Summary:

Oral diseases of various sorts make life difficult for more than 3.5 billion people worldwide. As a result, most people lose their teeth in whole or in part.    

But is there a solution to these issues? Thanks to the latest advancements in dental science, dental restoration from dentists in West Columbia, SC, has become an excellent alternative.  

Of all the different alternative dental restoration procedures available, this blog will explore the details of porcelain crowns. Also known as dental caps, these crowns are becoming a preferable choice for many patients. 

This blog will explore those with an insight into the following topics:

• What are Porcelain Crowns for Teeth?  
• Reasons For Dentists To Recommend Porcelain Dental Crowns
• Understanding Different Types of Porcelain Crowns
• What is the Procedure For Getting Porcelain Crowns?
• Tips To Care For Your Porcelain Crowns

Continue reading as we learn more about porcelain crowns in the following sections. 

What are Porcelain Crowns for Teeth?

Porcelain crowns for teeth are one of the most versatile and popular dental restoration tactics that address multiple oral concerns. These crowns are custom-made and small, resembling a tooth-shaped hat that fits over your existing tooth.     

As the name suggests, porcelain crowns are made from tooth-colored porcelain, a unique type of ceramic. The dentist will bond these crowns to your existing tooth or at least to the remaining structure of the compromised or damaged tooth. 

As a result, the patient gets a set of teeth with better strength and functionality, ultimately enhancing their aesthetics and confidence.  

Reasons For Dentists To Recommend Porcelain Dental Crowns

Numbers suggest that over 15 million people in the US use dental crowns to enhance their teeth’ strength and aesthetics. This is no surprise, considering the unmatched versatility of using porcelain dental crowns for damaged or compromised teeth. Some of the best-known reasons why your dentist might recommend these restorations include:

1. Fractured or Cracked Tooth: 

Teeth cracking or fracturing due to trauma, wear, and tear, or large fillings is a relatively common phenomenon. A porcelain crown effectively holds the fractured pieces together, restoring the tooth’s integrity and functionality. 

2. Extensive Tooth Decay: 

When a cavity becomes extensive and compromises a significant portion of the tooth structure, a filling might not be sufficient. The crown plays a vital role in encasing the entire tooth, providing the necessary reinforcement, and preventing further damage.

3. Cosmetic Enhancements: 

Porcelain crowns are one of the most preferable choices for oral aesthetic enhancements. Since these crowns are custom-made, they perfectly match the color, size, and shape of your surrounding teeth, effectively concealing discoloration, misshapen teeth, or gaps between teeth.

4. Root Canal Treatment: 

After root canal therapy, teeth become brittle and susceptible to breakage. A porcelain crown can protect the weakened tooth structure and prevent future fractures.

5. Dental Implant Restoration: 

Porcelain crowns are necessary for dental implant procedures. They replace the natural tooth structure and serve as the functional and visible part of the implant.  

Understanding Different Types of Porcelain Crowns 

Porcelain crowns do an excellent job of enhancing your teeth aesthetics. However, with two different types of porcelain crowns, choosing the right one requires evaluating your unique dental needs. That said, two types of porcelain crowns include:

1. All-Porcelain Crowns: 

As the name suggests, these crowns are entirely porcelain. They are the most aesthetically pleasing option, making them ideal for restoring front teeth where appearance is paramount. However, they might not be as strong as other crown types, making them less suitable for molars with significant chewing forces.  

2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: 

These crowns offer a good balance between aesthetics and strength. They have a metal substructure that provides durability, particularly for molars and a porcelain layer that mimics the natural tooth’s appearance. While not as translucent as all-porcelain crowns, PFM crowns are still natural-looking.

What is the Procedure For Getting Porcelain Crowns?

The procedure for getting porcelain crowns is relatively simple. You must follow a couple of simple steps. So, let’s break down these steps for a better understanding.

Step 1: Consultation and Diagnosis   

You first need to consult a dentist, who will discuss your concerns, examine your teeth, and take X-rays to assess the tooth’s condition. They will also determine if a porcelain crown is the best course of action and recommend the most suitable type. 

Step 2: Preparing The Tooth

Upon your visit, your dentist will numb the surrounding tissue and extract any decayed or damaged tooth structure. Then, to provide a solid base for the crown, they will restructure the tooth that is still present by removing the dental enamel. To ensure the crown fits precisely, your dentist will take an impression of the ready and surrounding teeth.

Step 3: Fitting The Temporary Crown

In the third step, the dentist will place an acrylic temporary crown on the prepared tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is being fabricated in the dental lab. As the name suggests, this is only a temporary crown, and you will have to replace it after your permanent crown is ready. 

Step 4: Permanent Crown Placement

Once the permanent crown is ready, which usually takes a couple of weeks, your dentist will remove the temporary crown. They will then carefully check the permanent crown’s fit, color, and bite to ensure it fits and matches your existing teeth. 

After adjustments are made and you’re satisfied with the result, the dentist will cement the permanent crown onto the prepared tooth.

Tips To Care For Your Porcelain Crowns  

Simply cementing a porcelain crown and forgetting about it is not how things work on this front. You must ensure proper care for these crowns to ensure they last for years, and here are some tips to help you do that;

1. Be Careful of Your Bite: 

You must avoid chewing on hard objects like nuts, ice, or candy, as these can damage the crown’s structure. 

2. Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene: 

Brushing twice daily and flossing once daily are crucial to removing plaque and preventing gum disease, which can affect the underlying tooth structure supporting the crown.    

3. Regular Dental Checkups: 

Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings for your dentist to monitor the crown and overall oral health.

Takeaway

• Oral diseases of various sorts make life difficult for more than 3.5 billion people worldwide.
• Porcelain crowns are custom-made and small, resembling a tooth-shaped hat that fits over your existing tooth.     
• Cracked and fractured teeth, severe decay, cosmetic enhancement, root canal treatment, and dental implant restoration are some of the reasons to get porcelain crowns.
• All-porcelain crowns and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are two different types of porcelain crowns. 
• You can get a porcelain crown by following four simple steps and ensuring they last for years with the proper care.   
• Still confused about your options? Allow our experts at Carolina Smiles Family Dentistry today!