Porcelain Crown

Whenever you need a crown for a tooth — and there are many reasons for that — you find you have many options. Do you go for an inexpensive but long-lasting metallic material or one that costs more but resembles your other natural teeth? Porcelain crowns fall into the latter category. They’re strong and don’t require special cleaning or other maintenance other than what you normally do as part of your daily routine.

 

All the different dental crowns are designed to protect damaged, discolored or decayed teeth. The various types of materials used to make dental crowns include:

• Ceramic, also called porcelain
• Zirconia
• Metal alloys

Your dentist at Albany County Dental Associates  may recommend a crown made of porcelain or ceramic to cap a prominent tooth in the front of your mouth, but ceramic crowns can also be used for back teeth. Porcelain crowns and zirconia crowns can be matched in color to your natural teeth, and they can be formed to the shape of natural teeth too. In fact, crowns made with these materials so closely resemble your natural teeth that it’s next to impossible for anyone to tell the difference.

Why Choose Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns?

Dental crowns completely cover damaged teeth, restoring and improving their appearance, shape and size. Crowns cover teeth that have been damaged in an accident, have had a root canal or have yellowed due to age. They can protect teeth that are too decayed to be saved with a filling, and they can also be used to attach a bridge or cap an implant.

While there are several material choices for dental crowns, a porcelain crown and zirconia crowns have become the standards in the industry. A ceramic crown is also a good choice if you have an allergy to metal.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, “Dental porcelain can be sculpted to closely replicate the look of natural tooth enamel while providing desirable strength and resilience. Porcelain dental crowns are an excellent choice when recreating the form and function of a damaged tooth, because a crown basically replaces the entire external portion of the tooth down to the gum level. Crowns are not limited to simply replacing the original tooth, but can be designed to create an even better esthetic appearance.”

How Your Dentist Places Ceramic Crowns

Once you’ve decided to get a dental crown, expect that it will take two visits to your family dentist:

• During the first visit, your Albany-area dental specialist prepares your tooth by removing any decay along with the outer portion of your tooth. An impression of the area provides a model for the crown. Your dentist often places a temporary crown in your mouth until the permanent crown has been created in a lab. That process usually takes two weeks or less.
• When the permanent crown is ready, you return for the second visit. Your dentist fits the crown over the damaged tooth and makes any needed adjustments. Once satisfied, your dentist cements the dental cap in place.

Are There Any Risks to Getting Crowns?

All dental procedures carry a small amount of risk. You may have an allergic reaction to the medicine used to numb your mouth. You may have an allergic reaction to the porcelain, but that’s extremely rare. It’s a big advantage when your family dentist also is a cosmetic dentist so your new crown will enhance your smile.

While you’re waiting for your permanent crown to be ready, you may experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold. It’s possible during this time to develop an abscess at the root of the tooth. If this happens, you’ll need a root canal.

Care of Porcelain Crowns

When you have a porcelain crown in place, it feels just like any other tooth in your mouth. The aftercare of your crown is the same as caring for your natural teeth: brushing and flossing regularly. And keep going to your family dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups.

Be sure to report any pain or discomfort you have from your crowned tooth. There is a very slight possibility that your porcelain crown has chipped or cracked. If so, your dentist will work quickly to ensure your smile remains perfect.

How Long Do Porcelain Crowns Last and What Is the Porcelain Crown Cost?

Porcelain crowns usually last from a minimum of five years to 15 years or more. Your porcelain crown cost depends on how many teeth are being capped, as well as their size and location. For a general idea of your porcelain crown cost, according to Cost Helper, ceramic crowns can cost between $800 and $3,000 per tooth. They typically are more cost-effective than zirconia crowns or BruxZir crowns.

For more detailed information, contact your dentist at Albany County Dental Associates to find out the exact cost for your ceramic crowns. Schedule an evaluation to determine whether they’re the best choice for you. Your dental team works with you to ensure that affordable dentistry is within your reach.