Stainless Steel Crowns in Schertz

Baby molars do a lot of hard work, and some of them need to last until age 10 or 12. When a back tooth has a large cavity or has had nerve treatment, a stainless steel crown gives it a sturdy shell for the rest of its time in the mouth. Children’s dentists in San Antonio and across the country have relied on these crowns for decades because they hold up so well in young mouths.

What is a stainless steel crown?

It’s a thin, pre-formed metal cap shaped like a molar. Crowns come in a range of sizes, and your child’s dentist chooses and adjusts one to fit the prepared tooth. Once cemented, the crown covers every surface, sealing out bacteria and holding the tooth together under chewing pressure.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) supports stainless steel crowns for baby teeth with extensive decay, after Pulp Therapy, and for children at high risk of new cavities. Compared with a large filling, a crown is less likely to need repair or replacement before the tooth is naturally lost.

Is a silver crown the right choice for my child?

Stainless steel crowns are often recommended when:

• The tooth is a back molar that does heavy chewing
• Decay covers several sides of the tooth
• Your child has had multiple cavities and needs a long-lasting repair
• The tooth was weakened by an enamel defect or a previous large filling

Some families prefer a white crown for appearance. In those cases, your child’s dentist can talk about Esthetic Crowns and whether the tooth is a good candidate. Both choices protect the tooth; the main difference is color and how each one is placed.

What to expect during treatment

The visit usually takes one appointment. We numb the area with Local Anesthesia so your child is comfortable, remove the decay, and shape the tooth slightly so the crown can slip over it. After checking the fit and the bite, we cement the crown in place.

Your child may notice that the crown feels a little different for a day or two, and the gums around it can be tender. That usually settles quickly. Until the numbness wears off, help your child avoid chewing on their lip or cheek, and stick with soft foods.

Caring for a stainless steel crown

• Brush and floss around the crown like any other tooth, paying attention to the gumline.
• Limit sticky candy, taffy and chewy fruit snacks, which are a common reason crowns loosen.
• Keep up with regular checkups so we can make sure the crown and gums stay in good shape.
• If a crown comes off, keep it, and call us right away so nearby teeth don’t shift into the space.

Will other people notice the crown?

On a back molar, a stainless steel crown is usually only visible when your child opens wide or laughs. Many kids like showing off their “silver tooth.” If appearance matters more for a particular tooth, ask about a tooth-colored crown.

Does my child need to come back to have the crown removed?

No. The crown stays on the baby tooth and falls out with it when the permanent tooth is ready to come in.

Can a stainless steel crown be placed on an adult tooth?

Sometimes, as a temporary protective step on a young permanent molar. Your child’s dentist will explain if this applies and what the long-term plan would be.

Related: Dental Crowns, Esthetic Crowns, Pulp Therapy, Restorative Dentistry