Porcelain Crowns

Dental crowns are essentially caps that cover damaged teeth to protect the teeth and restore their shape. They are used when the tooth is too damaged for a filling to be able to solve the issue, or as a cap for a dental implant.

Crowns can be used for a variety of reasons:

• To protect a tooth that has been weakened by decay
• To restore a broken or worn down tooth
• To restore a tooth that has had a very large filling
• To cover a dental implant
• To cover a tooth that has had a root canal
• To cover misshapen or discolored tooth
• To hold a dental bridge in place

Porcelain crowns allow our cosmetic dentistry experts to match the color to that of the natural teeth, allowing the crown to fit in with the patient’s smile. A porcelain crown may be made of all porcelain, offering the most natural looking restoration, or it can be porcelain fused to metal. In this case, the metal beneath the porcelain can sometimes show through at the gumline. However, they still offer an excellent option for a more aesthetically pleasing crown.

What is the procedure to get a porcelain crown?

Getting a porcelain crown requires two visits to our cosmetic dentistry office. At the first, we will numb the tooth and surrounding area before gently shaping the tooth to receive the crown. This allows enough room for the crown to be placed. We then take an impression of the tooth to send to the dental lab so the permanent crown can be created. We will place a temporary crown on your tooth until the permanent crown is ready.

On your second visit, we’ll remove the temporary crown and prepare your tooth for the permanent one. We’ll ensure an ideal fit and proper color match before cementing the crown into place.

Why should I treat my decayed or damaged tooth with a crown?

If left untreated, a decayed tooth can cause further damage. The decay can spread to other teeth, causing even more issues. If your tooth has been fractured or broken and isn’t taken care of promptly, it can result in pain and additional damage, including the need for a root canal or even loss of the tooth. A crown can restore your smile to optimal health.

Is getting a porcelain crown painful?

Our cosmetic dentists have great experience in carefully and painlessly placing porcelain crowns for our patients. Local anesthesia is used while your tooth is being prepped so there should be no pain or discomfort involved. You may feel some sensitivity in your gums and around your temporary crowns immediately after it is placed, but this should go away quickly. When you receive your permanent crown, you may have some slight discomfort as your mouth adjusts. It is recommended to eat soft foods the first day or two after receiving a crown.

You can return to your normal daily activities after your crown procedure. If local anesthetic and/or numbing agents were used, your mouth may still feel numb for a while after the procedure. You may also experience some minor inflammation and irritation for a few days after. This is normal and should subside after a couple of days. You can use an over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs to help.

Porcelain crowns are an excellent way to restore your smile. Call our cosmetic dentistry experts today to begin your journey to a new smile.