If you struggle with damaged teeth, crowns are an ideal way to protect the remaining tooth and allow you to go about your normal routines. If you've never had a crown placed before, you may not really understand what benefit they offer. However, if your dentist has recommended that you consider them, there are a few things you should know.

A Crown Won't Last Forever

Dental crowns will last for a long time because they are made to be durable and they aren't prone to decay and cavities. However, they are vulnerable to deterioration from plaque deposits. The better you care for your dental crowns, the longer they will last, but they aren't going to last forever. You may need to have them replaced at some point. Your dentist will monitor its condition through routine appointments to spot any signs of wear or damage and address them quickly.

Crowns Need To Be Cleaned Just Like Regular Teeth

You might think that you don't need to worry about cleaning dental crowns since they're artificial. The truth is, you still need to clean them just like you do with your natural teeth. Because the crown sits over the natural tooth, you risk getting plaque and bacteria buildup along the edge of it. Brushing regularly and visiting your dentist will help prevent this from turning into a gum infection.

You Can Have The Crown Matched To Your Natural Teeth

If you don't want anyone to be able to recognize that you're wearing a dental crown, talk with your dentist about shade matching. You can match the shade of your existing teeth so that the crown blends in as though it were always there. This is particularly helpful if you're putting a crown on a front tooth or you have a job that puts you in the spotlight regularly.

Crowns Serve Many Purposes

Crowns are widely known for protecting natural teeth after a root canal procedure. Many people believe that the only time a crown is used is after a procedure like this. You may actually find that your dentist recommends a crown even if you just have a cracked tooth. The only time you'll need a root canal is if you're putting a crown on a tooth that already has some nerve damage. In the case of cracked teeth, a crown will help you avoid any further damage.

Deciding to have crowns placed over your teeth for any reason is a big decision. With this information and the guidance of your dentist, you can determine the best path for your treatment plan. Click here for more information.