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About Dr. Randolph Myerson
Expertise
I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.
Experience
I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.
Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.
Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.
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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Dentistry > Dentistry > Does my child need a crown?
Expert: Dr. Randolph Myerson
Date: 10/6/2008
Subject: Does my child need a crown?
Question
Hi Dr. Myerson:
I have a 6 years old girl whose left molar (the backmost tooth) partially fell off yesterday. She lost about a 6th of that molar. I took her to a ped. dentist today and he determined that she would need a crown on that molar since the adult set typically doesn't come in until around 12 and he also saw decay. I have several questions: First of all, are there any alternative treatments that are less intrusive (painful) besides having a crown done? I'm not sure how it works since her molar is a primary tooth and thus doesn't have any anchor. If she has it done, would she experience periodic pain because of the lack of anchor? She has eating issues (weighs only 34 lbs) and what little chewing that she does, she does it primarily with her left side. How will the crown affect her eating? I asked the dentist this question today and he avoided answering. In addition, he showed me a silver crown today. If my daughter were to go through with the procedure, is the silver crown the industry standard for kids? I guess I am having some general anxiety about what to do and how it will affect my kid's eating. Because if she looses weight, it will generally take her several months to regain just one pound. I would appreciate any feedback/advice you can give.
Sincerely, E-Lee
Answer
One alternative that may be applicable is to restore the tooth with composite resin. The crown is very much stronger, however, and the composite resin cannot be used if the tooth is significantly damaged. I really don't think there is a significant difference between the two regarding pain. Once a crown is in place it should provide a strong, painless biting surface and should have no negative effect on eating and, in fact, may provide a relief from pain if the previously decayed and damaged tooth was the source of discomfort.
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