Porcelain Crowns in Houston, TX

Porcelain crowns are usually used in restorative dentistry. However, they can also be used for cosmetic dentistry procedures as well. For instance, there are times when a tooth cannot be repaired with veneers, so a porcelain crown can restore the tooth.

It takes two separate appointments to get a porcelain crown. The first appointment involves preparing the tooth to receive its restoration. This appointment can take an hour to ninety minutes. After preparing the tooth, the dentist takes an impression to send to the dental lab. A temporary crown is then placed over the tooth that has been reduced. This prevents debris from damaging the softer tooth material and also minimizes the sensitivity one may experience. The temporary crown is affixed with dental cement only, so patients need to avoid eating hard or sticky foods until they receive their final crown.

The second appointment involves removing the temporary crown and seating the restoration that will be in place for several years. This visit may also take about an hour. The dentist will evaluate the fit of the crown, ensuring that it fits well against adjacent and opposing teeth. If necessary, adjustments are made to the crown before it is bonded to the tooth.

With proper care, there is no upper limit to how long porcelain crowns from Smile Texas® can last. Their lifespan is often contingent upon the health of the underlying tooth and surrounding gums, which will depend on your home hygiene. Taking care of your dental crowns is pretty straightforward. Just like you usually would, make sure to brush and floss your teeth and dental crowns at least twice a day, and come into Smile Texas® every six months for preventative dental cleanings. If your crown chips or breaks at any point, schedule an appointment with our office, and we will get it taken care of.

Dental crown treatment is something that requires time and skill. Because the tooth is prepared to ensure the crown fits properly, there are risks for certain complications. These include:

• Sensitivity. The reduction that is necessary to accommodate a dental crown can leave a tooth vulnerable to lingering sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. In most cases, this side effect resolves once the final crown has been seated.
• Nerve damage. A dentist works very carefully to avoid overstimulating the nerves at the center of the tooth. When a tooth has been injured or infected, the roots and nerves may be removed through root canal therapy.

Once a crown has been affixed to the tooth, there are minor risks of bite issues, crown damage or loss, gum irritation, and allergic reaction. The dentist takes time to carefully assess how the crown fits at the time of treatment to reduce the risk of bite issues and gum irritation. Allergies are most often related to the use of metal crowns. The risk of an allergic reaction to porcelain crowns is very low.

The dental crown procedure is not painful. Because the tooth is reduced to accommodate the crown, and this requires the use of a dental instrument that causes vibration, the dentist administers a local anesthetic into the tissue around the tooth. Patients may feel a pressing sensation on the jaw, but this is not painful. After the tooth is reduced and the anesthetic wears off, the area may be slightly sore or tender. Over-the-counter medication can be taken to manage comfort. For patients with dental anxiety or those who prefer a more relaxed experience, we offer sedation dentistry options, including nitrous oxide and IV sedation.

Proper maintenance and oral hygiene are essential in maintaining your porcelain crowns. You should brush and floss at least twice a day, using a soft-bristle brush. You should also use non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging the crown. Similar to regular dental checkups, you should also schedule follow-up appointments, so your dentist can examine your crowns to ensure they are in good repair.

There are many benefits of porcelain crowns. One of the biggest advantages is that porcelain is exceptionally durable and can last an entire lifetime in some instances. Additionally, porcelain is relatively affordable, safe for your mouth, and can even be matched to your existing teeth.

Yes. One of the primary advantages of porcelain crowns is that the material is most similar to natural enamel. A porcelain crown is ideal for front-tooth restoration because, though strong, the porcelain is also transparent at the edges, so it will blend perfectly into your smile. What makes the outcome of your treatment aesthetically pleasing are the characteristics of the dental porcelain material and the nuances of the restoration, such as shape and size.

There will likely be no pre-treatment preparation to get your dental crown. This procedure is necessary because you have a tooth that has sustained significant damage, so the primary step before receiving your crown will be to reduce the natural tooth to remove all of the compromised structure. Your dentist will do this in the office after administering a local anesthetic. The process should not feel painful at all. If your dentist is concerned about infection, they may prescribe an antibiotic for you to begin taking days before your appointment. If there are any other recommendations, these will be discussed at your consultation.

Once you have your new porcelain crown, you want it to last as long as possible. Hard, crunchy foods are the biggest risk to your new restorations. Foods like ice should be strictly avoided. However, other crunchy foods, like carrots, may be enjoyed by cutting them into smaller pieces that break apart more easily with less forceful chewing. You may worry that you cannot eat steak or dense, chewy foods when you have a dental crown. Doing so does come with some risks. However, it’s low. As long as you take care to cut food into small bite-sized pieces, your crown should not be affected. Extremely chewy candy, like caramel, on the other hand, might create too much force and torque on a dental crown and should be avoided.

No. Your porcelain crown will be crafted using a precision that achieves an ideal fit over the damaged tooth as well as in between adjacent teeth and against the opposing tooth. Your crown will fit into your dentition just like your natural tooth had, thus preserving surrounding structures. Today, these types of dental crowns are considered to be comparable in strength to zirconia and other durable materials.

Porcelain crown consultations usually begin as a routine checkup and cleaning or an appointment that has been made to evaluate a toothache or injury to a tooth. First, the dentist performs a thorough examination of the tooth. X-rays may also be taken. This shows the extent of damage and indicates whether or not the root has been affected. After fully observing the tooth and the structures around it, the dentist discusses treatment options. Patients can expect to receive detailed information about their crown options, including the pros and cons of each.