Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless steel crown (SSC) is a metal crown used for the restoration of severely decayed milk teeth. SSCs are generally used on posterior (back) milk teeth but can also be used on front milk teeth and permanent molars. However, they are not preferred on the front teeth because of the silver appearance of the crown and because they may cause irritation to the gums and tooth supporting structures in permanent tee.

Why are stainless steel crowns used in Delhi Dental Hub?

1) Since the SSC are preformed crowns, they resemble the crown of the tooth, and so when placed on the tooth, they can perform the same functions that a tooth can.
2) When the time comes for the milk tooth to fall off to give way for the permanent tooth, the SSC falls off easily without causing any damage to the gums and
3) The life expectancy of these crowns is better than any other material used and may never have to be replaced until the tooth falls out.

When are stainless steel crowns used?

SSCs can be used in many circumstances
1) When the tooth has been severely damaged due to dental caries and may or may not have to undergo pulp treatment
2) When the crown of the tooth has been fractured or broken due to any reason
3) Some teeth are abnormal from birth or due to other diseases causing the need for a crown
4) Children who have a high rate of dental caries 
5) When no other restoration material can be used and SSCs become an obvious choice e.g. for children who are physically or mentally disabled.

Alternatives to stainless steel crowns at DDH

Other than SSC, other materials can also be used in its place depending on the extent of damage and the preference of the dentist including:
1) Tooth Coloured Crowns
2) Silver amalgam and
3) Composite (white filling material).

After getting a stainless steel crown

1) Due to the effects of the anaesthesia and the feeling of numbness, make sure the child does not bite their tongue, cheek or lip.
2) Once the numbness has worn off, some discomfort may be experienced. The child can be given mild painkillers as directed by the dentist.
3) Avoid sticky food for 3-4 days after insertion of the crown to allow for the cement under it to harden.
4) To avoid gum irritation, brushing and flossing should be done. Although the area where the crown has been inserted may bleed or swell, regular brushing and flossing will help heal the gums and keep it healthy.
5) A warm salt water rinse 2-3 times a day can be included in the brushing and flossing regime to help reduce the soreness around the gums in case of not being able to maintain good oral hygiene.
6) Stainless steel crowns are shiny when they are placed in the mouth and should thus be maintained in that way. If a white line is seen at the bottom of the crown or the crown appears cloudy, then plaque is building up and brushing needs to be improved promptly.
7) Since there is a foreign body in the mouth, slight pain when biting, slurred speech and chewing on the inside of the cheeks are common occurrences. The child should be given about 2 weeks adjustment period. Within that period mild painkillers can be given to help ease the discomfort.
8) No follow-up with the dentist is necessary unless there is severe gum irritation or if the crown falls off.

Benefits

The success rate of SSC is almost 96% when compared to other restorative materials.
1) It adapts well to the tooth thus causing no leakages.
2) There are easy to place on the tooth since they come preformed.
3) They are easy to manipulate for the dentist.
4) They are inexpensive and thus very cost effective.
5) In spite of significant loss of crown structure on the tooth, the tooth can still be restored.