Porcelain Crowns

Aptly named, the porcelain crown, also called dental crown, is the pinnacle of restorative treatment options to save a tooth ravaged by decay or breakage. Crowns are used to save what is left of the natural tooth and cap it with a new, man-made material. After other conservative treatments are ruled out, the dentist may recommend placing a crown. Dr. Castaneda has extensive experience in this restorative technique in the Shawnee area.

Indications

A porcelain crown replaces or caps a damaged tooth, giving the patient a completely new biting surface.

Crowns are used to:

• Repair cracked teeth
• Build up worn or chipped teeth
• Restore a tooth severely damaged by decay
• Cover tooth nerve endings exposed after a root canal
• Replace a damaged crown

Procedure

Placing a dental crown used to require two visits to the dentist's office, however, using the CEREC fabrication system in the Shawnee office; most procedures now only require one visit. Dr. Castaneda first prepares the tooth, removing any decay and forming the tooth into a base to which the new custom-made cap can be applied. An impression of the tooth base and the tooth opposite the missing tooth are made and sent to the dental lab where the crown is fabricated. Because the procedure is performed in one visit, no temporary crown is necessary.

When the porcelain crown is completed, it is fitted to the prepared tooth base. The fitting ensures that the bite with the opposing tooth is adequate, and that the appearance and feel of the dental crown is desirable. This is the time to send the crown back for adjustments, once in place, the crown is meant to be permanent.

Once satisfied, the crown is bonded to the base tooth. The patient can return to work the same day. Over the counter pain medications are frequently used, but the dentist may prescribe something stronger if indicated.

Materials

The type of crowning material used depends on where the crown is applied. The types of crown material include:

• Dental Porcelain
• Gold
• Combination Porcelain to Metal

Gold is used most frequently in molars where aesthetics are not important. Porcelain, or porcelain fused with metal is frequently used in the smile zone. A combination is used where the aesthetic appearance of porcelain is needed, but the strength and malleability of the metal needed to create a stronger bond.

Care

A normal hygiene routine should be resumed after the procedure. The base of the crown is still a live tooth, and improper care could lead to further decay underneath the cap. Porcelain crowns are not as strong as dental enamel and may chip or break eating ice or cracking pits with your teeth. These activities should be avoided. Avoid excessively chewy foods like caramel, which could cause the crown to loosen over time.

If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in the Shawnee area who specializes in one-day restorative dental treatments, contact Dr. Castaneda today to schedule a dental crown consultation.

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