Restorative Dentistry
Dental Crowns
Procedure Description
Porcelain crowns are a cosmetic solution used to restore teeth that are discolored, decayed, worn out, or have had a root canal treatment. The process begins with the initial preparation of the tooth's surface to ensure proper fit and adhesion. Once prepared, an impression of the tooth is made and sent to a dental lab for custom fabrication of the porcelain crown. During this time, a temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth until the permanent crown is ready for installation during the next visit. Finally, the permanent, tooth-colored porcelain crown is permanently cemented onto the tooth, restoring not only its strength and function but also a bright, white smile.
Porcelain Crown Procedure
Indications
Porcelain crowns offer a comprehensive restorative approach for protecting and reconstructing damaged teeth. This treatment is ideal when you experience:
When to Consider Dental Crowns
Extensive Tooth Decay
Rebuilds teeth with significant decay that surpasses what a standard filling can effectively address.
Fractured or Damaged Teeth
Delivers complete coverage and reinforcement to prevent additional deterioration and restore structural integrity.
Post-Root Canal Restoration
Safeguards and strengthens teeth following root canal therapy, as these teeth tend to become more fragile.
Weakened Tooth Structure
Reinforces teeth with substantial existing fillings where insufficient natural tooth material remains.
Aesthetic Improvement
Enhances the look of teeth that are significantly discolored, misshapen, or misaligned.
Note: For less severe damage or aesthetic issues involving under 30% of the tooth surface, dental bonding or porcelain veneers may serve as better alternatives.
Benefits
Why Choose Dental Crowns?
Exceptional Longevity
When maintained properly, dental crowns typically last between 15 and 30 years, ranking among the most enduring restorative treatments available.
Lifelike Aesthetics
Contemporary crowns are precisely color-matched to your existing teeth and expertly contoured to integrate flawlessly with your smile.
Complete Coverage
Crowns fully encapsulate the tooth, shielding it from additional damage, decay, and temperature sensitivity.
Enhanced Functionality
Restore full biting and chewing ability with renewed confidence and ease.
Superior Biocompatible Materials
We emphasize modern zirconia crowns over conventional PFM crowns. Zirconia provides enhanced durability with a more robust porcelain layer that minimizes chipping risk, allows for gum-level placement without aggressive cord packing procedures, and delivers outstanding cosmetic results while maintaining optimal gum health.
Alternatives
Dental Bonding
Suitable for minor chips and cosmetic issues affecting less than 30% of the tooth
Porcelain Veneers
Thin shells for front teeth when damage is primarily cosmetic
Inlays/Onlays
Partial coverage restorations for moderate damage that doesn't require a full crown
Dental Implants
Complete tooth replacement if the tooth cannot be saved
Frequently Asked Questions
Locations Offering Dental Crowns
Available at all Philadelphia Dental locations throughout Philadelphia
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