3 Misconceptions About Dental Crowns

5 January 2015
 Categories: Dentist, Blog


If you have a large cavity, there is a good chance that your dentist has talked to you about installing a dental crown. Dental crowns are pretty common procedures and have many benefits. However there are some misconceptions about dental crowns. Here are some of those misconceptions.  

A Dental Crown Is Always Permanent

Many people do not realize that a dental crown is not a completely permanent solution. This is because a dental crown is susceptible to decay just like a normal tooth is. This means that over time the crown will start to erode and you might have to have it replaced. The rate at which the crown erodes will depend on how well you care for your teeth. If you make the mistake of thinking that a crown will stay in good condition regardless of care, so you avoid caring for it like you should, you will most likely need a new crown soon afterward.

This is why once you get a crown you should care for it very carefully. Make sure you floss around it and brush it often.

A Dental Crown Is Indestructible

Many people do not realize that a crown can break. However, it is not always for the reasons people think. Some people might mistakenly believe that if they eat hard foods such as nuts, they will break the crown. This is not true. Crowns are very hard and, if cared for properly, should hold up well even if they are exposed to hard things.

The thing that causes a crown to break is a poor diet. Eating foods with lots of sugars, not brushing often enough, or failing to floss so that particles of food and sugar stay around the crown will weaken the crown. This weakening will cause the crown to break, even if you aren't eating hard foods. Thus, eat well; brush and floss often, and you will protect your crown.

A Crown Protects The Underlying Tooth From Decay

Although a crown can help to protect the tooth underneath, it cannot fully prevent it from further decay. This is why it is important that before the crown is put on, the dentist is very thorough about clearing off all the decayed part of the tooth. Then after the crown has been inserted, you still need to treat the crown tooth as though it is at risk for further decay.

If you feel pain under the crown, such as sensitivity to temperature, a dull ache or any other kind of sharp pain, see a dentist like David K. Skeels. This may be a sign that the underlying tooth has further decayed. 


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