Skeptical About Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are a popular and widely used treatment for correcting dental issues such as broken, cracked, or misshaped teeth. They can also be used to cover implants, protect and strengthen teeth weakened by decay, improve the appearance of your smile, and help restore function to damaged teeth.

Despite their popularity and safety record, there are still many who are unsure about the safety of dental crowns. Rest assured that when placed correctly with good technique, dental crowns have been proven to be safe and effective in restoring the health of your mouth for years to come.

Are There Cases When They Are Unsafe?

Dental crowns can be unsafe if they are not made from a material that is properly biocompatible. Materials such as metal alloys and porcelain fused to metal can cause allergic reactions in some people. To avoid this risk, many dentists will use materials like zirconia or full gold for a crown instead of other materials that may contain agents harmful to the bio-system within the mouth.

Dental crowns may be unsafe if they are improperly fitted. When getting a new crown put in place, it must fit perfectly so that it does not damage any surrounding teeth or tissue when biting down on food or when grinding the teeth at night during sleep. To ensure proper fitting and comfort, dentists will often take a mold of the patient’s mouth before installing the crown, so that it is perfectly adapted to his or her mouth. Improperly fitted crowns can cause pain and discomfort for the wearer, as well as lead to more serious oral health issues if left unchecked.

Lastly, there are some concerns over long-term wear with dental crowns. Most materials used in creating a dental crown will wear down over time, meaning they will need to be replaced eventually. The average lifespan of a dental crown is five years, but this can vary depending on how well you take care of your crown. If you do not properly maintain your crown, it can lead to further decay and damage of the teeth that have been covered. Therefore, it is important to speak with your dentist about the proper maintenance for your specific dental crown in order to prevent long-term complications.

Why Get A Crown?

Dental crowns are custom-made to fit the exact shape of your tooth and to blend in with the rest of your teeth. This is why they are often used by dentists to treat issues such as strengthening a weakened tooth, repairing damage caused by decay or trauma, or providing support for a bridge. Crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of a misshapen or discolored tooth, helping you smile with confidence again.

The process of fitting a dental crown typically involves two visits to your dentist. During the first appointment, your tooth will be prepared for the crown, and an impression taken so that the lab can create a custom-made crown that perfectly fits your mouth. A temporary crown will also be placed over your tooth until you go back for the permanent one (usually about two weeks later). On your second visit, after confirming that the fit is correct, your dentist will secure the permanent dental crown in place with special cement and check it for proper bite alignment.

What Kind Of Metals Do They Use?

Dental crowns are commonly made from metal alloys, porcelain, and other composite materials. The most popular metal alloy used in dental crowns is gold. Gold crowns are known for their strength and durability, making them a good option for restoring teeth in the back of the mouth that undergo heavy chewing forces. Gold also doesn’t corrode or cause sensitivity, which makes it a great choice for people with allergies and sensitivities to other metals.

In addition to gold, several other metal alloys can be used to make dental crowns including nickel-chromium (NiCr) alloys and base-metal alloys like cobalt-chromium (CoCr). NiCr alloys are strong but tend to be more expensive than gold crowns. They also have a glossy appearance and can be tinted to match the color of the surrounding teeth.

Base-metal alloys are made from metals like molybdenum, chromium, titanium, and cobalt. These alloys provide a comparable strength to NiCr alloys but tend to be more affordable. Base-metal alloys are commonly used for front teeth that don’t experience heavy chewing forces and don’t need as much reinforcement as back teeth do.

Porcelain is also an excellent material for dental crowns because it has a natural tooth-like appearance. Porcelain crowns are often used when restoring front teeth due to their aesthetic appeal. Porcelain crowns can be made to match the color of your surrounding teeth, giving you a more natural-looking smile.

There are also composite materials that are used in dental crowns, such as zirconia and resin. Zirconia is a strong material that’s often used for back teeth because it can withstand heavy chewing forces. Resin is a less expensive alternative to porcelain but is not as strong and doesn’t have the same aesthetic appeal.

Some People Do Have Allergic Reactions To Them, Right?

While they may offer protection and aesthetic improvements for many people, some individuals experience an allergic reaction when exposed to the materials found in dental crowns. Allergic reactions typically occur when someone is exposed to a substance their body does not recognize and cannot process properly. In the case of dental crowns, these reactions occur because of metals such as nickel, gold, chromium, and cobalt which may be present in the material used for the crown’s construction. Other possible culprits include acrylic resin and epoxy cement, which are commonly used for laminates and veneers.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to dental crowns can range from mild irritation or itching at the site of the crown to more serious reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing, and even anaphylaxis in extreme cases. If any of these symptoms are experienced after having a dental crown placed, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

The best way to prevent an allergic reaction to dental crowns is by informing your dentist before having a restoration placed. This allows them to choose materials that are less likely to cause a reaction in patients with allergies. Additionally, be sure to inform your dentist about any known allergies prior to beginning treatment, as this can help them make better decisions when it comes to choosing the right materials for your dental crowns.

Having an allergic reaction to dental crowns is not uncommon and should be taken seriously. By providing your dentist with the necessary information prior to treatment, you can help ensure that the restorations are safe and won’t cause any adverse reactions or complications. With proper care and attention, having a dental crown placed should not cause any major issues or discomfort.

So, Are They Really Unsafe?

Although dental crowns are generally considered safe when performed by an experienced dentist, there are still risks associated with them that should be taken into consideration before having this procedure done. By understanding what can potentially go wrong during a crown installation, patients can rest assured knowing they are making an informed decision on their dental care. However, even with these precautions in mind, it is always best to consult with your dentist regarding any concerns you may have about getting a crown.

With careful research, proper care, and maintenance, dental crowns can be a great way to improve the appearance of your smile and protect your teeth against further damage. As with any dental procedure, it is important to make sure you are working with an experienced dentist who can assess if this is the right course of action for you. With the right care and attention, dental crowns can provide a safe, lasting solution for restoring and protecting one’s smile.