If you have recently discovered that your young child has developed a large cavity or has incurred physical damage to a molar, the price-tag associated with its repair can be more than a bit surprising and it's often tempting to ask for the affected tooth to be removed. Since it is commonly assumed that their baby teeth will soon fall out, more than one parent has tried to save money by extracting instead of repairing a molar. However, the truth is that most kids do not lose their molars until late childhood or early adolescence and those molars play a crucial role in their future oral health. Therefore, it is a good idea to be aware of the following information.
The Presence Of A Crown Now Can Impact Whether Or Not Orthodontics Are Needed Later
It is important to note that, since most kids have their molars for a decade or longer, their molars essentially save a space for the adult teeth to move in. If a molar is missing, that space is likely to be larger than it would be under normal circumstances and there will be more space for the adult teeth to make a home in when that time arrives.
When they have more space, teeth can grow in the following unpleasant ways that can need orthodontia later:
- Excess space between teeth
- Inadequate space between teeth
- Crooked or sideways
Children Have Smaller Amounts Of Enamel Than Adults
Since there is less enamel in a child's tooth than there is in an adult's tooth, cavities will often progress faster than you might expect. In addition, that extra space in their teeth will have more nerve endings and blood vessels than an adult's teeth will. The combination of those factors mean that even a seemingly small cavity can result in a lot of pain for your child.
As a result, treating the cavity as soon as possible is essential. In the event of severe decay or damage, a stainless steel dental crown may be needed as its superior strength can support the tooth when there is not enough left of the tooth.
In conclusion, when your young child has a large cavity or other significant damage to one or more molars, it's very important to understand the role of molars in the oral health and stability as a child grows. As a result, it will behoove you to be aware of the facts listed above when your dentist gives you the bad news about your son or daughter's molar.
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