What Are the Pros and Cons of Getting a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are a common dental restoration used to enhance the function and appearance of damaged or decayed teeth. They provide a durable cover for the entire visible part of a tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. While dental crowns can be an essential part of dental health and cosmetic improvements, like any medical treatment, they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Read on to learn the pros and cons of getting a dental crown. 

Understanding Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a tooth to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance. When cemented into place, Crowns fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line. They are typically used for teeth broken, worn down, or partially destroyed by tooth decay.

Crowns can be made from various materials, including ceramic, porcelain, resin, and metals such as gold or a base-metal alloy. Each material has specific properties that make it suitable for different situations, depending on the tooth's location, the patient's bite, and aesthetic considerations.

Pros of Getting a Dental Crown

Below are the benefits of getting a dental crown: 

• Durability and Protection: Dental crowns serve as a robust, protective shell that encases the damaged or decayed tooth. This protection is crucial for teeth compromised by significant decay or extensive damage, effectively shielding them from further harm and substantially reducing the risk of tooth fracture. The crown fortifies the tooth, allowing it to withstand the daily pressures of biting and chewing, which might otherwise cause a weakened tooth to break.
• Enhanced Appearance: Crowns are frequently utilized in cosmetic dentistry to significantly enhance the appearance of teeth. They can be meticulously crafted to match the color, shape, and size of one's natural teeth, seamlessly blending in with the rest of the dentition. This capability to customize crowns is a popular choice for those looking to improve their smile, which can boost self-confidence and contribute positively to social interactions and personal comfort.
• Versatility: Dental crowns are incredibly versatile and can address various dental conditions. Apart from restoring teeth that have been significantly decayed, they are also employed to protect teeth after root canal treatment, serve as a prosthetic on top of dental implants, or function as anchors on either side of a dental bridge. This wide range of applications makes them integral to both restorative and cosmetic dental procedures.
• Longevity: With proper maintenance, including regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist, dental crowns can last between 5 to 15 years and sometimes even longer. The lifespan of a crown depends significantly on the material chosen and the care it is given. Materials such as porcelain and ceramic can provide durability while maintaining a natural look, whereas metal crowns, though less aesthetic, often offer greater longevity due to their superior strength.

Cons of Getting a Dental Crown

Despite the benefits, obtaining a dental crown comes with some disadvantages. These include:

• Initial Sensitivity: After the crown placement, the tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures due to the inflammation of the tooth tissue during the procedure. Although this sensitivity usually diminishes over time, it can be uncomfortable.
• Cost: The cost of getting a dental crown can be high, especially for crowns made from high-quality materials like porcelain, which are aesthetically pleasing and durable. The process can also require multiple visits to the dentist unless one opts for a same-day crown solution.
• Potential for Damage: While crowns are durable, they can still chip or break, especially porcelain ones. When this happens, the crown may need to be replaced or repaired, which can be an additional expense and inconvenience.
• Risk of Improper Fit: A crown that does not fit properly can lead to discomfort or dental issues such as difficulty chewing or an increased risk of decay if food particles become trapped. The dental crown must be fitted accurately to avoid such problems.

Same Day Crowns: An Innovative Solution

For those seeking a quicker solution, the same-day crown is a technological advancement worth considering. If someone is seeking answers to the question “how does a same day crown work?”, they may refer to reputable websites to gain more insights. These resources can provide a detailed explanation of this procedure, which utilizes CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology to design and mill a crown in a single visit. This method saves time and reduces the discomfort associated with traditional crown procedures, as it eliminates the need for a temporary crown and multiple dental visits.

Conclusion

Dental crowns are a valuable treatment option for restoring damaged teeth, protecting them from further decay, and enhancing overall dental aesthetics. While they offer numerous benefits, including durability and versatility, potential downsides such as cost, sensitivity, and the possibility of damage should also be considered. 

As dental technology advances, options like same-day crowns are making the process more efficient and more comfortable, catering to the needs of today's fast-paced lifestyle. Whether or not to opt for a dental crown should be a decision made in consultation with a dental professional, considering both the dental health needs and the patient's personal circumstances.