Dental Crowns: Are They Really Worth Getting?
Although getting a dental crown has many benefits, many see it as a luxury instead of an essential. So, is getting a dental crown worth it? If you wish to determine whether crowns are the right choice, learn more about them.
This post discusses all you must know about dental crowns to help you see if it fits your dental needs.
What Are Dental Crowns For?
Dental crowns protect your teeth whenever they risk getting damaged or lost. And doing anything you can to save your natural teeth is the best way to preserve your smile. After all, they should last you your entire life.
Aside from dental crowns, your other choice is waiting until your teeth fall out! And this forces you to choose a tooth replacement option.
Instead of going through all that, it’ll be more convenient for you to fix all dental issues you have ASAP. If not, you’ll likely have to settle for dentures instead! And who would want to have those at a young age?
Why are So Many People Getting Crowns?
With that, crowns have become popular among dental patients looking to preserve their teeth. After all, it’s the most practical repair option for strengthening their teeth.
If a patient’s teeth are weakened, it can be challenging to do simple daily functions such as chewing. And with this, even eating will become a chore!
That’s why dentists suggest dental crowns for patients who experience all kinds of teeth issues. Not only will they help preserve their teeth, but they will also improve each patient’s life!
The Benefits of Crown Restorations
Dental crowns offer an excellent solution to several dental issues as they’re able to do the following:
- Support teeth damaged by decay
- Protect teeth after undergoing a root canal procedure
- Cover dental implants
- Improve the looks of a tooth by changing its shape and color
- Hold a cracked or broken tooth
- Protect worn teeth
With these in mind, dental crowns make for an excellent long-term solution. After all, they’re durable and last between 5 and 15 years, increasing patient satisfaction!
Moreover, dental crown treatment has had a higher success rate than other dental restoration options. And they’ve been supported by many scientific studies — praising their overall efficiency.
The Downsides of Dental Crowns
Still, there are also downsides to dental crowns. These include filing the tooth to the proper shape before fitting it to your original tooth. And this often takes a long time, and once a mistake is made, there’s no room to correct it!
Moreover, some dental patients may experience discomfort after the procedure. Specifically, they’ll be more sensitive to hot and cold things. Luckily, there’s a specially-made toothpaste made for those with sharp teeth, reducing discomfort.
Another problem caused by dental crowns is pain whenever the patient bites down. It’s caused by an incorrectly fitted crown, obstructing the tooth on the opposite jaw. Luckily, you can have your dentist readjust the height of the dental crown.
Aside from that, the crowns themselves may also undergo several issues. Some of them can get chipped, specifically those made of porcelain. Dentists can repair minor chips without removing the dental crowns from your teeth. But if you’re dealing with more extensive damage, you may need complete crown replacement.
Also, some patients may accidentally wash away the dental cement used to keep the crowns intact to the original teeth. And this can loosen the crowns, allowing bacteria to accumulate underneath, resulting in tooth decay.
In a worst-case scenario, your crown may fall off, requiring refitting or total replacement.
Finally, dental crowns tend to be pricier than other tooth restoration options. It can cost you between $800 and $1,500 per crown.
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
Patients must consider the risks and benefits of dental crowns to ensure they’d be the best fit for them.
For instance, a bridge with dental crowns will be more durable than removable dentures. They can help restore the missing tooth between your healthy adjacent teeth. But the best procedure for the scenario will be dental implants. After all, they have a lower risk of infecting the bridges underneath.
Hence, if you can pay for dental implants, choose them over dental crowns. But if you’d prefer a durable yet cheaper option, getting dental crowns will be your best choice.
Whether you should get dental crowns or not depends on your situation. And if you need help finding the answer, you can always consult a dentist in Tijuana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is getting a dental crown for a damaged tooth a good idea?
A: If you wish to protect your teeth from further damage, getting a dental crown is worthwhile. It’s an excellent solution for many tooth issues, providing lasting results. But note dental crowns wear out too, so you’ll need to replace them once every few years. Before you get them, consult your dentist to see if you’re qualified.
Q: Which is better: pulling a tooth or getting a dental crown?
A: Dental crowns are better for preserving your teeth than having them pulled out! After all, you’ll be able to keep your original teeth intact. And since several conditions get associated with tooth loss, many dentists recommend tooth extraction last. Preserving your natural teeth as much and as long as possible is better, and dental crowns can help.
Q: How often must I replace my dental crowns?
A: You can have your dental crowns replaced once every 5 to 15 years, depending on how worn out it gets. But you don’t need to worry about replacing your fitted crowns often, as many make them out of rigid materials! And most dental crowns are made of resilient and robust things, such as porcelain or metal alloys. These allow them to resist natural wear and damage better.
Q: What’s the best age to get dental crowns for my teeth?
A: Many dentists advise having dental crowns fitted as soon as you reach 18. But there will be exceptions, as those suffering from decaying or chipped teeth can get a dental crown even when underaged. It’ll help protect their original teeth, preserving them over time.
Q: Is it possible to avoid getting a dental crown?
A: If your tooth decay or general damage isn’t severe, you can avoid getting a dental crown. Instead, you should consider other forms of restorative dentistry, like fillings. These should preserve your natural teeth, but only for a short period.
Q: Will a dental crown fall off my tooth?
A: Dental crowns can become loose and fall off your teeth for several reasons. The main reason is tooth decay, which can develop in the remainder of the natural tooth under the dental crown. So, if you have poor oral hygiene, bacteria may accumulate.
The Bottom Line
Dental crowns protect your original teeth from wear and damage — keeping your natural smile! So, if possible, have a dental crown or two fitted before considering extraction. After all, even dentists often recommend the latter as a last resort.
