TLDR
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that restore and improve the look of damaged teeth. Meanwhile, your tooth may remain sensitive for a while after the fitting, and over time, a replacement may be needed. Visit your dentist to help you select the best crown materials and learn how to maintain your crowns for a long-lasting experience.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Dental Crown?
- When do I Consider Dental Crowns?
- What Are The Advantages of Dental Crowns?
- What Are The Disadvantages of Dental Crowns?
- How Can I Weigh The Pros and Cons?
- Dental Crowns and Bridges in Elkin, NC
- Key Takeaways
- Sources
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap, shaped like a natural tooth, that is used to cover and restore a damaged tooth. Dentists also use it after a root canal procedure. Our dentist in Elkin near Surrey, Yadkin, and Wilkes, NC, Dr. Nicole, wants you to think of it as armor that protects your tooth and stays shiny when you smile.
When do I Consider Dental Crowns?
There are other reasons your dentist may recommend a dental crown, including:
- If your tooth is broken or worn down.
- If you recently had a root canal treatment.
- If you have a large or old filling.
- If you had a dental implant surgery.
- To hold a dental bridge in place.
If you have been told your tooth is “weak,” a crown may be the best way to save it before further damage happens.
What Are The Advantages of Dental Crowns?
Why do so many people choose crowns? Here are the most significant advantages.
1. Protect a Weak or Damaged Tooth
If your tooth is at risk of breaking, it’s good to consider getting a crown for it. A recent study has shown that most tooth-supported crowns can last for as long as 15 years with a survival rate of 80-90%. This means that your tooth is protected for an extended period.
2. Improve the Appearance of a Tooth
Many things boost your confidence, and the state of your teeth is one of them. If you’re concerned about a crooked tooth, a dental crown can help correct it. Don’t know what a dental crown looks like? Its idea is to blend in, and most crowns are designed to look and feel as sturdy as a real tooth.
3. Pain Relief
Severe decay can make chewing extremely painful. By covering and supporting the tooth, a crown helps keep it intact and reduces pain.
4. Long-Lasting Solution
Dental crowns are considered more effective than other treatment options, such as veneers, dental fillings, and tooth extractions.
What Are The Disadvantages of Dental Crowns?
There are some concerns when getting a crown, including:
1. Reduction of Dental Enamel
This becomes a problem because your dentist will file your tooth before fitting a dental crown.
2. May Need To Be Replaced
Crowns can loosen or wear down over time, especially if you grind your teeth or chew on hard foods. A replacement will be required in such cases.
3. Possibility of Nerve Damage4
IIn rare cases, the tooth’s nerve can become irritated, which might require a root canal later.
4. Dental Sensitivity
Some people notice temporary sensitivity to hot or cold foods after getting a crown. Although this usually goes away in a few days.
How Can I Weigh The Pros and Cons?
Crowns are one of the best ways to restore a damaged tooth; however, they also have some disadvantages. Although they have a high survival rate, replacements may be required after a while. The best way to choose is to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of dental crowns with your dentist.
Dental Crowns and Bridges in Elkin, NC
If you are in or around Elkin, NC, and you need a crown, our dentist in Elkin, NC, can provide all the information and care that you need. Contact us to learn about the dental cements used for crowns, including the time it takes to apply them and their associated costs. Whether you need a single crown or crowns with a dental bridge, schedule an appointment now to restore your smile so it looks natural and feels strong again.
Key Takeaway
- Crowns protect weak or damaged teeth and also enhance their appearance.
- They can survive for 10-15 years, but may need to be replaced in between.
- Short-term sensitivity is prevalent, but it is temporary.
- Your dentist can help you choose the best for you because not all crowns are the same.
- Dr. Nicole at Mani Dental Family Practice in Elkin, NC, provides crowns and bridges to patients seeking a confident smile.
Sources
- https://www.healthline.com/find-care/articles/dentists/dental-crown#candidates:~:text=4%20crown%20instead.-,Who%20needs%20a%20crown%3F,-If%20you%20have
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/in-depth/root-canal/art-20585454
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10921-dental-bridges
- https://www.news-medical.net/health/Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-Dental-Crowns.aspx
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9546353/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-veneers
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22120-tooth-extraction
