Dental Crown Misconceptions: Revealing The ‘Tooth’

For some people, a trip to the dentist can be a nerve-wracking experience — so much so that they’re willing to believe far-fetched “facts” about oral health just so they can stay away. And although nearly 15 million U.S. residents have crown and bridge replacements for their missing teeth, there are still many myths that surround the entire process. While crowns and caps restore the look and function of your teeth, some patients are under the impression that these dental procedures will hurt or will result in something that looks unnatural. To reveal the “tooth” behind these misconceptions, you can test your knowledge of crown fillings below.

MISCONCEPTION: Getting crowns and caps will be incredibly painful.

Reality: Dentists recommend crowns to end oral pain, not cause it. Although teeth do need to be prepared for a crown, this treatment should not hurt. The area will be numbed prior to the procedure and you should not experience any discomfort or pain during the process. Recovery is also extremely minimal. You may experience numbness for a few hours following the procedure and minor tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods or to biting for a few days. After a week, most patients experience absolutely no discomfort at all.

MISCONCEPTION: Dental crowns look really unnatural.

Reality: Unless you tell someone you’ve had this procedure performed, they will never be able to notice any difference. With full-mouth dentures, some patients report that their end results look fake. But crowns and caps look and feel just as natural as your real teeth. Your dentist will match the durable crown or cap to the appearance of your existing teeth, ensuring that it will blend in seamlessly. Even you may not be able to tell which of your teeth are real and which were added in!

MISCONCEPTION: Crowns will stain but will never chip.

Reality: Actually, the reverse of this statement is much closer to the truth. Porcelain crowns and caps cannot be stained by foods or beverages like the rest of your natural teeth can. That’s why it’s so important to get the correct color match when the procedure is being performed. However, crowns do have the potential to chip. Although the material is extremely strong, it’s not completely damage resistant. If you sustain an injury to your mouth, it’s possible that your crown could chip or break. Luckily, repair and replacement for crowns is relatively straightforward. Still, you’ll need to take good care of all your teeth, whether they are natural or not.

How many of these untruths (or un-tooths) did you believe? If you’re experiencing tooth pain and damage, dental crowns could be a viable option to maximize your quality of life. To find out more, schedule an appointment with us or contact us for more information.