Understanding the myths about dental crowns.

Dentists and their patients alike often view dental crowns as the last step in the tooth restoration process. Dental crowns can help improve your smile, making them a popular solution. But, patients often fear crowns going wrong or worry about the quality and endurance that they will experience. It’s also natural to wonder about the impact that a dental crown will have on your oral health. That’s why we have put together a list of common complaints and concerns about dental crowns. Understanding these concerns and understanding the myths can help you and other patients better understand why dental crowns are a great solution to cover broken, cracked, or discolored teeth.

9 Myths and Common Complaints About Dental Crowns (Plus their Solutions!)

1. Dental decay can accumulate underneath the crown.

When you fail to practice good oral care after you get a dental crown, plaque can accumulate where the crown and your natural tooth meet. Though your crown will not be subject to tooth decay, your natural tooth can be. The best way to prevent this is to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. But, if the decay has formed underneath the crown, then your crown will need to be removed, the tooth decay addressed, and a new dental crown put in place. This all said, if your dentist places the crown well and you take good care of your teeth, this will help prevent decay. Prevention is key.

2. They don’t look like natural teeth.

Though this myth has begun to dispel on its own in recent years with an increase in the use of tooth-colored porcelain dental crowns, many patients still think that if they get a dental crown, they will look like they have metal attached to their teeth. These days, however, there are so many more options for the material your crown is fabricated from. Gone are the days of gold teeth; today’s crowns are mostly made from tooth-colored porcelain, which gives a highly realistic finish.  At Great Miami Dental, you have a choice of materials to ensure that your crown looks just like your natural teeth.

3. Dental crowns cause tooth misalignment.

If a dental crown is set too high, it can make it feel like your mouth doesn’t close properly. However, properly trained dentists will ask you to bite down and advise them on how your bite feels before concluding the dental crown treatment. If you cannot tell if your bite feels normal at that time due to the anesthetic’s numbness, a good dentist will always re-do the crown for you later if you identify a misalignment. Dentists such as Dr. Lang want to ensure that you have a comfortable dental crown and take the steps necessary to ensure that tooth misalignment is never an issue.

4. They cause tooth sensitivity and discomfort.

It is normal to experience some sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures shortly after dental crown treatment. However, persistent sensitivity can be an indicator that the tooth’s margins are exposed. If you feel sensitive to temperatures, it is essential to share that with your dentist to identify the proper remedy. While tooth sensitivity can be a risk, your restorative or cosmetic dentist will be able to work with you to remedy this.

5. Dental crowns come loose.

When an experienced dentist places dental crowns, they will last between 10 and 20 years. Dental crowns are strong and sturdy, but some things happen that can result in a loose crown. In particular, crowns can loosen due to bruxism (tooth grinding), cavities, trauma, and consumption of sticky foods like caramels, etc. Thankfully, if your crown comes loose, your dentist can work with you to replace the crown.

6. They are susceptible to chips and fractures.

The truth is that anything can break or become damaged when it is not adequately cared for, and the same holds for dental crowns. Though dental crowns aren’t easy to chip or break (they are actually incredibly durable), it can happen. If your crown experiences a fracture or chip for any reason, then your dentist will either repair the chip or will decide to replace your crown in its entirety.

7. Dental crowns cause nerve issues.

The dental crown procedure, on occasion, can cause trauma to the nerves in your mouth. This discomfort can range from mild sensitivity to severe pain. But, you may also notice nerve issues several months down the road after dental crown treatment. If you are experiencing nerve discomfort after fitting a dental crown, your dentist might determine that the best solution is a root canal followed by the placement of a new crown.

8. Allergic reactions to dental crowns.

Though it is infrequent, it is possible to experience an allergic reaction to your dental crown. If you have an allergic reaction to the metals used to make your crown, the only remedy is to get a new dental crown made from alternate materials. Thankfully, allergic reactions are quite rare, and there are lots of options to choose from now when it comes to the material your dental crown is fabricated from.

9. They are expensive.

If your dentist has recommended you get a dental crown, it is only natural for you to wonder about dental crown costs. While costs for a dental crown will vary depending on each person’s case, position of the crown and so on, a portion of the cost of your dental crown treatment is covered by your dental insurance. To determine how much your dental crown will cost you, you should check with your dental insurance company. Many patients find that the cost of their dental crown treatment is less than the cost of ongoing treatment for toothache pain relief.

Let the Great Miami Dental Associates team answer your questions about dental crowns.

If you still have questions or concerns about dental crowns, let Dr. Lang and the team at Great Miami Dental Associates in Middletown, OH, answer your questions. Give us a call or request an appointment using our easy-to-use online form. We look forward to talking to you.