Porcelain Crowns for Modern Restorative Dentistry
Your teeth are powerful little instruments that are essential to your everyday life. However, they can be damaged or lost. When that happens, they have to be repaired or replaced to avoid more serious oral health issues.
A dental crown is a common tool used in restorative dentistry to address a wide array of problems. While crowns can be crafted from several materials, our dentists offer porcelain crowns as a modern and versatile restoration method.
What Are Porcelain Crowns?
Porcelain crowns take the form of cap-like, tooth-shaped restorations made from porcelain. Crowns can be used by themselves and in tandem with numerous restorative methods, such as root canal therapy, dental implants, and bridges. Porcelain crowns offer many benefits that may make them the preferred restoration option for many patients.
Benefits of Porcelain Crowns
- Crafted from porcelain to match the appearance of natural teeth
- Customized to blend in seamlessly with your smile
- Restores the look, feel, and function of damaged teeth
- Helps prevent further damage and infection by sealing off the tooth
- Durable and stain-resistant, helping your new smile stay whole and white
The Porcelain Crown Process
Initial Consultation
Due to the versatility of porcelain crowns, the steps involved in your treatment are likely to vary. Regardless of your future treatment, you’ll begin the process by scheduling an initial consultation with one of our Belvidere dentists. They’ll thoroughly examine your mouth, review your medical history, and explain our safe sedation options for your procedure.
Your dentist will take the time to discuss your smile goals and answer any questions you may have. The information they gather will allow them to help determine which treatment method is right for you.
Designing Your Porcelain Crown
To design your porcelain crown, your dentist will take high-quality images and impressions of your mouth and any existing teeth. These will be sent to a special laboratory to craft your customized dental crown.
Preparing Your Tooth
We’ll prepare your tooth by cleaning your mouth, and applying a local anesthetic to the surgical site. This will alleviate any pain or discomfort you may feel during the procedure. Upon request, we can also provide you with dental sedation. If you took a sedative at home, we’ll make sure it’s working alongside your anesthetic. Then, your dentist will shave your tooth down into a base for the crown.
Installing Your Porcelain Crown
Once the tooth is prepared, your dentist will make sure your crown is to your liking before installing the restoration. They’ll then place your customized porcelain crown over the prepared tooth using a special dental adhesive. If you opted for an implant restoration, the crown will be placed on top of the implant using a connector piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Porcelain crowns are designed to last 15 years, but they can last upwards of 30 years if you regularly practice proper oral hygiene and attend bi-annual visits at Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry.
Porcelain crowns are sturdy, but just like real teeth, they may break due to trauma. If that happens, don’t attempt to repair or reattach the crown yourself. Put the pieces in a clear, plastic bag and call Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry to set up an appointment. Bring the pieces with you to your appointment so our dentists can attempt to repair them. If they can’t repair it, they’ll make recommendations for a suitable replacement.
Porcelain is non-porous, which provides stain resistance. Conversely, porcelain crowns can’t be whitened. If your crown becomes stained, the only way to restore your smile’s appearance will be to replace the crown. This is one reason why practicing proper oral hygiene and attending regular dental exams is so important to the maintenance of your porcelain crowns.
The cost of your porcelain crown will depend on several factors such as how many you need, your chosen treatment option, and your insurance. We encourage you to call your provider beforehand and ask them if they will cover some or all of the cost of your treatment. We believe our patients should not be barred from necessary treatment due to cost, so we also offer third-party financing through CareCredit and WellsFargo.
