Porcelain Crowns for Tooth Restoration

No matter how careful a patient might be, accidents can happen at any time and nearly everyone will experience some form of major damage to their teeth in their lifetime. Porcelain crowns continue to be one of the most popular options for treating a variety of serious issues for 15 years or longer.

Severe Tooth Damage

There are quite a few oral health and cosmetic issues that can be treated with a quick visit to the dentist. Patients that notice some external staining can have their teeth professionally whitened in as little as an hour while minor cavities can easily be repaired with tooth-colored fillings.

When the damage becomes severe, it may be time to start discussing long-term and comprehensive options.

Before delving into porcelain crowns and how they work, it is important to take a look at some of the most common issues that can be treated with these devices. For many patients, porcelain crowns are used to restore and protect their smile after their tooth has been severely chipped or cracked.

Other patients can use these devices when internal staining develops due to facial trauma or tooth infections.

What Are Porcelain Crowns?

As their name implies, these crowns are “false” teeth that are made from porcelain. Porcelain is used because it is somewhat malleable when being made, durable once it is in the mouth, and closely resembles natural teeth.

These devices act as a cap for the natural tooth and completely cover it from top to bottom. Crowns are custom-made for every single patient and can often be installed in just one or two visits to the dentist.

Depending on the type of crown that is created and the patient’s aftercare habits, crowns can last for upwards of 15 years.

Preparing for Your Crowns

What takes place during your appointment will depend on why the crowns are being used. If the crown’s purpose is nothing more than improving the appearance of your smile, then this treatment can be completed in as little as an hour.

Those with severely damaged teeth might need to sit through multiple appointments as any tooth decay or diseased soft tissue is removed.

All patients will need to have their natural tooth measured and reshaped in order for the crown to have a close fit. An abrasive will also be applied to the outside of the tooth so that the medical-grade adhesive has more surface to hold on to.

Once the adhesive has begun to harden, the dentist will then make any last minute adjustments and give you instructions on how to care for your crown.

A Restored Smile

Porcelain crowns are easy to care for with nothing more than daily brushing and flossing. Once the crown is in, you should refrain from putting pressure on that area of your mouth for a couple of days and avoid chewing on any hard material for the next few years.

If you are interested in learning more about porcelain crowns, contact Implant Comprehensive Dentistry. We will be happy to provide an evaluation, answer any questions you may have, and determine if porcelain crowns are beneficial for your treatment plan. Contact us today to get started.