A porcelain crown is a cap that fits over a tooth. Crowns are used to provide stability to teeth that are damaged from trauma or severe enamel erosion, grinding and clenching or decayed. They may also be used after a root canal treatment to create a stronger, more attractive surface. While porcelain is the most natural-looking material, back teeth may require gold or another metal for durability.
The Porcelain Crown Procedure
The crown procedure is relatively simple and usually completed in two appointments. During the first step, the dentist will drill out decay and make an impression of the tooth. The mold is then sent to a dental lab where a technician will create the crown. The patient will be fitted with a temporary crown until the permanent one is ready. If there is a large amount of decay in the pulp of the tooth, the patient may have to undergo a root canal treatment and possibly take antibiotics before receiving a permanent crown.
The second appointment will involve removing the temporary crown and bonding the permanent one into place. The patient’s bite will be evaluated with carbon paper to see if any adjustments are needed. A crown will look and function like a natural tooth. It should be noted that a crown can wear out or even loosen and fall off, requiring it to be cemented again or replaced. Those who grind their teeth are at risk for damaged crowns and should consider being fitted with a night guard to preserve dental work.
Porcelain crowns provide a natural-looking solution to damaged or unsightly teeth. Long term durability, protection from further decay and improved chewing and talking are some of the other benefits realized by patients who receive dental crowns. The Oso Marguerite Dental Team in Mission Viejo uses the latest technology to ensure crowns are attractive, durable and properly fitted for comfort. If you are interested in exploring the placement of a crown, schedule a consultation with our dental team.
Crowns and Bridges Make Your Smile Whole Again
If you’re experiencing functional problems with your tooth, or you’ve lost one or had it extracted, it may be uncomfortable to complete everyday activities like eating or even speaking. Damaged or decayed teeth often cause sensitivity and pain. Chips or cracks can make even the most confident person feel self-conscious. When a tooth is damaged, that doesn’t mean it needs to be extracted. If the tooth’s roots and interior are still healthy then the tooth is worth saving. We just may need to give it a new exterior. If you’ve got chipped teeth, cracked teeth, or broken teeth, we can make your smile whole and fully functional again with dental bridges and dental crowns in Mission Viejo, CA.
At OSO Marguerite Dentistry our dentist and dental team are skilled in these restorative treatments and have the artistic eye to provide aesthetically attractive outcomes, as well as returning function to your tooth. Your new restoration, made from porcelain or ceramic materials, will blend seamlessly with your existing teeth and be strong enough to bite and chew foods comfortably once again.
Dental Crowns: Repair a Damaged Tooth
Dental crowns are fixed “caps” that cover your teeth to restore strength and beauty. We generally recommend crowns when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be treated with bonding or composite fillings. Similarly, we can use a dental crown to preserve a tooth after root canal therapy or to restore a permanent dental implant. We’ll take impressions of your tooth, which are used by a specialized dental lab technician to design your new restoration. Then, we’ll be sure your new dental crown fits securely over your tooth and the color blends in with your surrounding teeth. The advantages of dental crowns include:
Dental Bridges: Replace a Missing Tooth
If you’ve lost a tooth, but aren’t ready to commit to a dental implant, then a dental bridge is your next best option. Dental bridges are a series of dental crowns that span the gap left after a tooth is lost or extracted. To ensure a comfortable and seamless fit, we first take impressions of the area. These will be used by experienced technicians at our partner dental lab who will hand-craft your restoration. Your dental bridge will be made from high-quality materials and color-matched to look natural alongside your existing teeth. The benefits of dental bridges include:
At Mission Viejo Dentistry, our team of dentists in Mission Viejo is happy to announce that we offer Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) same-day crown services. Our dental crowns look and feel like real teeth. They’re just as strong and durable as other dental crowns, but they’re much faster and more convenient.
What is a Dental Crown?
Everyone knows that crowns are what kings and queens wear, but what are dental crowns? Dental crowns are caps that go on top of teeth that are cracked, worn down, or damaged to improve their appearance. They restore the size, shape, and color of teeth. Crowns can be made of porcelain, ceramic, metal alloy, composite resin, or a combination of these materials.
How Do Dental Crowns Work?
At New Generation Dentistry in Mission Viejo, you can get your crowns done in just one visit! A 3-D image is taken of your tooth and with CAD/CAM technology, a beautiful, durable ceramic crown is created in our office so you won’t have to wait or make any return visits. It’s clean, fast and efficient—and the crown will last for many years with proper care. We can create beautiful, long-lasting ceramic (porcelain) crowns or veneers that look and perform like a natural tooth. It’s the perfect way to restore any tooth and to have a perfect smile again.
Do Dental Crowns Hurt?
Dental crowns do not hurt. Though the procedure to place the crowns on the teeth may not be easy, the dentist will usually use an anesthetic to eliminate any pain. Afterward, there is a possibility of mild soreness or sensitivity around the site of surgery, but it should be temporary.
Dental Care for Crowns
Like real teeth, remember that dental crowns also need to be cared for daily. This includes basic oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing, and getting dental checkups. Regular teeth cleaning is important for maintaining your beautiful new smile!
If you are dealing with a chipped or broken tooth, or one that is causing you pain, don’t put off the inevitable. Schedule an appointment at Oso Marguerite Dentistry. You can book an appointment online to meet our team of dentists in Mission Viejo for a consultation for same-day crowns. If you have any questions, feel free to call us
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why might I need a crown?
There are several reasons you might need a crown. Examples include to protect a weak tooth from breaking down, to restore a tooth that is already broken, to cover a tooth after a large filling has been placed or to hold a dental bridge in place.
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What is the best way to care for my temporary dental crown?
A temporary crown is not permanently fixed to the tooth. Therefore, a little extra caution is necessary. For best results, avoid very sticky or extremely hard foods, try to chew on the other side of your mouth, away from the crown and use care when flossing to slide floss out rather than up to avoid pulling the crown out of place. Should the temporary crown become misplaced, contact Oso Marguerite Dental as soon as possible.
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Will my permanent crown require special care?
No, you can care for your permanent crown the same way you would your natural teeth. Continue to brush and floss twice a day and visit Oso Marguerite Dental as recommended for cleanings and checkups.
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I have questions about a crown that have not been answered here. What should I do?
We would be happy to discuss porcelain crowns further with you and help you make the right decision regarding all of your oral health care needs. Call Oso Marguerite Dental to schedule a personal consultation with one of our knowledgeable dentists.