Does your child need a dental crown or filling? I hear ya! All three of my kids needed one or the other. Which obviously made me feel very guilty and felt terrible about it. So, then I thought, “how’s feeling bad going to help the situation?”. I just gave myself a mental goal and plan of what I’m going to do differently from now on.
As a parent we honestly cannot dwell on things we have no control over. But, we can definitely work on not letting it happen again. I have to say that dental crowns and fillings in children are “easier” than adults. But, it’s nonetheless scary and painful for the kids.
I’m here to help you help your child. These tips are going to help your child who needs a dental crown or filling feel less scared and more calmed.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is basically a tooth shaped covering (either silver or white) that is placed on the entire baby tooth of your child.
Why would a child need a dental crown?
“Crowns are recommended by pediatric dentists when it is necessary to repair and restore a primary (baby) tooth found to have a large cavity or cavities, broken tooth, or a primary tooth which has not developed correctly” (source)
Are dental crowns or fillings necessary on baby teeth?
I had this exact same question! I mean baby teeth just falls out and in with the new adult teeth, right? Why go through all the hassle. The answer is yes, it’s necessary to have dental work done on baby teeth. To help preserve the tooth, limit the risk of long lasting infections and help prevent dental abscess. As my children’s pediatric explained. Baby teeth play a major role for the upcoming adult teeth.
Are dental crown in children painful?
I am going to say that I do not think it’s painful. When they administer the local anesthesia, I’m sure it’s painful for the kids. But, during the procedure they are only going to feel pressure. My daughter cried the entire time, luckily my hubby was there to hold her hand and support her. I was waiting in the waiting room with my son (her twin brother).
Keep in mind:
Before your child gets a dental crown or filling, she will need to take x-rays. Your child’s pediatric dentist will then inform you of what needs to done, how the procedure is going to be like and what are the crown options you have.
What to expect during your visit to the pediatric dentist:
- You can definitely expect to hear other kids screaming and crying on while they are getting their dental procedure done. This is scary to hear for your child and sad to hear for the parent.
- You can also expect your child to be very nervous and scared about the procedure of a crown and a tooth filling.
- Your child will most likely cry too. Why? Well in order to have a crown put on or have a cavity filling. The dentist will have to apply local anesthesia. Ouch!
- Your child may move back and forth, making it hard for the procedure to be done.
5 helpful ways to help your child who needs a dental crown or tooth filling
Disclosure: Some links down below are affiliated links.
1.Prepare your child in advance
When my husband and I found out that our youngest daughter needed to get crowns, we panicked. Our other two children needed filling, which are easier and less painful to do. So, we decided to talk to all three of them in advance. Like a couple of days prior to the procedure. They knew what to expect from it and that helped them feel calm about it.
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2. Replace pain for discomfort
Do not use the word pain with your child because they are going to freak out. Instead, just say that when the dentist is putting the crown/s they are going to feel discomfort. I feel like the word “pain” is only going to make your child feel more afraid.
3. Support during the procedure
Once you and your child go inside the room, make her/him feel at ease. Start prepping your child by advising her/him to not cry and assure that everything will be alright. You can also distract your child while the anesthesia is being administered, by talking to her about something fun. Helping your child’s dentist is something that I recommend. For example, if your child is moving a lot, you can hold her/his feet.
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4. Reward them
There’s nothing wrong with a small reward after the dental crown or filling has been done. This will encourage your child to do better the next time around (if she needs multiple visits). My hubby and I bought our kids a small little present that they were super excited and happy about. It helps distract them from the after pain they may feel from the procedure, which is great. Always tell your child that she did an amazing job and that you are proud of them.
5. Prevent it from happening again
Now that the dental crowns and fillings are put in, you need an action plan. Which means, a plan that is going to help you and your child prevent this from happening again. Maybe limiting the amount of sugar or carbohydrates your child eats a day. You can add flossing and mouth wash to your child’s nighttime routine. The point is to incorporate healthy habits into your child’s everyday routine.
As a parent it is not easy to see your child get a dental crown. Specially if your child is young. It is hard! But, the good news is that you are doing what’s right now. Like taking your child to the dentist and getting the dental work that she/he needs. You’re awesome!
These tips are going to help your child who needs a dental crown or filling feel less nervous and scared. Remember to be your child support system, before, during and after the procedure. Maintain a healthy dental hygiene routine and you’re good to go!
