Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns can restore damaged teeth to look like new. Whether your teeth were damaged from a fracture, oral decay, the results of a root canal or wear and tear, porcelain crowns will be your solution. Don’t let your only set of teeth go without the proper care and attention. Give Modern Smile Dentistry a call and let us give you the smile you deserve!

“We give you a reason to smile!”

Restore Damaged Teeth with Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns or “caps” are recommended for many different reasons. The idea of a crown is to completely cover the entire tooth (as a cap does to a head), restoring it to its original shape, size and color. Crowns are utilized to protect and strengthen a tooth that has been compromised. Crowns will be recommended after a root canal has been performed, attrition or abrasions, for cosmetic or esthetic reasons, fractured or broken teeth, oral decay, large fillings that compromise the integrity of the tooth’s structure, or for a full mouth rehabilitation.

Different Types of Crowns

There are many different materials that could be used. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages and may be recommended based on the patients’ needs and the location. Today, the most commonly used crowns are porcelain (tooth colored) and gold. Your dentist will explain which type will be recommended for you before treatment. Crowns can be used to work with a bridge, dentures and other restorative dental techniques.

A women with a hat smiling in a red dress with her porcelain dental crowns

Porcelain Crowns

A man smiling while on his phone with his gold dental crowns

Gold Crowns

A women sitting at her desk smiling after making her first appointment to receive a porcelain crown

What Can I Expect at My First Appointment?

Similar to an initial appointment for tooth inlays and tooth onlays, the initial step is to discuss which material is best for you, porcelain or gold. Once it is determined, the first thing Dr. Nima Mashhoon will do is make sure that the tooth is numb, so you can be as comfortable as possible during the duration of your treatment. A preliminary impression (mold of the tooth) will be captured, to allow for the fabrication of a temporary crown.

Once the tooth has been determined to be decay free, the tooth will be shaped into a smaller version of that tooth. The tooth will be cleaned and isolated as keeping the tooth dry is imperative at this stage. Another impression will now be captured of the tooth, to send to the lab. A temporary crown will be fabricated and placed onto the tooth, where you would wear for roughly two weeks until the lab fabricated and final version has been delivered. During the temporary phase, it is important to avoid hard and sticky foods. This will help prevent damage and dislodgment of the temporary crown.

For any reason, if the crown were to break or become dislodged before delivery of the final version, it is imperative for you to contact Modern Smile Dentistry within 24-48 hours, (805-934-4000), for a new temporary replacement. If a new one is not placed within that time frame, the new crown may not fit and a new impression, and possibly a new preparation of the tooth may be warranted with a new crown needing to be fabricated to allow for a successful delivery.

A man on the phone making his second appointment for porcelain or gold crowns

What Can I Expect at My Second Appointment?

During this appointment the tooth may or may not need to be numbed again. This is a case-by-case determination. The temporary crown will then be removed and the tooth will be cleaned with pumice to remove all debride. The tooth will then be rinsed and dried. The crown will then be gently placed to make sure that it is clinically sound, moreover, the patient will approve the shade of color before cementation. A radiograph will validate fitment.

Once confirmed, the crown will be removed and the tooth will receive a final cleaning. Desensitizer, to help prevent sensitivity, may be applied (this will be determined by your dentist). The crown will then be gently cemented and the excess will be cleaned. Another radiograph will be captured to verify a successful procedure. It will be advised to avoid chewing on that side for 24 hours to allow the cement to fully cure. Post-operative instructions will be provided to every patient.

A women flossing in the mirror to care for her porcelain crown

Caring for your Porcelain Crown

While crowns are highly durable, it is imperative to maintain proper oral hygiene (brush, floss, mouthwash) to prolong its life. Just like a dental filling, as time passes and wear and tear occur, this may lead to the need of replacement or re-cementation. It is important that you see your dental professional as soon as possible if you notice your crown showing signs of damage or becomining loose. We will do our best to retain the crown you already paid for, however, if replacement is necessary we will let you know. The proper care is required in order to ensure the logevity of your crown, but also avoid a tooth infection leading to a filling, a root canal procedure, or worst case scenario an extraction.