Porcelain crowns for a complete and restored stunning smile
Dr. Sanjay Dhir of Dhir Dentistry in San Diego, California, may recommend a dental crown (or “cap”) when a tooth-colored composite filling won’t do. A crown will restore the stunning appearance, lasting health, and comfort of your damaged, misshaped, or decayed tooth. As with fillings and other dental restorations, different materials may be used to rebuild the white section of the tooth seen above the gum line. One of the most coveted dental materials is porcelain.
This ceramic is lauded for its stain resistance, strength, and ability to “mimic” the properties of natural tooth enamel – down to how light reflects off the surface of the porcelain. Porcelain crowns are also incredibly versatile. Find below just a few of the ways Dr. Dhir can restore your health and smile with this multi-functional treatment:
Reasons for crowns:
- Hold together a cracked or fractured tooth
- Restore a decayed tooth that cannot be sufficiently treated with fillings, inlays, or partial crowns
- Support a tooth with a large or worn-down filling
- Cover up teeth that are very misshapen or with discoloration, which does not respond to professional teeth whitening methods
- Replace a tooth using dental bridges or dental implants
- Following root canal therapy to remove diseased pulp tissue
If we determine that a porcelain crown is the best option for you, an anesthetic will be applied. So, you stay as comfortable as possible throughout the process. We can also discuss other methods to keep you relaxed. The damaged portion of the tooth is removed, and the tooth structure is shaped. These steps “prepare” the natural tooth to “accept” or accommodate the crown.
We will also prepare the permanent crown by taking impressions or models of the treatment area. These molds are used as the basis for the creation of your crown. A temporary crown is applied to protect the prepared site while our skilled lab partners are making your permanent restoration. Once the crown is ready, you will return to our office. The temporary is removed, and we check for proper fit and that all looks and feels well before cementing the permanent crown into place. Then, it’s time to smile!
Your crowned tooth can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene at home and regular visits to our practice for exams and cleanings. Call us at (858) 358-5801 to book an appointment and to start the process today.
FAQ
The material is strong, versatile, stain resistant, and can ‘mimic’ the properties of natural tooth enamel.
With a proper oral hygiene routine and regular visits to the dentist, you will be able to retain your porcelain crowns for a long time, even 15 years, before they need to be replaced. Brush, floss, and rinse daily and eat a healthy, balanced diet to stay on top of your dental health.
A crown may be necessary to cover and complete a dental implant, help hold a dental bridge securely in place, cover a tooth that’s become discolored or misshapen, or restore a broken tooth.
You may feel sensitivity and tenderness around the tooth for at least two days, sometimes for even six weeks. However, you should clean around the site, making sure that the affected area is not disturbed. You should also avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods for at least a day.
You should care for your crowns the same way you care for your natural teeth. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing and rinsing daily, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups are musts for your crowns to serve you long.
