How Do You Know if Dental Crowns Are Best for You?
Are you thinking about dental crowns to improve your smile or tackle dental concerns? Our Tacoma, WA, dentist knows how vital it is to make an informed choice regarding your dental health.
Discover the advantages of dental crowns, along with some potential drawbacks. Whether you’re aiming for cosmetic enhancements or restorative solutions, grasping the concept of dental crowns is essential before moving forward with the procedure. Contact our Tacoma dental office at (253) 761-5422 for more information.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Enhanced Aesthetics
One of the primary benefits of dental crowns is their ability to enhance the aesthetics of your smile. By fitting properly over discolored or misshapen teeth, these custom-made dental restorations provide a natural-looking solution that matches the color and shape of your natural teeth. Dental crowns help improve appearance while protecting the natural tooth enamel from further damage, ensuring a beautiful smile and better oral health.
Increased Strength and Durability
Dental crowns are crafted to strengthen and safeguard a weakened or damaged tooth. Constructed from robust materials like porcelain or metal alloys, they offer an additional layer of protection, preventing further degradation. By encasing the compromised tooth, dental crowns restore its strength, enabling you to enjoy normal chewing and biting functions.
Versatility
Dental crowns are incredibly versatile and can be tailored to address various dental issues. Whether dealing with a cracked or broken tooth, a large filling, or a dental implant, a crown can be specifically designed to meet your unique requirements. Additionally, various types of dental crowns are available, including metal crowns and porcelain crowns, to suit different needs and preferences.
Support for Dental Prosthetics
Dental crowns play a crucial role in enhancing the stability and functionality of dental prosthetics, such as dental bridges and dental implants. By providing a secure foundation, crowns ensure these restorations fit properly and perform optimally. This support is essential for maintaining oral health and preventing further damage to surrounding teeth.
Prevents Teeth Shifting
When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth may shift to fill the empty space. A dental crown can be utilized alongside a dental implant or bridge to effectively fill the gap and prevent any movement of the surrounding teeth.
Disadvantages of Dental Crowns
Sensitivity
Following the placement of a dental crown, some patients may encounter temporary sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages. This sensation usually diminishes within a few weeks as the treated tooth acclimates to the permanent crown. Dr. Arvind Petrie will provide instructions on managing any discomfort during this adjustment phase.
Risk of Decay
While dental crowns are intended to shield teeth from additional decay, there remains a risk of tooth decay at the crown’s edge where it meets the natural tooth. To mitigate this risk, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, to prevent any potential decay around the crown.
Reduction of Natural Tooth Structure
In order to fit a dental crown, a portion of the natural tooth structure needs to be removed. This permanent alteration means the tooth will always require a crown to maintain its strength and appearance. We will assess your dental condition and discuss the necessity of removing natural tooth structure before moving forward.
When to Consider an Alternative Treatment
Although dental crowns provide numerous cosmetic advantages, they might not always be the best treatment choice. Here are some situations where alternative treatments might be more appropriate:
- Minor tooth damage
- Orthodontic needs
- Cost
- Tooth loss
Frequently Asked Questions
Can food get stuck under the crown?
Yes, food particles can become lodged beneath a crown. Although a well-fitted crown should form a seal around the tooth it covers, small food particles can still sometimes get trapped between the crown and the tooth, potentially causing discomfort or gum irritation. To prevent this, regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash are recommended to help dislodge any trapped food debris.
When is a tooth unsuitable for a dental crown?
Certain conditions may render a tooth inappropriate for a dental crown. These situations include:
- Poor bite alignment
- Lack of sufficient tooth structure
- Advanced gum disease
- Tooth instability
Are dental crowns more durable than dental fillings?
Dental crowns are designed to endure the pressures of chewing and biting more effectively, offering enhanced protection and preservation for the underlying tooth. When deciding between a crown or filling, your dentist will assess factors such as the tooth’s location, the amount of remaining tooth structure, and your specific needs to determine the most suitable treatment option for you.
Make an Informed Choice About Your Oral Health
With a deeper understanding of the benefits of dental crowns, are you prepared to book your appointment? Our Tacoma dentist is ready to assist you in selecting the dental restoration that aligns perfectly with your smile objectives.
Contact our Tacoma dental office at (253) 761-5422 to arrange your appointment today. We proudly serve patients in Lakewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and University Place.
