What To Know About Dental Crowns

Posted on: 30 March 2017

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Dental problems can come in an assortment of types and severities. Unfortunately, there are some dental problems that may not be able to be adequately repaired through fillings or bonding. When this is the situation with your teeth, you might need to opt for the placement of a dental crown.

What Types Of Problems Can Be Corrected With Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are utilized when the tooth has suffered extensive structural damage. If a tooth has suffered extensive structural damages, fillings and bonding may not be able to sufficiently reinforce the tooth. As a result, the tooth may be at a risk of shattering, cracking, or chipping. Once this damage has occurred, the repair process will be greatly complicated, and you will likely experience significant pain. By using a crown to reinforce the tooth, you will be able to protect the tooth against this risk, as the crown will absorb the majority of the force from chewing and speaking.

How Much Pain Will You Experience While Having Dental Crowns Installed?

Needing to go through a dental procedure can be intimidating, as you are likely worried about the pain that will be experienced. However, dental crowns are not a particularly painful treatment. The crown will simply fit over the damaged tooth so that it will protect it. However, a portion of the existing enamel will need to be removed so that the crown will be able to fit. This part of the process may cause mild discomfort, but a local anesthetic should be sufficient to manage this discomfort. Once the effects of the anesthetic stop, you may experience tenderness for a day or two.

What Is The Maintenance That Dental Crowns Will Need?

Caring for a dental crown can seem like it would be a complicated task, but it is actually a fairly simple process. You will need to brush and floss the crown to help minimize the amount of potentially harmful bacteria in your mouth. In addition to properly cleaning the crown, you will need to have it inspected by a dentist at least once a year. These inspections will enable the dentist to make sure that the crown is properly and securely attached to the tooth. Over time, the adhesive that bonds the crown to the tooth may become compromised, but if your dentist catches this problem before the crown becomes dislodged, they will be able to add more to help secure the crown.