Hall Technique: An Easier Dental Solution for Some Children

When cavities on teeth are really big, the tooth may need a stainless-steel crown (or silver cap) to protect it from breaking, developing an infection, or getting new cavities. Stainless-steel crowns are usually placed on baby teeth, and sometimes on adult teeth. One way to place a stainless-steel crown is to fit it on the tooth without giving numbing medicine or drilling the tooth. This is called the Hall technique. Sometimes if the teeth are too tight, your dentist may put a plastic elastic separator between your child’s teeth to temporarily make space to fit the stainless-steel crown.

What Are the Pros and Cons?

The Hall technique has several advantages. Some children who can’t tolerate getting numb or having their teeth get drilled can tolerate getting a stainless-steel crown with the Hall technique. This can help your child avoid having to get sedated or put under general anesthesia for a dental surgery.

A disadvantage of stainless-steel crowns with the Hall technique is that some kids cannot tolerate fitting and placement of the stainless-steel crown, which can feel uncomfortable or tight if the teeth are crowded. Another con is that rarely, the stainless-steel crown placed with the Hall technique doesn’t fit correctly. Your dentist may also change the technique and still drill your child’s tooth a little bit.

Rarely, stainless-steel crowns may fall off. This can still happen even with stainless-steel crowns that are placed on your child’s teeth with conventional methods. If a crown doesn’t fit well or falls off, then it can usually be replaced.

How to Know If Hall Crowns Are Right for Your Child?

Hall crowns are a great, less stressful solution for some children who need to get their cavities fixed. You know your child best, so you can talk to your dentist about your child’s tolerance level and whether they would be a good candidate for the Hall technique.