Baby Teeth, Stainless Steel Crowns [Monday, August 09, 2010]

Primary (baby) teeth are important and should be saved whenever possible. Reason being, primary teeth hold the place for the permanent teeth. The posterior (back) primary Teeth, which are not lost until about 10-12 years old, are the most important "place holders". If baby teeth become decayed or have cavities (holes) they should be fixed as soon as possible after consultation with the dentist. Various materials are used to fill cavities which includes silver amalgam, white composite, glass ionomer and Stainless Steel Crowns.

Crowns used for primary teeth are generally stainless steel crowns (SSCs). SSCs are often used for restoring teeth which have:

a) Extensive decay;
b) Undergone pulp therapy; or
c) Malformed or minimal enamel. SSCs are also used when the child is especially prone to caries (tooth decay). SSCs are definitely more expensive than fillings, but they are quite long-lasting.


In fact, the rate of replacement for SSCs is approximately 3 percent; the replacement rate for larger fillings can be about 15 percent. While the initial cost may seem high, The actual cost over the long-term may be relatively low. The main disadvantages of using SSCs are:

a) they are considered unaesthetic; and b) Tooth reduction is required to make space for the crown.

If an SSC is not possible, an amalgam, composite resin, or glass ionomer filling should be placed after removal of the decay. Decay in primary teeth should not remain untreated, unless the tooth is close to exfoliation, because it can lead to painful infection and other complications.

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