Dentists often recommend silver caps, also known as stainless steel crowns, for children’s teeth to protect and restore teeth that are damaged, decayed, or have large fillings. Silver caps can help prevent further decay and breakage of the tooth. Let’s explore why dentists use silver caps and when they are recommended for children’s teeth.
What are Silver Caps?
Silver caps, or stainless steel crowns, are prefabricated metal crowns that completely cover and envelop the visible portion of a tooth. The metal used is a high-grade stainless steel alloy that is silver in color, hence the common name “silver caps.”
Silver caps are pre-made in different sizes to fit primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. The dentist selects the appropriately sized cap and contours it to fit over the tooth. The cap is cemented into place to fully surround and protect the tooth.
When Are Silver Caps Recommended for Children’s Teeth?
There are several situations where a dentist may recommend a silver cap for a child’s tooth:
- Extensive decay: If a tooth has extensive decay that extends over multiple tooth surfaces, a silver cap may protect what remains of the tooth structure.
- Following root canal treatment: After a pulpotomy or root canal procedure on a baby molar, a silver cap helps protect the tooth from fracture.
- Fractured teeth: Cracked or broken teeth may be restored with a silver cap.
- Large fillings: If a tooth requires an unusually large filling, a cap can protect the vulnerable tooth.
- Bruxism/tooth grinding: Children who grind or clench their teeth heavily can wear down and break teeth. Silver caps help prevent damage.
- Hypoplastic teeth: Teeth with thin inadequate enamel can benefit from the protection of a silver cap.
- Following trauma: After a tooth is damaged from an injury, a silver cap can stabilize it.
Benefits of Silver Caps for Children’s Teeth
There are several advantages to using silver caps on children’s teeth:
- Pain relief: If a tooth is cracked or decayed, covering it with a silver cap can relieve pain and sensitivity.
- Prevention of fracture: The metal cap strengthens the remaining tooth structure and helps prevent breakage.
- Prevents re-decay: It seals out bacteria and food, stopping further decay under the cap.
- Esthetics: Silver caps can restore a damaged tooth to a normal appearance.
- Cost-effective: Silver caps are more affordable than crowns or other restoration options.
- Durable: Silver caps hold up well to the forces of chewing and clenching.
- Time-saving: The dentist does not need to take impressions or have a dental lab fabricate a custom crown.
The Process of Placing a Silver Cap
Placing a silver cap on a child’s tooth is a straightforward process completed in one dental visit:
- The dentist selects an appropriate sized prefabricated cap for the tooth.
- Local anesthetic is given to numb the tooth.
- The tooth is prepared by removing any decay and reducing the height to create room for the cap.
- The edges of the cap may be trimmed for a custom fit over the tooth.
- The inside of the cap is filled with dental cement.
- The cap is seated over the tooth and excess cement is removed.
- The bite is checked and the cap is adjusted as needed.
- After the cement hardens, the new silver cap is complete.
The procedure is quick, taking around 30 minutes, and painless for the child with the numbing anesthetic. The silver cap immediately restores strength, function, and an intact appearance to the tooth.
Disadvantages of Silver Caps
While silver caps have many advantages, there are a few downsides to consider as well:
- The silver color may be unsightly, especially for front teeth.
- The metal can conduct hot and cold temperatures, causing sensitivity.
- The cap may come loose over time if there is inadequate tooth structure to bond to.
- Preparing the tooth removes healthy tooth structure.
- The tooth’s pulp may become irritated or infected after placement.
- If the cap comes off, a custom-made crown may be needed to replace it.
Alternatives to Silver Caps
While silver caps are very commonly used, some alternatives may be appropriate in certain situations. These include:
| Restoration | Details |
|---|---|
| Composite resin filling | White-colored, tooth-like filling material. Less durable for large restorations. |
| Porcelain fused to metal crown | Metal crown with porcelain coating for natural tooth color. |
| Pediatric zirconia crown | Strong, white zirconia ceramic. More expensive, requires two visits. |
| Extraction | Removing the tooth and replacing with an implant or bridge later. |
The dentist will discuss appropriate options depending on the child’s specific condition and needs.
Caring for Teeth with Silver Caps
Proper oral care is important for preserving teeth restored with silver caps:
- Brush twice daily and floss around the cap to prevent decay and gum disease.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Watch for cracks in the cement around the edge of the cap.
- Have regular dental checkups every 6 months to monitor for issues.
- Avoid sticky, hard, crunchy, and chewy foods that could dislodge the cap.
- Use a mouthguard when playing sports to prevent trauma and damage.
With diligent home care and professional monitoring, a silver capped tooth can potentially last for years until the child’s permanent tooth emerges.
When to Seek Evaluation
Parents should contact the dentist right away if they notice any problems with a silver capped tooth, such as:
- The cap comes off or becomes loose
- Discoloration, swelling, or abscesses around the cap
- Persistent pain or sensitivity from the tooth
- Damage or cracks in the cap
- Inflamed or bleeding gums around the tooth
The dentist can re-cement a loose cap or evaluate if a new restoration is needed. Leaving issues unchecked can lead to further decay and infection.
The Takeaway
Silver caps are an effective, affordable, time-saving way for dentists to repair and protect children’s teeth that are extensively damaged or decayed. The metal caps stop the cycle of decay, strengthen vulnerable teeth, and restore an intact chewing surface. While silver caps have some downsides, they can serve an important purpose in helping to save diseased primary teeth until the permanent teeth come in. With good oral care and dental follow-up, silver capped teeth can last for years. If problems arise, prompt dental attention is key.
