The placement of dental crowns is a procedure that most dentists will have to do on a regular basis. However, the prospects of needing this treatment can be particularly frightening or stressful for patients that have never needed this procedure in the past. For patients that are about to undergo their first dental crown procedure, here are answers to some questions that may help them to feel more confident about this procedure.

When Is A Crown A Necessary Treatment?

A crown is necessary when a patient's tooth has suffered extensive structural damage. These damages can put the tooth at a higher risk of breaking and chipping. Also, these structural issues can put the tooth at a higher risk of developing an infection, as bacteria will be able to easily enter the tooth. A crown will minimize these issues by serving as a protective cover for the damaged tooth.

How Much Pain Is Experienced When A Crown Is Placed?

While most dental procedures will cause some degree of discomfort, most patients will experience little more than mild discomfort during the process of placing the crown. In fact, patients are likely to find that the discomfort from this procedure is comparable to what is experienced during a routine filling. This can lead to situations where patients notice almost immediate relief when the crown is placed, as the underlying condition that required the crown may have caused more pain than the procedure itself.

Do Crowns Ever Need To Be Replaced?

Once a crown has been placed on your tooth, you will likely be able to go for many years without needing to have it replaced. However, the crown will eventually need to be replaced, as the crown can suffer extensive wear over the course of the years. Also, the adhesive that holds the crown to the tooth can degrade, which may cause the crown to come loose. While having this work done to your crown can be somewhat inconvenient, it will be essential for avoiding the need to have the natural tooth extracted and replaced with an implant or bridge.

Dental crowns are common prosthetics that are needed when a tooth suffers severe damage. After you understand the instances where a crown would be beneficial, the fact that this procedure will not be particularly painful and that crowns will last for many years before needing to be replaced, you will find that you are able to proceed with this treatment with the confidence of having a basic understanding about this treatment.