Exposing Two Dental Crown Myths

A damaged tooth can be a source of terrible pain, and it can have serious consequences on a person's appearance. While dental medicine has developed numerous ways of treating damaged teeth, there are some patients that may not fully understand the various treatments that can be utilized. For example, it is common for crowns to be used to repair damaged teeth, but many patients believe some fairly commonplace misconceptions regarding this type of dental treatment.

Myth: A Crown Is Only Need For A Cracked Tooth

A tooth can become cracked for a number of reasons, and when this happens, a crown is commonly used to repair the issue. However, it should be noted that this is not the only instance in which a crown can be deployed to repair and reinforce a damaged tooth. In fact, this type of treatment can be suitable for almost any type of structurally damaged tooth.

For example, a tooth that is suffering from severe decay may have be structurally compromised. By removing the decay and placing a crown over it, it is possible to save a tooth from needing to be extracted. Additionally, a crown can be utilized following a root canal because this procedure will essentially hollow out the tooth, and the crown is needed to keep it from collapsing.

Myth: Crowns Need To Be Regularly Replaced

Another common notion that is shared by some patients is that a crown will need to be replaced every few years. While it is true that there are many dental procedures that must be redone or replaced after a certain amount of time, this is not the case for crowns. Crowns are highly durable, and unless it suffers physical damage, the patient will be unlikely to need the crown replaced.

In instances where the crown has become damaged, it is important for patients to seek dental care as soon as possible. Without the crown, the tooth is susceptible to further damage, which may result in it needing to be extracted. This can be especially true in cases where the crown as completely come off of the tooth. When this problem is occurring, individuals should make sure to keep the crown in a sealed plastic bag while they are going to the dentist to help keep it safe from being damaged or lost.

Opting to have a crown installed can be a highly effective way of addressing many different dental issues for patients. By understanding that a crown can be used to repair more than just a cracked tooth and that this repair is extremely durable, patients can better position themselves to make sound choices when it comes to their dental health. Contact a local dentist, like Webster John B DDS, to get started.