Porcelain crowns are one of the many procedures dentists perform depending on your oral health. Although cleanings and cavity fillings make up the bulk of dental visits, crowns may be necessary too. Learning more about them and why porcelain crowns are popular can help you make informed decisions during your next appointment.

What Are Porcelain Dental Crowns?

Overview of Porcelain CrownsDental crowns or caps are permanent prosthetic objects that the dentist cements to your teeth. Once a crown is in place, only the dentist can remove it. The purpose of crowns is to cover damaged teeth. Furthermore, they also provide strength and improve the overall alignment and appearance of your teeth.

A crown covers the entire tooth or even a dental implant. You might need a crown to restore a fractured tooth or to keep a weak tooth from fracturing. Dentists also utilize crowns to attach bridges, cover misshaped or discolored teeth, and cover teeth that have had root canals. They can also replace large cavity fillings with crowns when not enough of the teeth remain to hold the fillings.

About Dental Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are one of the most popular material options. With this in mind, dentists match the prosthetic color to your other teeth. This benefit makes the crowns less noticeable than others.

The crown itself consists of a metal structure with porcelain fused to it. The fusion offers a stronger restoration than using porcelain alone. It also provides an excellent seal to avoid leakage and further dental decay. Also, porcelain crowns are very wear resistant and can last for 40 years or more with proper oral care.

The Process of Getting a Dental Crown

The process to get a crown usually involves two visits to your dentist. At first, an exam of the tooth that needs the crown takes place. Next, your dentist makes sure that your tooth can support the prosthetic.

Later, the dentist files away a moderate amount of the structure to prepare your tooth for the dental crown. However, if there’s too much damage, your dentist might fill the tooth to hold the crown. Next, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth and sends it to the lab for proper fitting. You may receive a temporary crown while you wait for the permanent crown from the lab.

The second appointment involves cementing the crown to your damaged tooth. The dentist will use a special adhesive for this part of the process. You might also require some adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. Getting used to the prosthetic could take time, but it should function, feel and appear like a healthy tooth.

Caring for a New Crown

Crowns last a lifetime, but they can become loose or fall out. To avoid either of these issues, you need to practice good dental hygiene. Brush your teeth at least every morning and night with fluoride toothpaste. Electric toothbrushes can help remove plaque better than manual toothbrushes.

It helps when you use an antibacterial mouthwash once a day too. Also, don’t forget to floss every day, and visit your dentist for regular checkups and teeth cleanings. Furthermore, avoid chewing hard foods or objects such as ice to prevent damage to the crown.

S. Keith Mahan, DDS in Orlando Offers Porcelain Dental Crowns

If you think that you need a dental crown, visit the renowned S. Keith Mahan, DDS in Orlando, Florida. We may be able to give you a crown in just one visit using new CEREC technology. It allows us to design, create and position the crown to save you time and enhance your smile quickly.

Our Orlando dentistry believes that you should have a beautiful and functional smile. That’s why we offer many dental procedures from general, family and cosmetic dentistry including:

Take care of your teeth with top-grade dental services from S. Keith Mahan, DDS. Call our office at 407-841-7241 to make an appointment today.