Porcelain Crowns Questions
Cosmetic Dentistry in Edmonton, Alberta
What is a Porcelain Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth in order to prevent further decay and damage, while hiding tooth discolouration. A porcelain dental crown is a dental crown made from porcelain.
What types of Dental Crowns exist?
We provide our patients with three types of dental crowns to choose from. The options available vary for each patient depending upon aesthetic goals, daily habits, current oral health condition and financial restrictions.
- Pure porcelain dental crowns look the most natural and can be chosen in an appropriate shade to match surrounding teeth. Unfortunately, they are the least durable option.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are the most frequently used dental crowns due to their greater durability and natural aesthetic. However, if the gum line recedes, a greater amount of metal may become visible.
- Gold dental crowns are used the least often due to their colour. However, if a patient frequently grinds or clenches their teeth, gold crowns are often the best option due to their durability.
Am I a candidate for dental crowns?
Dental crowns are not the ideal cosmetic solution for everyone. Most often, porcelain veneers can be applied to brighten a smile and mask cosmetic imperfections. However, certain factors automatically disqualify a patient for other cosmetic dentistry procedures, including:
- Fractured teeth that are unable to be fixed through simple repair
- Significant shape change is required
- Tooth decay has caused daily activities, such as chewing and speaking, painful and difficult
- A tooth has undergone a root canal
- Additional support is needed for the placement of a dental bridge.
- Enamel has greatly eroded away
- Periodontal disease has caused immense gum decay, making a patient ineligible for porcelain veneers
If any of the above is applicable, then a patient is a candidate for dental crowns.
What does the Dental Crown procedure entail?
The dental crown procedure is one of the least invasive cosmetic dentistry procedures available. First, the tooth is filed to create space for the crown. Next, an impression of the tooth is made and sent to a laboratory, which creates the crown. While the crown is being created, a temporary crown is provided to protect your tooth from further damage. After two to three weeks, you return and have the crown bonded to your tooth.
What’s the lifespan of a Dental Crown?
Dental Crowns typically last approximately ten years. However, the lifespan is dependent on the stresses it endures and the maintenance provided. Tips for increasing the longevity of a dental crown include:
- Maintaining good oral hygiene
- Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Paying specific care to minimize plaque buildup around the crown
- Not chewing on inedible objects
Your smile is important to us and we pride ourselves in both helping our patients understand and achieve their cosmetic desires. If you would like to learn more about porcelain dental crowns and live in the Edmonton, Alberta area, please contact Dr. Christine Fialka-Eshenko today to schedule your personal consultation.
