Stainless steel crowns, or so-called silver caps, have been around for a long time. In fact, they have been used by dentists for just over 50 years. This means that they have a long history of use and are quite common, especially in children. So, why do dentists use them in the first place? Why Does Your Child Need Stainless Steel Caps? Even if your dentist says that your child needs some stainless steel caps, there’s nothing to worry about. If they are placed on a child’s first set of teeth, they will simply fall out with the rest of the tooth when ready. Here are some of the reasons why dentists use stainless steel caps:- Tooth decay: One of the big problems in children is that there can be a lot of tooth decay. They are often not able to or don’t want to clean their teeth at this young age. This, combined with a less than ideal diet consisting of sugary foods, can lead to extensive tooth decay. When this happens, it’s often the easiest solution for a dentist to clean the surface of the teeth and then cover it with a stainless steel cap. This protects the tooth from further decay. - Wear and tear: Steel caps such as this are not just restricted to children of course. When an adult has tooth surfaces that have been weakened over time or show extensive wear, sometimes it’s a good idea to place a cap over it to stop any further damage. This even happens in teeth where there has been extensive dental work done to rebuild it.- Root canal: A root canal treatment is the removal of the nerve and the pulp from a tooth that is often infected. In some cases, a steel cap is placed over the tooth to protect the tooth from further decay. Those Silver Caps Can HelpStainless steel caps have a long history of use by dentists and they are often used to protect teeth from tooth decay. If your child needs them, it’s always a good idea to talk to your dentist.