A porcelain crown is a dental restoration that can be used to repair and restore damaged or weakened teeth. It is also commonly known as a “cap” because it fits over the top of the existing tooth structure, providing strength and stability. Porcelain crowns have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their aesthetics and durability. A porcelain crown is designed to match the natural color and texture of your surrounding teeth, giving you a beautiful smile.
At Raines Dental in Mullica Hill, New Jersey we specialize in providing customized, high quality porcelain crowns for our patients. Our experienced dentists use leading-edge technology to craft porcelain crowns that are specifically tailored for each individual patient’s needs. We provide our patients with lifelong health benefits from our durable ceramic restorations.
Porcelain is a strong and durable material that provides several key benefits over other materials used for dental crowns, making it an ideal choice for many patients.
A porcelain dental crown can last up to fifteen years or more with proper care. It is also much more aesthetically pleasing than metal crowns as it has a natural looking color and texture that can be matched perfectly with the patient’s existing teeth. Additionally, porcelain does not corrode like metal so it will not cause discoloration or staining of the surrounding teeth. As such, porcelain dental crowns help improve overall oral health while enhancing aesthetic appeal of your smile.
The procedure for getting a dental crown can be done in two visits and is relatively simple.
During the first visit, your dentist will take impressions of your tooth and then prepare the area by removing any decay or damage before fitting the crown over your prepared tooth. Once fitted, an x-ray may be taken to ensure that everything looks good. During this process, you may receive temporary protection for the area until your permanent crown arrives from the lab.
On your second visit, you’ll come back for placement and adjustment of your permanent dental crown which should fit securely without causing discomfort or pain when chewing food or drinking liquids.
Fortunately, modern dentistry has allowed for this procedure to become much more comfortable than most may think. While some patients may experience mild discomfort as the area is numbed and during insertion of the crown, it should not be overly painful. Most patients describe their experience as similar to having a filling placed or any other minor dental procedure performed. Additionally, if needed your dentist can provide you with sedation options such as nitrous oxide or oral sedation to help make you feel more relaxed during your appointment.
The material used to make a dental crown depends on the type of crown being made and the individual needs of each patient. Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) is one of the most common materials used for making dental crowns as it offers strength, durability and natural aesthetics. Other materials such as zirconia, e-max, gold alloy, and titanium can also be used depending on the patient’s preference.
While this does not happen too often, it’s important for patients to be aware of potential discoloration and the steps they can take to prevent it from occurring.
Crown staining occurs when plaque builds up on the surface of the porcelain material over time. This happens because food particles, bacteria and saliva all contribute to the discoloration process, causing an unsightly yellow or brown tint on certain parts of the crown.
However, with proper oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily and flossing once per day, patients can reduce their chances of experiencing stained crowns significantly.
The lifespan of a dental crown depends on several factors such as the type of material used to make it, the patient’s oral hygiene habits, their diet and lifestyle choices, and whether or not extra preventative measures are taken. Generally speaking, most dental crowns will last between five to fifteen years before needing replacement; however this could be longer or shorter depending on the aforementioned factors.
For those in Mullica Hill who need durable dental crown restorations that look natural, Raines Dental offers a great solution.
First and foremost, be sure to maintain good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly. Additionally, make sure you visit your dentist at least every six months for check-ups and cleanings so they can keep an eye on how well the crown is holding up over time.