Porcelain Crowns to Restore Teeth

As you age, so do your teeth. Decay, fillings, trauma or even just normal chewing habits can wear down teeth over time. A porcelain dental crown is a cover that is placed over a tooth to restore it. At Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry, we use porcelain crowns to:

• help protect a weakened tooth from further fracturing or deteriorating.
• replace a discolored or badly shaped tooth
• protect a tooth with a root canal.
• replace a worn out crown.

Porcelain crowns are the most aesthetic choice since they closely resemble the color and appearance of your teeth. Porcelain crown technology keeps improving; there are several different crown materials on the market such as Zirconium and Empress crowns.  Dr. Yolanda Cruz will determine which crown material suits your dental needs best.

The Dental Crown Treatment

It generally takes two visits for your Dr. Cruz to complete your crown restoration. On your first visit, Dr. Cruz will shape and prepare the natural tooth base so the crown can properly fit over it. Next, she will take an impression of the tooth to be sent to a dental laboratory where a custom-fit permanent crown is fabricated. Dr. Cruz will then install a temporary crown over the natural tooth.  The temporary crown serves to protect the natural tooth, and allows you to chew.

On your second visit, Dr. Yolanda Cruz will remove the temporary crown and check the fit, shape, bite and color of the lab created crown. If all is well, Dr. Cruz permanently cement the crown into place.  It is common to feel a little discomfort, mild pain when you chew, or sensitivity to temperature changes for a few days after the permanent crown is placed. If this does not go away, or if the bite does not feel right, Dr. Cruz can make the necessary adjustments.

Maintaining Your Crown

You should take care of your crown like you would for your natural teeth.  This means maintaining a proper diet and regular brushing and flossing to support healthy teeth and gums.  Also, keep in mind that your new crown is not indestructible, and should not be used to open bottle caps or to crack nuts or shell fish.

Schedule a consult at Dr. Yolanda Crux Dentistry today: Downtown office 416-595-5490 .