or side effects.
• Aesthetic: EZCrowns have a realistic color that allows them to visually blend in with surrounding natural teeth. Each crown is glazed with a hint of natural color, making them very smooth, shiny, and resistant to staining and plaque buildup.
• Strong: EZCrowns are made of solid, monolithic Zirconia, a ceramic material time-tested for its strength and durability in adult dentistry.

Preventive

Atlanta Pediatric Dental Specialists is one of the only offices in Atlanta offering preventive dental care options. Preventive care is important throughout life, especially at a young age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with the dentist, your child can help keep their smile bright and healthy for many years to come. Here are a few simple ways to prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities:

• Make sure your child brushes their teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also be sure your child brushes the top surface of the tongue; this will remove any extra plaque-causing food particles and help keep their breath fresh!
• Make sure your child cleans between teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
• Make sure your child eats a balanced diet, and try to avoid extra-sugary treats. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit can help keep your child's smile healthy.
• Remember to schedule regular checkups with your child’s dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning.
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.
• If your child plays sports, be sure to ask your dentist about special mouthguards designed to protect your child’s smile.

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• Brushing Instructions
• Flossing Instructions

Printable instructions >

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If it’s been six months or more since your child’s last dental checkup, then it’s time to contact our practice and schedule an appointment!