Busting 3 Myths About Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are excellent tools for capping a tooth that is no longer structurally sound thanks to decay or trauma. With proper care, crowns can essentially last for years, restoring your ability to chew while protecting the inner tooth from further decay or sensitivity. If you are considering getting a dental crown, here are a few misconceptions you should unlearn before your dental appointment.
Crowned teeth are cavity-proof
Dental crowns are essentially installed to protect the underlying tooth from further damage. A root canal is usually performed to rid the tooth of any decay in the root pulp before the crown is placed on top to restore the tooth structure. However, decay can often progress if you don't observe proper dental hygiene or consume a lot of sugary foods.
Existing cavities can also grow beneath the capped tooth, necessitating the need for a more extensive crown. Crowned teeth may eventually suffer too much damage, making the crown unstable or loose. In such cases, tooth extraction may be required, leaving a gaping hole in your mouth that can be filled with a bridge or dental implant. Brushing and flossing a crowned tooth is essential to prevent cavity growth and decay beneath the crown and to ensure the longevity of the restored tooth.
Dental crowns look unnatural
Many folks are reluctant to get a dental crown, as they assume that it may look unsightly. While some crowns are made from metals, these are usually installed in the back teeth where they aren't noticeable, To restore front or middle teeth, dentists often use porcelain or ceramic material that can be matched to the color of your natural teeth, giving you a natural-looking smile.
However, ceramic and porcelain crowns are typically delicate and prone to chipping and staining, so they may need to be replaced periodically.
Crowns always come with a root canal
Dentists often remove the natural crown of a decayed tooth so as to clean out infected pulp and to prevent the inflammation from spreading further down the root. The tooth is then capped with an artificial crown to halt any future infections and to prevent food debris and bacteria from getting inside the tooth.
However, crowns can also be installed without the need for a root canal, especially on teeth that don't have extensive decay that has reached the pulp. Dental crowns can also be used on patients who get a bridge, where two crowns are used to anchor the artificial tooth.