Porcelain Dental Crowns 101: How They Could Benefit You
When you're living with a damaged tooth, performing ordinary activities, such as eating and talking, can be difficult. It can impact the way you look, feel, and even interact with others. Fortunately, the dental experts at Charlotte Dental Esthetics can help you achieve a healthier, attractive smile once again with a porcelain dental crown. Porcelain crowns don't only look and feel like your natural teeth, they are a convenient, permanent restorative dental care option that is highly effective at improving the appearance and function of damaged or missing teeth. Here's everything you should know about how porcelain dental crowns could benefit you before scheduling a consultation at Charlotte Dental Esthetics.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a thin "cap" that covers the surface of a damaged tooth to restore its appearance, strength, and ability to properly function. Dental crowns can be made from several materials, including porcelain, metal, or a combination of porcelain and metal. While metal crowns are known for their strength and durability, porcelain crowns are commonly preferred for their natural appearance, especially for front or visible teeth.
Why Would I Need a Dental Crown?
A dentist may recommend that a person get a dental crown for many reasons. Some of these include:
An unusually large cavity that cannot be filled
A fractured, damaged or cracked tooth
A weak tooth that is prone to experiencing further damage
A severely discolored or misshapen tooth
A tooth that has recently undergone a root canal or dental implant procedure
The Benefits of Porcelain Crowns
If you are suffering from the negative effects of living with a damaged smile, you know how debilitating it can be. Fortunately, a porcelain crown can help improve your quality of life by:
Enhancing the beauty of your smile
Protecting a weak tooth
Alleviate discomfort caused by a missing or damaged tooth
Providing a durable, permanent, comfortable replacement to a missing or damaged tooth
Improving your self-esteem
A porcelain dental crown could be an invaluable investment in your oral and overall health. By strengthening and protecting your smile with a natural-looking porcelain crown, you'll be able to maintain good oral hygiene for years to come.
Porcelain Crown Procedures: What to Expect
For most patients, having a porcelain dental crown placed will require two separate appointments. During the first appointment, the following will occur:
X-rays will be taken of your mouth.
The damaged tooth will be carefully filed down to accommodate the dental crown.
An impression of your tooth will be taken and sent to the lab to create your dental crown.
A temporary crown will be placed in your mouth while your permanent crown is being made.
After two to three weeks, you will return to our office for the second part of your procedure, at which the following will occur:
The temporary crown will be removed.
The dentist will ensure that the permanent crown matches the appearance of your other natural teeth.
The permanent crown will be cemented into place.
During both procedures, you should be completely numb and not feel a thing. Any discomfort you experience once your procedures are over should be manageable with an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Advil or Tylenol.
How to Care for Your Porcelain Crown
Your porcelain crown should be as easy and convenient to care for as your natural teeth. While this is true, you must practice good oral hygiene regularly to help your crown last for up to 15 years. Some ways to so include:
Brushing and flossing thoroughly two times a day
Visiting the dentist every six months (or as recommended) for routine check-ups and cleanings
Not chewing hard items, such as ice or the backs of pencils
Charlotte Dental Esthetics is Here for You
If you're suffering from the pain, inconvenience, and embarrassment that comes with a damaged or missing tooth, don't put your oral health on the back burner for another day. At Charlotte Dental Esthetics, our trusted dental team is committed to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile in a comfortable, professional environment. Contact us today to learn more about our cosmetic and restorative dental options, including porcelain dental crowns.