Saving a Smile Crowns vs. Extractions for Baby Teeth

Saving a Smile: Crowns vs. Extractions for Baby Teeth

TeamChildren Pediatric Dentistry

From the moment your child’s first baby tooth starts to emerge, you want to do everything you can to make sure their teeth, gums, and mouth are healthy. Regular brushing and flossing, avoiding activities that can damage the teeth and gums, and regular visits to the dentist are all essential parts of proper early dental care. But what happens when one of your child’s baby teeth is damaged due to decay or injury? 

The Purpose of Baby Teeth

Baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, milk teeth, primary teeth, or first teeth, begin emerging in most children between the ages of 4-7 months, although they can come in earlier or later. The two front bottom teeth typically come in first, followed by the four top front teeth, and then the remaining teeth on the sides of the top and bottom until all 20 baby teeth have appeared.

The baby teeth help children learn to properly chew different foods and help exercise the muscles around the jaw, ensuring that it is strong as the child ages. Additionally, baby teeth act as a placeholder for the adult teeth, helping guide them into the correct spot.

Why Would a Child Need a Crown or Extraction in the First Place?

There are several reasons why a pediatric dentist may recommend a crown or extraction for one or more of your child’s baby teeth. Damage, cavities, gum disease, and orthodontic treatments are all common reasons for a pediatric dentist to recommend a crown or extraction. By addressing issues such as these as early as possible, the dentist hopes to preserve functionality, keep the child out of pain or discomfort, prevent misalignments as the adult teeth grow in, and prevent unwanted structural changes to the bones of the jaw. But how can a dentist know which option - crown or extraction - is the best choice?

When is a Crown on a Baby Tooth Most Appropriate?

If your child has a dental issue that cannot be corrected with a less invasive treatment, such as a filling, the pediatric dentist may recommend placing a crown over the affected tooth. A crown is preferred over extraction whenever possible, as a crown preserves the remaining tooth structure, helps prevent jaw bone loss, keeps the natural tooth in the correct place to help guide the adult teeth later on, and preserves the child’s ability to eat, drink, and speak without impairment. Crowns are suitable for teeth with mild decay or damage that does not affect the root of the tooth. It is important to note that the remaining natural tooth under the crown can still be susceptible to decay or infection, necessitating further treatment or extraction later.

When is an Extraction of a Baby Tooth Most Appropriate?

If a child’s tooth has severe damage or decay, or the underlying tooth structure is highly affected, then an extraction may be the best option. After extracting a baby tooth, the pediatric dentist will position a metal spacer in the gap to prevent the surrounding teeth from pushing in and potentially misaligning the adult teeth growing in below. An extraction may also be recommended if the child is to receive certain orthodontic work due to other dental issues, such as noted misalignment of the yet to emerge adult teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Teeth

When do baby teeth begin to fall out?

Baby teeth typically begin to fall out when the child is around 5-6 years old, although just as with the emergence of baby teeth, this can vary from child to child. If all of the child’s baby teeth have not fallen out by the ages of 12-14 years old, a pediatric dentist should be consulted to find out why.

How can I properly care for my child’s baby teeth?

From birth until the child’s first tooth begins to emerge, gently rub a soft cloth over the infant’s gums and soft tissues to remove any residue after each time they eat. Once the first tooth begins to emerge (or by their first birthday), schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist for an examination, and be sure to take your child to the dentist at least twice each year for a routine examination and cleaning. Use an infant toothbrush and infant toothpaste to gently brush the emerging tooth and gums after each meal, in the morning, and at night. Once multiple teeth have emerged, introduce flossing using child-friendly floss picks. Always consult with a pediatric dentist if you have any questions about your child’s dental care.

Early Dental Care for Children in the Southern Boston Metro

Taking care of your child’s baby teeth is easy for parents and caregivers in the south Boston metro, including Quincy, Milton, Braintree, and Weymouth, with expert guidance and care from the pediatric dental professionals at Greater Boston Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. We can set your child up for a lifetime of good dental health with compassionate care in an environment designed specifically to make your child feel welcome and safe.

For more information, contact us by calling us at 1-617-472-5437 (KIDS) or schedule an appointment online.