A "princess tooth" is a common term for a stainless steel crown used to restore a damaged baby molar or permanent molar.
Understanding Princess Teeth
Princess teeth, also sometimes called "robot teeth" or "princess hats," are dental crowns made of stainless steel. These crowns are used in pediatric dentistry for several reasons:
- Large Cavities: When a baby molar has a large cavity that cannot be fixed with a filling, a stainless steel crown can restore the tooth's strength and function.
- Nerve Treatment: If a tooth requires a pulpotomy (baby root canal), a stainless steel crown is often placed afterward to protect the tooth.
- Fractured Teeth: They can temporarily restore teeth that have been fractured.
- Developmental Issues: These crowns can also help with teeth that have developmental problems.
How Princess Teeth Are Placed
- Preparation: The dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay.
- Fitting: The dentist will then fit the stainless steel crown over the prepared tooth.
- Cementation: The crown is then cemented in place using a dental cement.
Why Stainless Steel?
- Durability: Stainless steel crowns are very durable and can withstand the forces of chewing.
- Longevity: They are meant to last until the baby tooth falls out naturally.
- Cost-Effective: They are a more cost-effective option compared to other types of crowns.
Key Benefits
- Restoration: They fully restore the tooth's original shape and function.
- Protection: They protect the tooth from further decay or damage.
- Space Maintenance: They help maintain the space needed for the permanent tooth to erupt properly.
Example Use Case
Imagine a young child who has a significant cavity in a back molar. Instead of a large filling that may not hold up, a dentist might recommend a stainless steel crown (or "princess tooth"). This crown will cover the entire tooth, protecting it and ensuring it can function normally until the permanent tooth comes in.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Purpose | To restore and protect damaged baby and permanent molars |
| Nicknames | Princess hat, robot tooth |
| Common Use | Large cavities, nerve treatments, fractured teeth, developmental issues |
| Longevity | Designed to last until the tooth exfoliates naturally |
