Q : What is "Stainless Steel Crowns" ?

A : Stainless Steel Crowns ( SSCs ) are commonly used in pediatric dentistry. They are stronger than traditional fillings which break easily especially when the decay involves interdental or incisal regions.

Q : When is a “Stainless Steel Crown” required?

A:

1. Severe tooth decay: Composite resin materials are not strong enough for filling large, extensive milk tooth cavities. An SSC can help rebuild the shape and regain the function of the severely decayed tooth.
2. Rampant caries: Rampant caries refers to as multiple, out-of-control tooth decay. For this problem, SSCs are more useful because they are suitable for multiple tooth repairs. Meanwhile, they reduce the risk of having secondary caries (getting another cavity after the decayed tooth being treated.)
3. After root canal treatment: Tooth structure becomes weaker and may fracture after root canal therapy. An SSC provides rigidity to protect the tooth from breaking down.
4. Hereditary anomalies: Hereditary anomalies, such as dentinogenesis imperfecta or amelogenesis imperfecta (congenital problems related to the poor development of enamel and dentin, usually multiple teeth affected), may accelerate tooth wear, cause tooth sensitivity or pain. As mentioned above, SSCs provides rigidity to protect the tooth from breaking down.
5. Severe Bruxism: Sever bruxism leads to extensive tooth wear. Please refer to No.4 for the rationale of using SSCs.

Q : What to do after getting a Stainless Steel Crown

A:

1. Patient may feel pain for a few days. Pain medicine will help.
2. If an SSC is found unstably attached to the tooth, please contact the dentist. The unstable SSC can be affixed to the tooth again with dental cements.
3. If an SSC comes out of the mouth, please keep it well and take it to visit the dentist. The SSC can be affixed to the tooth again with dental cements.
4. Return for a checkup every 6 months.​

Q : Will a Stainless Steel Crown affects adult tooth eruption?

A : An SSC will not disturb the shedding of the milk tooth and the eruption of the successor (adult) tooth.