There Is No "One Key" To Great Dental Health

Protecting Your Damaged Tooth With A Porcelain Crown

When a patient's tooth has suffered extensive damage, there may be a need to have a crown applied to it. While the placement of a dental crown is something that many people will need at some point during their lives, you might not be informed about this procedure when it becomes necessary for treating your tooth damage.

Will A Dental Crown Have A Metallic Look To It?

In the past, crowns were often made from metal components due to the durability of these materials. Not surprisingly, this can lead to the crown being extremely noticeable, and most patients will want to avoid this. Luckily, modern crowns can be made from high-quality porcelain. This will provide a far more discrete and natural-looking cap for the tooth while still being strong enough to withstand the forces of biting and chewing.

Will A Tooth With A Crown Eventually Have To Be Replaced?

Porcelain crowns are designed to last for years without experiencing significant problems. Yet, they will suffer wear and tear as a result of the forces that can be placed on the crown. Eventually, it will have to be replaced to keep the tooth protected. Annual assessments from your dentist can give you a warning when the crown is approaching the end of its life due to wear and tear, which can allow you to effectively schedule the placement of a new crown on it. Unfortunately, there can be times when a crown may suddenly and unexpectedly fail. If this occurs, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible to have the crown reattached or to have a new one made.

Will The Tooth's Shape Need To Be Modified For The Porcelain Crown?

As part of the process of applying a porcelain crown to a tooth, the shape and size of the tooth will need to be modified. More specifically, much of the exterior of the tooth may need to be removed to make room for the crown. While this may sound like it will be extremely painful, local anesthetics can significantly reduce any sensation that a patient feels during this part of the procedure. For the first day or two after this work is done, the tooth may have mild soreness, but most patients will be able to easily manage this discomfort with the use of over-the-counter pain medications. Opting to eat softer foods during the first few days following the crown placement can help a patient to recover more quickly while also reducing the intensity of the discomfort that they may experience.

For more information on the benefits of porcelain crowns, contact your dentist today.


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