A porcelain crown is a cap placed over a tooth to restore its size, shape, and appearance. At Restoration Smiles: Adult & Pediatric Dentistry, we have the crown made to match the size, color, and shape of your existing teeth so that no one can tell that you have a crown placed over your natural tooth. Since they are custom-made for each patient by a professional dentist or oral surgeon, these caps are permanent and cannot be removed once cemented. Unlike fillings, crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. 

The Porcelain Crown Placement Procedure

Before the procedure begins, your dentist will discuss any discomfort and pain management options with you. Your dentist will then thoroughly clean the teeth around the affected area to remove any food particles or bacteria. After the teeth have been cleaned, your dentist will lightly etch the tooth's surface to create a rough surface to which the bonding material can adhere. The teeth are then coated with a conditioning liquid, which helps the resin adhere to the teeth. Once the teeth are ready, the dentist will mold the putty-like bonding material over the affected tooth. After several minutes, the material is dried using a special light and finally shaped and polished to the desired shape. When the crown is ready, the dentist will try it on your tooth to ensure it fits appropriately before cementing it. If the fit is incorrect, the crown will be trimmed until a comfortable fit is reached. Once it is ready, the crown is cemented in place on the tooth with dental cement. 

The Advantages of Porcelain Crowns

A porcelain crown is a robust and durable restoration that completely covers a tooth to restore form and function. The crown fits over the remaining structure of the tooth and is bonded with dental cement for a secure fit. 

A porcelain crown offers other advantages. Patients choose this option because it fits perfectly into the smile without looking out of place or changing color over time. The restoration is made of high-quality ceramic material that looks like a natural tooth. Depending on the patient’s needs, the crown can be colored to match the natural shade of the surrounding teeth for a seamless blend.

Moreover, a porcelain crown will shield the tooth from further damage while preventing bacteria from entering the inner portion of the tooth. If a tooth has become damaged or decayed, a crown is necessary to preserve long-term oral health and prevent additional problems. In addition, a crown will prevent future tooth loss by protecting the tooth root beneath the gum line. This further improves the health and strength of the smile. 

Get in touch with Restoration Smiles: Adult & Pediatric Dentistry at 2 Coolidge St, Suite 202, Hudson, MA 01749, or call (508) 658-0661 to learn more about the advantages of porcelain crowns.