What Is The Downside Of A Tooth Crown? The Real Truth About Dental Crowns: Pros, Cons, and Common Problems

Thinking about getting a dental crown, but not sure if it’s the right move? Millions of people across the UK rely on crowns every year to restore their teeth – but like any dental treatment, they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this post, the team at Blessing Dental Care in Paisley breaks down the pros and cons of dental crowns, their common problems, and what you really need to know before sitting in the chair.

What exactly is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover that fits snugly over a tooth that has been damaged or weakened. Your dentist uses it to restore strength, size, and shape, and to give the tooth a natural look again. Think of it as a tooth cap that completely covers the visible surface of the tooth.

At Blessing Dental Care, we use crowns to restore a tooth after a root canal, protect a cracked or fractured tooth, or to finish a dental implant. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap designed to mimic your natural teeth, both in colour and function.

Why might someone need a dental crown?

There’s a long list of reasons. You may need a crown if your tooth enamel has worn down, if you’ve suffered decay, or after a tooth replacement treatment. A crown may also be necessary to hold a large filling or to enhance your smile cosmetically.

At Blessing Dental Care, we often recommend a fitting crown to protect the tooth from the gum upwards, especially on back teeth that handle strong chewing forces.

What types of dental crowns are available?

Different problems call for different dental crown types. You might choose a porcelain crown, a metal crown, or even a gold crown, depending on your goal.

• Porcelain crowns blend beautifully with natural teeth -ideal for front teeth.
• Metal-based crowns, including crowns made of metal or gold, are extremely durable, making them excellent for molars.
• A ceramic crown is another aesthetic choice for those avoiding metal.

At Blessing Dental Care, we’ll help you choose the crown type that suits your tooth, bite, and budget.

What happens during the dental crown procedure?

The dental crown procedure usually happens in two stages. During the first appointment, your dentist will begin preparing your tooth by shaping it slightly to ensure the crown fits properly. A temporary crown protects your tooth between visits.

Your custom crown is then crafted in a dental lab. Once ready, your dentist will place a dental crown and check that it feels right before cementing it permanently. The goal is to make sure your new crown not only looks natural but also that the crown will remain intact for many years.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of dental crowns?

Every type of dental restoration has its perks and downsides. Here are some pros and cons of dental crowns:

Advantages

• Long-lasting and durable when maintained properly.
• Restores both the appearance and function of a weakened tooth.
• Protects against further dental decay and damage.

Disadvantages

• Requires removal of some tooth enamel.
• It can cause brief soreness or sensitivity around the tooth and gum.
• There’s a chance a crown may loosen or require repair in time.

Understanding the disadvantages of dental crowns isn’t meant to scare you -just to ensure you make a confident, informed decision.

What are the common problems with dental crowns?

Dental crown problems can happen, even when the crown is placed perfectly. A loose crown or a crown that is uneven can sometimes cause discomfort or affect your bite. In some cases, soreness around the tooth develops if food particles trap underneath the crown.

While these issues are uncommon, if you ever notice a problem, contact your dentist as soon as possible. At Blessing Dental Care, our dental team is experienced in fixing any issue with dental crowns, from minor adjustments to complete replacements.

How to care for your crown and prevent decay

Just because the tooth with a crown isn’t natural doesn’t mean you can ignore good oral hygiene. Brushing regularly, flossing around the tooth and gum, and attending regular dental check-ups help prevent tooth decay beneath the crown.

If dental decay does appear beneath the crown, the crown may need to be replaced. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps ensure your crown will remain intact and extends the lifespan of your restoration.

How long do dental crowns last?

With proper dental care, dental crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years -or even longer. The longevity depends on the crown type, placement, and how well you maintain your oral hygiene.

At Blessing Dental Care, we advise booking occasional evaluations to make sure your placed crown is still fitting perfectly and the crown in place hasn’t loosened over time.

What to do if your crown feels loose or painful

A loose crown or pain when biting could point to a poorly fitted dental crown placed or dental problems under the surface. Sometimes, a poorly fitted dental crown can cause discomfort or even slight inflammation in the surrounding teeth or adjacent teeth.

If that happens, don’t wait it out. Contact your dental clinic right away. The dental team at Blessing Dental Care will inspect your crown placement and fix the issue before it worsens.

Are crowns better than fillings or implants?

It depends on your case. A dental implant may be a better option if the entire whole tooth is missing. Fillings, on the other hand, work when the damage is minimal. Crowns sit somewhere in between -they’re often used when a tooth has been damaged but not beyond repair.

Our dentistry team helps patients choose between these treatments daily, balancing function, cost, and the preservation of natural teeth.

What do I need to know about dental crowns before getting one?

Before jumping in, here’s what you really need to know about dental crowns:

• A crown is a tooth-shaped cap used to cover and protect a fractured tooth or weakened tooth.
• Crowns are a good option if you want to restore a tooth that still has a viable root.
• The placement of the crown is permanent, but with the right care, your dental crowns tend to last decades.
• Crowns can improve your confidence, your bite, and your smile.

At Blessing Dental Care, we believe in transparency. Understanding both the benefits and the cons of dental crowns helps you choose the treatment that’s right for your smile.

Key takeaways

• A dental crown protects and restores damaged teeth.
• There are several types of dental crowns, including porcelain, metal, and gold.
• The disadvantages of dental crowns are minimal compared to their benefits when done properly.
• Keep up with good oral hygiene to prevent decay beneath the crown.
• If you notice common problems with dental crowns, see your dentist as soon as possible.
• Always trust experienced professionals like Blessing Dental Care for your crown placement and long-term dental care.