Going to the dentist is a chore nobody wants to do, and a visit to the dentist can be made exponentially worse when you find out you need a dental crown. Hearing you need an extra dental procedure probably makes you weary; a regular check-up is stressful enough. If your dentist recently told you that you needed a crown, you might be wondering whether it's worth getting and how it will benefit you. Learning what a dental crown is, why it's used, and what problems can occur from it will help you determine if it's right for you.

What Is A Dental Crown?

A dental crown is essentially a cap that helps restore the tooth's shape, size, and appearance. There are multiple different materials that are used to make dental crowns, and each material has its pros and cons. For example, metal crowns, such as gold or nickel, are good because they require less of the original tooth to be shaved down, and they hold up well to chewing and biting. The downside to metal crowns is that they don't match the appearance of your other teeth. Other materials used for crowns include resin, ceramic, and porcelain.

Why Is A Dental Crown Used?

There are multiple reasons a dentist would recommend a dental crown. If you have a tooth that is being weakened from decay, a dental crown can prevent the tooth from breaking. If you broke a tooth in an accident, a crown could help replace the look and function of that tooth. If you have a tooth that requires a root canal, a dental crown can restore the tooth if too much of the structure has been lost. Regardless of the reason you need a dental crown, they are always used to help restore normal function to your teeth.

What Problems Can Occur From A Dental Crown?

Dental crowns have multiple benefits, but they're not exempt from having problems. When you first get a dental crown, you might experience extreme sensitivity to heat and cold if the crowned tooth still has a nerve in it; this can be easily remedied with toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Another problem that can occur with a dental crown is it can fall off if it's not done the right way. You can apply a dental adhesive to the crown to keep it in place until you're able to make an appointment with your dentist. Fortunately, most problems that occur with dental crowns can be fixed easily and are not long lasting.

Like most dental procedures, there are pros and cons to dental crowns. Figuring out if a dental crown is right for you can help you and your dentist make the best decisions for your teeth and your overall dental health. Contact a dentist like Four Corners Dental Group today for more information.