I’ve been practicing dentistry for over three decades, and during that time I’ve placed over 30,000 dental crowns. So, I guess you could say that I’m familiar with this type of procedure. Another thing I’ve learned in my dental career is that there are some common misconceptions about dental crowns. I’m here today to bust a few of those myths.
- A crown can save any damaged tooth. Every case of tooth decay is different, so there’s no one solution that can resolve all issues. In more minor cases, a simple filling can do the trick. In more advanced cases, severely decayed teeth are no longer strong enough to support a crown. In these situations, it is best to extract the tooth and replace it with a dental implant. If you proceed with a crown on a tooth that can’t support it, you might end up losing the tooth within the next couple of years anyway.
- Getting a crown is extremely painful. People often associate dental work with painful experiences, but that’s not always true. When performed correctly, the procedure of getting a crown shouldn’t be painful at all. Advances in technology have made it possible to get through dental procedures with minimal discomfort.
- All dental crowns are created equal. There are a lot of factors that play into the quality of a dental crown. A good crown should be made of high-quality materials and requires a skilled dentist to place it. Some dentists try to save money by having crowns made by cost-cutting companies overseas. While this may seem beneficial for both patient and doctor, inexpensive crowns are poor quality and can contain harmful materials like lead. It’s better to pay more for a higher quality product; after all, this is something that will be in your mouth for years to come.
- Crowns don’t look like natural teeth. Many patients are concerned that their new crown will be noticeable. Don’t fret! New technology and materials have made it possible for crowns to not only function just like your natural teeth but look like them too. Quality crowns should blend in perfectly with the rest of your smile.
- Dental crowns are not affordable. The cost of dental work often keeps people from receiving the procedures that will benefit their oral health. Dental crowns are actually an economical solution to a common problem. Compared to implants, crowns are less expensive, although implants are certainly necessary at times. If you’re concerned about cost, talk to your dental care provider. Most dentists have options for payment plans that lessen the initial cost of doing what’s best for your teeth.
Bottom line, dental crowns are a critical procedure for many patients to maintain their oral health and the value of your health is priceless. So, if you think you might need a crown, don’t wait! Set up an appointment today. The faster you resolve the situation, the better your dental health will be moving forward. To learn more about modern dentistry, check out my book, The Big Smile. You can also keep up with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
