Porcelain Crowns![]() When Do I Need a Dental Crown?A crown is a protective cover that can be made from porcelain, metal, or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM). It will protect your tooth against decay, fractures, and wear and tear. A crown is usually needed when a tooth has been damaged by an injury or tooth decay. It protects the natural tooth structure around the damaged area which could lead to further problems if left untreated. It is also used to add strength for a tooth that is missing much of its structure because of a large filling or root canal. Crowns are also used to replace teeth in bridges and dental implants. Additionally, it can be used as a purely cosmetic treatment to improve the appearance of an imperfect tooth. Why Choose Porcelain Crowns?Porcelain has many advantages over other materials such as metal. Notwithstanding It can last up to 15 years with proper care. It looks nearly identical to real teeth. It can be color-matched so that it blends in with your teeth seamlessly. Crowns made from porcelain look just as good after several years of wear compared to when they were first made. This long-lasting crown will make you feel great about your teeth. They are stain-resistant, so you will not get discoloration from tea, coffee, or red wine. Whether you need a crown fitted on your back teeth or front teeth, porcelain can be used in all areas of the mouth. Cosmetically, it looks good, but its strength means it can be safely used on the back teeth where immense chewing and biting forces are exerted. What Does the Procedure for Porcelain Crowns Entail?Having a crown fitted typically takes two visits. During the first visit, your tooth is prepared to receive the crown and in the next visit, you will have the crown fitted. Preparing The ToothAfter examining your mouth, we may take x-rays to check the adjacent teeth and tooth roots. After a local anesthetic we set about preparing the tooth. Any decay on the tooth is removed and the tooth is pared down so that a crown fits snugly over it. We provide you with a temporary crown until your new crown is sent to us for a permanent restoration. Impressions of the mouth are taken so that plaster cast models can be made. These are sent to a lab that can make the crown fit the model of your mouth. We also send them details of the color so the lab can match your crown to your other teeth. Permanent RestorationWe remove the temporary crown and fit the porcelain crown over your tooth to check the fit and color. We can make any minor adjustments to the crown and only when we are satisfied will we cement it in place permanently. If you would like to know more about porcelain crowns at Avery Dental Center, phone us on (380) 257-1684. |