Porcelain Crowns
The Versatility of Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are also known as dental caps because they are designed to fit completely over a tooth. Porcelain is the material of choice for this restoration because it is durable and can be shaped and tinted to match the rest of your natural teeth. Your Bethesda dentist may recommend a dental crown if you are dealing with any of the following situations:
- Tooth decay: When a cavity is large and there isn’t enough tooth structure to support a tooth-colored filling, a crown is the smart alternative to restore the tooth’s size and function.
- Stained tooth: Some teeth cannot be whitened by professional whitening. If you have a tooth that mars your smile, conceal the imperfection with a customized, stain-free crown.
- Tooth infection: When a tooth is deeply infected and root canal therapy is needed to stop the pain, a crown is used afterward to protect the affected tooth and make it whole and strong.
- Misshapen tooth: If you have a tooth that looks dramatically different from the rest, a crown can be created to build it into the right shape, size, and color to match the rest of your smile.
- Weak tooth: Worn enamel, aging, and other factors can weaken a tooth, making it susceptible to damage, decay, and other problems. A crown wards off breaks and disintegration.
- Fractured tooth: A cracked or chipped tooth is unsightly and susceptible to bacteria and food particles, which makes decay or infection likely. A crown stops problems before they occur.
The Porcelain Crown Process
A porcelain crown is designed to cover an entire tooth and rest on the visible portion of your natural tooth so it blends into your smile. The restoration is shaped precisely to sit right at the gum line for a natural appearance.
Getting a crown usually takes two visits to your Bethesda dentist. Here is what to expect from the procedure:
- Examination: Your dentist will review your oral health and may take x-rays to determine if a crown is the right restoration for you. Many people easily qualify for this repair.
- Preparation: The tooth in question is prepared for the crown procedure, but decay or infection may need to be removed first. Once your tooth has been treated, an impression will be taken so the dental lab can create a customized crown.
- Waiting: Your mouth may need to do some healing depending on the work you needed to have done, and it also takes dental labs about two weeks to create the restoration. Your dentist may provide a temporary crown while you wait.
- Bonding: When your restoration is ready, you will return to your dentist, the fit and appearance of the crown will be confirmed, and it will be permanently bonded in place and adjusted.
Cost Factors of a Porcelain Crown
Any dental repair or upgrade comes with questions about the cost of the repair. When it comes to a porcelain crown, there are several cost factors that impact the final price:
- Location of the tooth in question
- If other dental procedures must be done first
- Materials used
- Dental lab used
- Whether you are getting a restoration covered by insurance
- Whether the procedure is solely cosmetic (typically not covered by insurance)
At Bethesda Family Dental, we accept a range of payment types and offer affordable financing options including CareCredit.
