There’s not a more heartwarming image than your own child’s big, genuine smile! You want your children to be happy, healthy, and active. A toothache can interfere with all of these goals — and tooth pain could indicate the need for a filling or dental crown.
One study showed that 51 million hours of school are lost each year, due to kids experiencing dental pain1. Another reported that kids with poor oral health were more prone than healthy kids to miss school and perform poorly2.
Some children develop pain from a cavity or cracked tooth, but it is possible for a child’s dental crown to fail, as well. So, even if your child’s toothache has been treated, pain can recur.
If your little one has a toothache, it’s time to call Springs Pediatric Dental Care in Colorado Springs to book an appointment. We offer two locations to serve our patients. Call 719-265-9600 today!
Symptoms to Watch
Your child may complain of a dull, nagging toothache or pain that occurs due to a particular stimulus. Crowns are most often necessary for patients who experience:
- Pain when biting or chewing (pressure sensitivity)
- Pain remains for a period after biting
- Sensitivity to hot/cold foods
- Under/in an existing crown or filling
First Response
When your child complains of a toothache, your first reaction should be to floss around the tooth. Food or debris lodged between teeth can cause pain. Have your little one rinse and swish with water a few times. Brush teeth and see if the toothache goes away. If discomfort continues, schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist.
The Tooth Will Fall Out, Anyway
When a primary tooth needs a crown, you may hesitate to act. After all, the tooth will eventually fall out and be replaced by a healthy permanent tooth, right?
Actually, when a tooth needs a crown, the damage is significant. If that damage is decay, it will continue to grow and could spread to surrounding teeth. In some cases, even unerupted permanent teeth have become damaged. Your child’s toothache will also worsen, if the tooth is not treated. At any time, a cracked tooth may break off, and this can create acute dental pain.
To prevent further oral damage and to relieve your little one’s toothache, primary teeth with cavities and cracks should definitely be treated, as soon as possible.
What to Expect During a Dental Crown Appointment
You’ll attend to visits for the entire crown procedure. At the first appointment, we’ll administer local anesthetic and, in some cases, nitrous oxide to keep a child comfortable and relaxed during treatment. The dentist will prepare the damaged tooth to receive a crown, then take an impression of the prepped tooth and opposing teeth. Your child will wear a temporary crown for one to two weeks, until the lab-made crown is ready for placement. Front teeth may have a stainless steel or more natural-looking tooth-colored crown. If you prefer a tooth-colored crown, be sure to let the dentist know at the first visit. Molars need stainless steel crowns, for durability.
At the second appointment, the dentist will replace the temporary with the permanent dental crown. After checking occlusion (how upper and lower teeth fit together when your child bites down), the dentist will make adjustments to the restoration before you leave.
Child complaining of toothache? Call now!
Located in Colorado Springs, our two pediatric dental offices make dental appointments convenient for most families in the area. If your child reports a toothache, don’t delay treatment. Call us at 719-265-9600 now to reserve your appointment.With kindly presented information and instruction, we’ll help you and your child address the underlying cause of the toothache. New patients are always welcome!
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1: Amschler DH. A hidden epidemic: dental disparities among children. J Sch Health. 2003;73(1):38–40
2: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3222359/