Porcelain Dental Crowns Explained

What Is a Porcelain Dental Crown?

Your dentist may recommend a crown to repair a tooth that has sustained significant damage. This may be the case if the tooth is too decayed to be repaired with a filling, or if it has a crack. A crown may also be required if the tooth has undergone root canal therapy, and the procedure has left it weakened and vulnerable.

A crown is made of porcelain and is formed to match the tooth it will be placed on. It is critical that a crown fits precisely, even if that means the color is not as desired. A crown that does not fit properly, while beautiful, will not serve the intended function.

Appearance Versus Natural Tooth Color

One common way to think of a natural tooth is that it is not a single shade. Not only do teeth have varying degrees of darkness, but they also have a degree of translucence, particularly where the enamel thins. Porcelain crowns are capable of mimicking this appearance, and for that reason, are often used on teeth that are highly visible.

The Crown Creation Process

The process of getting a crown typically includes two dental visits. The first is to prepare the targeted tooth and take impressions that will form the basis for the creation of the porcelain crown. It is important to note that your dentist will need to remove a portion of the enamel so that the crown does not appear too large.

Additionally, you will likely be fitted for a temporary crown. While this is not an exact science, it serves to preserve the appearance and function of your smile until the permanent crown is ready.

At your second visit, the dentist will assess the fit and appearance of the crown. Part of this assessment will include an evaluation of your bite, as a crown that is improperly shaped can throw your whole bite off. If the crown feels too high, you should not simply accept it and move on.

Does It Hurt To Get A Crown?

Getting a crown itself should not hurt, due to the anesthetic your dentist will use to numb the area. After the procedure, however, you may find that the treated tooth is particularly sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.

Candidates For A Porcelain Crown

You may be a candidate for a porcelain crown if:

• You have a visible front tooth that has been damaged and would benefit from the natural appearance of a porcelain crown

• You have a tooth that has been significantly decayed or weakened and requires more extensive repair than a filling can provide

• You have had root canal therapy and need a crown to protect the tip of your root, and your dentist believes that this is the right choice for you

• You grind your teeth at night and have failed to consider how this might affect the longevity of your crown. This is an important consideration that must be brought up with your dentist

How Long Can I Expect My Crown To Last?

Porcelain crowns are not meant to be permanent fixtures, but rather to last a long time. With proper care and maintenance, a crown should be able to last a number of years.

What that number is will be determined by the condition of the underlying tooth, how well you care for the crown, and your tendency to grind your teeth.

You should also remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss, as that will prevent damage to the crown and the natural tooth beneath.

Should I Get Porcelain Crowns?

For a visible tooth, porcelain crowns offer an excellent balance between value and longevity. They have the ability to mimic the appearance of a natural tooth. When the color matches and the shape is right, porcelain crowns can even appear dull! This is the kind of subtlety and nuance you want in a dental restoration.

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