Exposing Two Dental Crown Misconceptions

Dental crowns are a relatively common treatment that is used to strengthen teeth that have been weakened or damaged from a variety of causes. Unfortunately, this dental prosthetic is often poorly understood by patients, which can cause them to underestimate the severity of some problems their crowns can encounter. In particular, patients may benefit from having the following myths clarified.

Myth: Cavities Are No Longer A Concern If You Have A Crown

There are many patients who assume a dental crown will completely cover their tooth, and as a result, they will not need to worry about cavities or decay. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth, and if you have a dental crown, it is even more important to protect it against decay. This is because food, tartar and plaque can accumulate in the area where the crown meets the tooth. Over time, this can lead to severe decay that may cause the crown to fall out. 

To minimize this problem, you will need to ensure that you thoroughly clean this area of your tooth. While a toothbrush is excellent for removing the larger particles, you may want to invest in a water flosser to remove the harder to reach items. These devices use a jet of water to remove these substances, and they can easily reach areas your toothbrush simply can not.

Myth: It Is Normal For The Crown To Feel Slightly Loose

Another common notion is that the crown will feel slightly loose, and while this may be true shortly after you get the crown, this sensation should pass soon after. If the time has passed and your crown is starting to feel loose, you need to have it adjusted by a dentist as soon as possible. This is often a sign that the adhesive's bond is weakening. Eventually, the crown will completely fall out, which can pose a choking hazard.

When your dentist repairs a loose crown, they will likely need to completely remove it to inspect the source of the problem. If the issue is caused by decay, the crown will need to be adjusted to compensate for this. However, when the problem is only caused by a failing adhesive, the dentist should be able to simply apply more before reinstalling the crown on the tooth. 

If you are needing a dental crown, it is important for you to understand the truth behind some of the more common misconceptions about these protective coverings. By knowing the importance of preventing decay and that the crown should not feel loose, you will be in a better position to care for your new crown. You can talk to a dentist like Tisdelle Michael J DDS for more information.


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