Your teeth perform many important tasks. They allow you to bite, chew, and speak. They provide you with a beautiful smile. They are even integral to the health of your jawbone. Your teeth are incredibly strong and able to withstand a substantial amount of use every day. Despite their strength, your teeth are can still suffer chips, cracks, and decay. All of these issues can compromise the strength of your teeth, their health, and the quality of your smile. Oak Park Dental can help with
porcelain crowns.
Effects of Untreated Damage
Damaged teeth should be addressed right away, even if the damage does not seem that serious. Without treatment, damage can worsen over time. With more significant damage, the affected tooth becomes compromised. The tooth is at risk for splitting or shattering as well as painful tooth infections. This can lead to the need for more invasive treatments like
root canals or even tooth extractions.
What is a Crown?
A crown is a dental restoration that is designed to treat damaged or decayed teeth. It is a cap-like restoration that encases the entire visible surface of your tooth. A crown works to hold a damaged tooth together, providing it with protection from further harm and infection while also restoring its strength and enabling it to function normally.
Porcelain Crowns
Crowns can be made from several different materials. Porcelain crowns are the most aesthetic treatment option. Unlike metal crowns, which are gold or silver in color, porcelain crowns look just like the rest of your natural teeth. The material can be stained to perfectly blend in with the color of your natural teeth, and it also reflects light just like real tooth enamel. Because of this, no one will be able to tell the difference between your
dental restoration and your real teeth.
How is a Porcelain Crown Placed?
The process for placing a porcelain crown typically requires two separate appointments. At your first appointment, we prepare the damaged tooth. This process, which is done under a local anesthetic, involves removing a small portion of the enamel from the tooth, making it smaller. This is done so that your porcelain crown can fit comfortably and naturally in with the rest of your teeth. After the tooth is prepared, an impression of your mouth is taken. This impression is sent to a dental lab, where it is used to design and fabricate your custom porcelain crown. While you wait for your crown to be finished, a temporary crown is placed to provide your tooth with protection. Once the crown is finished, you return for your second appointment. At this appointment, your porcelain crown is checked for fit and proper bite before being cemented into place over your tooth.
Benefits of a Porcelain Crown
There are many benefits associated with a porcelain crown.
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Your tooth is protected from further damage and infections.
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Strength is restored to the tooth and it can function normally again.
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The need for tooth extraction is avoided.
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Porcelain mimics the properties of your natural teeth, providing a seamless restoration to your smile. |
With a porcelain crown, we can restore the health and strength of a damaged tooth, as well as the appearance of your smile. For more information, and to schedule your consultation, call Oak Park Dental at (971) 600-0211 today.
