The Stainless Steel Solution

When a baby tooth is extensively decayed and using other filling materials isn't likely to be successful, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends restoring the tooth with a stainless steel crown especially if the tooth has received pulpal therapy. After removing the decay, your dentist will fit and cement a prefabricated crown made of stainless steel over the tooth. Here are some advantages of stainless steel crowns:

• Durable but inexpensive

• Full coverage protection for the tooth

• Very little sensitivity

• Less likely to need retreatment

• More successful than metal fillings in children under four years old

• Good choice for children who need general anesthesia

• Often used as an attachment for a space maintainer