Porcelain Dental Crowns
Dental crowns restore a tooth's size, shape and appearance while protecting the tooth from damage. A dental crown covers the entire tooth from the top of the tooth to the gum line. Several types of dental crowns exist, including gold and metal alloys, ceramic and porcelain crowns. Porcelain dental crowns offer you the combination of durability and attractive appearance.
Reasons for Dental Crowns
Crowns have a number of functions in dental service. A dental crown can protect a weak or broken tooth from further damage or restore a worn-down tooth. Dental crowns also cover dental implants and restore teeth after root canals. And a crown can hold a dental bridge in place or may be used to cover a deformed or discolored tooth.
Types of Dental Crowns
Our dental services offer several types of dental crowns, including sturdy gold and metal alloy crowns. While durable and long lasting, metal alloy dental crowns do nothing to improve the appearance of a tooth. Our dental services do, however, offer crowns that match natural tooth color, including ceramic and porcelain crowns.
A porcelain dental crown has two layers: an outer layer of tooth-colored porcelain that is fused to an inner layer of metal. The resulting crown looks like a natural tooth, but has the strength to support and protect the underlying tooth. Patients get aesthetics and protection, making a porcelain dental crown suitable for front or back teeth.
Preparing Dental Crowns
To make a porcelain crown, Dr. Killian must first prepare the tooth. After cleaning the tooth of decay and performing restoration work, he files the tooth so the crown will align properly. If the tooth has been badly worn down, filling material is used to build the tooth back up to the right level.
Once this preparatory work is done, Dr. Killian makes an impression of your tooth and an impression of the teeth above or below the tooth. This ensures the dental crown will not affect your bite. The dental crown is then made either in-office or sent to a lab. Once the crown is ready, Dr. Killian numbs the area around the tooth before fitting the crown to the tooth.
Dental Crown Maintenance
Porcelain dental crowns can last 5 to 15 years, depending on oral hygiene habits and wear and tear. Overall, dental crowns cause few problems.
However, new crowns can cause heat or cold sensitivity, and Dr. Killian may recommend using toothpaste designed with sensitive teeth in mind. If biting down causes pain, the crown may need to be adjusted.
Porcelain crowns can chip. If this occurs, the crown can be fixed with composite resin. Sometimes crowns loosen or fall off. If this occurs, contact our office as soon as possible.
While porcelain crowns look like natural teeth, some people notice a dark line where the crown meets the gum line. This is the metal portion of the crown showing at the edges. If you notice this, please let Dr. Killian know.
Dental Crown Work in Carlisle, PA
Our office provides a wide range of dental services in Carlisle, PA, including dental crowns. Dr. Killian's office is a friendly place with helpful staff willing to answer your questions about porcelain crowns and other dental issues.
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