The Toothache That Changed My Life

Crowns are cosmetic dentistry solutions that save severely decayed teeth. This treatment provides better structural support and strength than dental fillings. While a dental crown works like a natural tooth, you should beware of some myths about this treatment.

Myth: Dental Crowns Will Be Stained by Food and Beverages

Many individuals assume that dental crowns will eventually stain. Because dental crowns are constructed of porcelain, they do not discolor as natural teeth do.

However, it is recommended that you whiten your teeth before choosing the color of your crown. Make sure the shade of your crowns matches the shade of your teeth. Otherwise, future whitening treatments cannot whiten your crown but will cause it to look different than the rest of your teeth.

Myth: Dental Crowns Treat All Types of Tooth Damage

Dental crowns address tooth decay. This treatment is also used to fix tooth cracks and fractures. People with bruxism can also use dental crowns to restore worn-out teeth. However, if your teeth have been severely damaged by tooth decay, dental crowns will not fix them.

Severely decayed teeth cannot support dental crowns. The best solution, in this case, is to extract the decayed tooth and get dental implants.

Myth: Dental Crowns Are Painful

Many people avoid dental crowns because they think the procedure is painful. However, advanced dentistry has made treatments quicker and less painful. One of the popular sedation options for dental crowns is anesthesia. The common types of anesthesia include general, local, or regional anesthesia. Another popular option is the use of laser treatment. This procedure is pain-free and fast.

Myth: A Dental Filling Is the Same as a Dental Crown

Fillings are mainly used if you have lost tissue because of tooth decay. This means you have tooth cavities in your teeth. Fillings are most effective if you have a single cavity or mild tooth decay.

If you have multiple cavities on a single tooth or your fillings have been replaced several times before, a crown is an ideal solution. Multiple tooth fillings on one tooth make your tooth weak. The need to replace a filling regularly means the shape, size, and location of a cavity has undermined the support of that tooth. You can either get a crown or go for tooth extraction in such cases.

In Closing

Before you decide to get dental crowns, you must go through a dental exam to determine the extent of your tooth damage. Remember that dental crowns aren't immune to damage; therefore, avoid biting on hard foods. Also, make sure you observe proper oral hygiene to extend the lifetime of your crowns.