Comprehensive Guide to Porcelain Dental Crowns
Porcelain dental crowns restore and enhance the appearance of damaged, discolored, or misaligned teeth. Dental crowns have helped several patients achieve the durable, stunning smiles they deserve.
Learn more about porcelain crowns with our Wasilla dentist and see how he can help you restore your beautiful smile.
What Are Porcelain Dental Crowns?
Porcelain dental crowns cover the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth. They’re custom-crafted to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, and can restore the functionality and aesthetics of your smile. Made from durable materials, these custom-crafted crowns blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, delivering long-lasting results.
Benefits of Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns offer a range of benefits, including:
- Durability: Porcelain crowns are known for their strength and durability, and can withstand the daily wear and tear of chewing and speaking.
- Aesthetics: Porcelain can mimic the appearance of natural teeth, and porcelain crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth for a natural-looking smile.
- Stain-Resistance: Porcelain is resistant to staining, which means your porcelain crowns will remain bright and white over time.
- Versatility: Porcelain crowns can be used to address a range of dental issues, from chipped and cracked teeth to misshapen or discolored teeth.
Drawbacks of Porcelain Crowns
While porcelain crowns offer many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider, including:
- Cost: Porcelain crowns can be more expensive than other types of dental restorations, such as composite fillings or metal crowns.
- Sensitivity: Some people may experience increased sensitivity after getting a porcelain crown.
- Potential for Chipping: While porcelain is durable, it’s not indestructible. Porcelain crowns can chip or crack if they’re exposed to excessive force or trauma.
The Porcelain Crown Process
Consultation and Evaluation
During this appointment, your dentist in Wasilla will evaluate your teeth and discuss your treatment goals and options. They may take X-rays or impressions of your teeth to help plan the treatment.
Tooth Preparation
Once you and your dentist have decided on porcelain crowns as the best solution, the next step is to prepare the affected teeth. Dr. Dawson will remove any decay or damage from the tooth and shape it to fit the crown. This may involve removing some of the enamel from the tooth’s surface.
Impression
After your tooth has been prepared, Dr. Dawson will take an impression or mold of the tooth. This impression will be used to create a custom-fit porcelain crown that matches the size and shape of your natural tooth.
Temporary Crown
While your custom crown is being crafted in a dental lab, your Wasilla dentist will fit you with a temporary crown. This will protect the prepared tooth and maintain your bite and tooth alignment while the permanent crown is being made.
Crown Placement
Once your custom porcelain crown is ready, you’ll return to the dentist’s office for the final crown placement. Dr. Dawson will remove the temporary crown and replace it with the permanent porcelain crown, making any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit and natural appearance.
Follow-Up
After your porcelain crown has been placed, schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure the crown is functioning properly and to check for any sensitivity or discomfort. With proper care and maintenance, your porcelain crown can last for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care and maintenance, porcelain crowns can last 10 to 20 years. However, their lifespan can vary depending on factors such as oral hygiene practices, diet, and the amount of wear and tear they experience. Porcelain crowns are known for their durability and longevity.
Porcelain crowns can be more expensive than other types of dental restorations due to the high-quality materials and custom crafting involved. The cost can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the number of crowns needed, and the geographic Wasilla of the dental practice.
Not at all. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area and make the procedure as comfortable as possible. After the procedure, you may experience some sensitivity or soreness, but this should subside within a few days.
Porcelain is highly resistant to staining and discoloration, and porcelain crowns are designed to remain bright and white over time. To prevent discoloration, maintain good oral hygiene practices and avoid consuming these substances in excess. Additionally, regular dental cleanings can help remove any surface stains and keep your porcelain crowns looking their best.
Discover if Porcelain Crowns Are Right For You
If you’re considering porcelain crowns to restore your smile, consult with Dr. Dawson to discuss your options. With proper care and maintenance, porcelain crowns can provide a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing solution to a range of dental issues. Contact our Wasilla dental office today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to a restored smile.