How Porcelain Crowns Can Restore Your Healthy Smile
We partner with you and your family. So, your smiles look their healthy best. After all, that is what “classic” dentistry is all about. But, should you ever need to repair a tooth damaged by decay, disease, or other trauma, you can have peace of mind that your restoration is in good hands with the team you already know and trust for preventive and general dentistry services. Here, Dr. Valerie Scola discusses when porcelain crowns in Murrieta, California, may be recommended and what to expect from your new, attractive, and durable teeth.
What Can a Crown Do for You?
Dental crowns are highly versatile. They may be used to replace a large filling that is worn, damaged, or old. Teeth with large fillings are more vulnerable to complications, such as breakage. Crowns may also be recommended to resolve large areas of decay that cannot sufficiently be treated with fillings. A tooth is often crowned following root canal therapy and is the “finishing touch” following the placement of an implant. Crowns are also part of a conventional dental bridge; the teeth on either side of the replacement tooth (pontic) are crowned to hold the pontic in place adequately. Crowns may even be used to cover up misshapen teeth, though we can also discuss a range of more conservative options with you to correct cosmetic flaws.
How a Crown is Made and Placed
The natural crown is the part of the tooth visible above the gumline. Artificial crowns are designed to replicate that visible, white part of the tooth. They are made from dental materials that resemble, feel, and function like natural tooth structures. Crowns (or “caps”) are shaped to fit precisely over natural tooth structure, almost the same way a crown or cap fits over a person’s head. After removing the decayed tissue, we make an impression of the tooth to be treated. We use an intraoral scanner and CAD/CAM technology to design and fabricate your crown in the office as you wait. Once the crown is ready, we will check that all looks and feels excellent before permanently “fixing” the crown.
Why Porcelain?
Porcelain is coveted for many cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. It shares the same properties as natural tooth enamel, including how porcelain reflects light. Dental porcelain is durable and biocompatible. So, the material gets along well with surrounding tissues and does not pose risks of allergic reactions or other sensitivities.
Regardless of the material used to make your crown, these restorations are designed to be cared for like natural teeth. They will serve you well for many years if you care for them with consistent brushing, flossing, a balanced diet, routine check-ups, and cleanings at our Murrieta, California office. Scola Family Dentistry awaits your visit, serving Temecula, Menifee, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Sun City, Canyon Lake, and neighboring communities. Schedule an appointment by calling (951) 692-4221.
