Stainless Steel Crown

Stainless steel crowns

Stainless steel crowns (SSC) are preformed metal crowns that are placed on teeth to restore and protect them when the tooth has a defect or decay. Crowns are frequently utilized in paediatrics for primary (baby) dentition teeth and they may be temporary restorations in some cases for permanent teeth.

These crowns are designed to completely cover the tooth and are made of medical-grade stainless steel ensuring the strength, function and shape of the tooth and preventing further decay or damage.

What are Stainless Steel Crowns for?

A SSC is used by dentists when a tooth is too compromised to be filled with one filling. They are particularly helpful for children as they are durable, cost-efficient and need less dental visits.

Some of the common indications for using stainless steel crowns are:

Extensive tooth decay

• Deep holes that can't be filled with a filling.
• Pulpotomy or pulpectomy teeth.
• Primary teeth with cracks and breaks.
• Enamel hypoplasia (developmental defect) of teeth.
• Children who are at high risk for future tooth decay.
• Dentures that secure and protect vulnerable teeth until they have fallen out.

Stainless Steel Crown Procedure

• It is simple and typically performed in one dental visit.

Examination and Diagnosis

• The dentist looks at the tooth and possibly takes X-rays to determine the amount of decay or damage to the tooth.

Removal of Decay

• All decayed tooth structure is removed and in addition, pulp therapy (pulpotomy or pulpectomy) is carried out, if required.

Tooth Preparation

• A small amount of enamel is taken off the tooth to shape it so that the crown fits well.

Crown Selection

• The dentist chooses the most suitable sized stainless steel crown and sizes it to fit comfortably.

Cementation

• Permanent cement is used to permanently bond the crown over the tooth.

Bite Check

• The dentist checks the child's bite and makes any necessary adjustments.

Advantages of stainless steel crowns 

Stainless steel crowns have a number of benefits over large fillings in primary teeth:

• Very resistant to chewing stresses and forces
• Insure the entire tooth against further decay.
• Present for a long time (till baby tooth falls out)
• The cost is not as high as having custom-made crowns.
• This is done in one dental appointment.
• High success rate (following pulpotomy or pulpectomy)
• Good for kids that have a lot of tooth decay.
• Require minimal maintenance

Stainless steel crown tooth

Tooth crowns made of stainless steel are preformed caps put over a weakened tooth, decay or damage. It fully restores the shape, strength and ability to chew of the visible portion of a tooth preventing further damage to it.

The most common application of stainless steel is for baby teeth in children especially the back teeth (molars). In some cases they may be used as temporary restorations for permanent teeth.

Stainless steel crown kids

A stainless steel crown (SSC) is a preformed piece of metal that is placed entirely over a decayed or damaged baby tooth. Stainless steel crowns are frequently employed by pediatric dentists to restore teeth that are too decayed to be repaired with a filling. These crowns maintain the tooth, restore its function and preserve it until it falls out and is replaced with a permanent tooth.

Stainless steel crowns are among one of the most long-lasting and reliable restorative choices for the primary molars of children.

Composition of stainless steel crown

Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are constructed from medical grade stainless steel alloys that are strong, corrosion resistant and safe for use in the mouth. These are mostly used in pediatric dentistry to restore damaged primary (baby) teeth and as temporary filling for some permanent teeth.

What are Stainless Steel Crowns made of?

The modern stainless steel crown is usually made from the following components:

• Iron (Fe): Base material of the alloy that contributes to the general strength of the alloy.
• Chromium (Cr): forms an oxide layer that protects against corrosion and rust. Typically, it constitutes 17-20% of the alloy.
• Nickel (Ni): Increases strength, toughness and corrosion resistance. Usually between 8-12% of the alloy.
• Carbon (C): Small amounts present to make hardness and durability.
• Manganese (Mn): Strengthens and increases wear resistance.
• Silicon (Si): Enhances manufacturing qualities and oxidation resistance.
• Molybdenum (Mo): Improves corrosion resistance especially under wet conditions.

Types of stainless steel 

The most common stainless steel crowns used in paediatrics are made of the AISI Type 304 (18-8 stainless steel) due to the fact that it contains approximately:

• 18% Chromium
• 8% Nickel
• Balance primarily Iron

Some manufacturers may employ 316 stainless steel, which has molybdenum for additional corrosion resistance.

Are stainless steel crowns safe?

Yes, stainless steel crowns are safe and have been successfully used for over 70 years. They can last for a long time and have a high success rate even with severely decayed or broken baby teeth and are recommended by many dental organizations for children.

Why are stainless steel crowns safe?

Stainless steel crowns are made from a medical stainless steel that is resistant to the wet conditions in the mouth. They are:

• Generally tolerated by oral tissues (biocompatible)
• Corrosion-resistant: chromium content which forms a protective oxide layer.
• Strong and durable allowing them to withstand normal chewing forces.
• Based on decades of clinical use and excellent long term outcomes in children.

Conclusion

Stainless steel crowns are a well-known, long-lasting and affordable method to treat highly broken down or decayed teeth especially in children. They will give you complete coverage and exceptional strength which helps to protect weak teeth and help restore normal chewing function and prevents premature loss of primary teeth until they fall out. They are not as attractive as the tooth colored options but they last longer, are more reliable and have a high success rate making them a favorite option in paediatrics. Ask your dentist if a stainless steel crown should be used if your child has a large cavity, had pulp therapy or has a weak baby tooth to help keep your child's mouth healthy for years to come.

Stainless steel crowns in India GetWellGo

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FAQ

What are the advantages of using stainless steel crowns over filling?

• Stainless steel crowns are suggested for patients with large filling that will not last when the tooth has undergone pulp therapy and when the tooth has extensive decay. They can be stronger and have a longer lifespan than big fillings.

Is it safe for kids to get stainless steel crowns?

• Yes. Stainless steel crowns have been a proven and safe approach for decades in paediatric dentistry. These are manufactured with medical grade stainless steel and are deemed to be biocompatible for most children.

What is the life span of a stainless steel crown?

• A stainless steel crown will last until the primary (baby) tooth ultimately comes out. They can be used for several years with proper care.

Does getting a stainless steel crown hurt?

• No. This is done under local anaesthetic and should not be painful for your child during the treatment. This is normal and should subside in one or two days after the soreness occurs.

Will kids be able to eat as usual with a stainless steel crown?

• Yes. After the anaesthetic is over, children can feed normally. It is best, however, not to eat very sticky or hard foods for the first 24 hours and then follow the dentist's suggestions.

Can stainless steel crowns be used on permanent teeth?

• Yes. They are most commonly used on baby teeth but stainless steel crowns can be used for temporary crowns on permanent teeth while a permanent crown or other procedure is being done.