Porcelain Crowns
A smile is one of the first things you notice about a person.
When you’re experiencing tooth decay or have damaged teeth, you can feel insecure about your smile and feel less confident in social situations. At Latha Subramanian DDS, we offer porcelain crowns as a convenient treatment option for patients experiencing tooth erosion or other forms of decay and damage. Porcelain crowns replace the outer layer of the tooth and can improve the color, shape, and size of the tooth.
Are you interested in learning more about porcelain crowns? Contact our office in Mountain View today to schedule a consultation!
What are Porcelain Crowns?
Porcelain crowns are a restorative dental treatment that can be used to improve the color, shape, and size of teeth. While there are many types of dental crowns, porcelain crowns yield the most natural looking results and tend to last longer without yellowing or chipping. Porcelain crowns are placed over the natural tooth, replacing the outer layer of the tooth. Porcelain crowns are often used when the natural tooth has severe enamel erosion or decay, as they are thicker than veneers and can provide additional strength to damaged teeth. This is a good treatment option for patients who tend to grind or clench their teeth as porcelain crowns are very durable.
We fit porcelain crowns to each individual patient and take impressions to ensure the crown fits the tooth and the existing bite pattern. The size and shape of the crown are determined from the impressions and then the proper color is chosen to blend in with the natural teeth. Porcelain crowns require time to be molded, so patients may be fitted with a temporary crown until their unique porcelain crown is ready to be installed.
Before a porcelain crown can be installed, the tooth receiving the crown must be prepared and any tooth decay is removed. Patients will be given a local anesthetic prior to the installation to decrease any discomfort that may be experienced. Once the tooth or teeth receiving the crown have been properly prepared, the porcelain crown is bonded to the natural tooth using a light-sensitive resin. Patients may experience some sensitivity to extreme hot and cold temperatures after having a porcelain crown installed. This side effect is usually temporary and should resolve within a week of installation.
With the proper maintenance and care, porcelain crowns can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. There are circumstances that may require the porcelain crown to be replaced, like general wear, bite issues, or decay of the natural tooth beneath the crown. We recommend patients continue with their daily oral hygiene routine and schedule regular dental visits to ensure the crown is properly maintained.
Latha Subramanian DDS is committed to helping our patients improve their smiles and increase their confidence. Our staff is dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality of dental care and restorative service.
Do you want to find out if porcelain crowns are the right restorative treatment for you? Schedule a consultation with us today!
