Common Dental Crown Concerns Addressed

A damaged tooth can be a major problem that has to be addressed for both cosmetic and health reasons. Depending on the type and severity of the damage, you may want to consider getting a dental crown. For those that have never received this type of dental treatment, it is easy to be uncertain about what to expect.

However, the following answers to commonly asked questions about dental crowns will help you to have a better understanding of this routine procedure:

Will A Crown Be Uncomfortable Once It Is Put In Place?

Some patients may be worried that their crown will be uncomfortable once it has been installed. This is an easy concern to understand because the crown will be a slightly different size and shape than your original tooth. Not surprisingly, it may feel a little strange for the first couple of days, but this feeling should quickly pass. For patients that will be receiving more than one crown, it may take a couple of extra days for them to feel normal. 

Can A Filling Be A Substitute Getting A Crown?

Whether it is due to the expense or the several visits it will take for the crown to be installed, there are many patients that may want to know if there are alternatives to a crown. More precisely, you may want to know if it is possible to substitute a filling for a crown. Yet, this is likely to be a worse option than a crown because the weight of the filling can pose structural risks for the tooth. Also, the filling may be more likely to come loose depending on the location of the damage on the tooth. 

In addition to these two practical concerns, a large filling will also be extremely noticeable almost anywhere in your mouth. This is especially true if you are needing this work done on one of your front teeth. In contrast to having a large filling, a crown is made to resemble a natural tooth, and this will help minimize any impacts the damage has on your smile. 

Receiving a dental crown can be a somewhat frightening experience because you may not understand this procedure or what to expect from it. After learning that you will quickly adjust to having the crown in your mouth and the negatives of opting for a filling instead of a crown, you should find it easier to make choices about treating your tooth damage. Contact a professional such as Dr. James A. Dempsey to learn more.