Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns make it easy to repair tooth damage caused by cavities and trauma. They restore your tooth to its near-original shape and appearance, reducing the risk of more serious issues. At SolidSMILES Dental in Lewisville, Texas, general dentist Hiral Patel, DDS, uses porcelain crowns to preserve permanent teeth and promote good oral health. Call SolidSMILES Dental to schedule a porcelain crown consultation, or book your appointment online today. 

What are porcelain crowns?

Porcelain crowns are dental restorations that repair broken, severely decaying, or worn-down teeth. They are unique in that they mimic the color of tooth enamel. As a result, they blend in with your teeth and look more natural than traditional metal (amalgam) crowns.

Why would I need a porcelain crown?

At SolidSMILES Dental, Dr. Patel uses porcelain crowns to: 

• Hold dental bridges in place
• Strengthen weak teeth
• Protect and support cracked teeth
• Restore worn-down and broken teeth
• Cover root canal-treated teeth
• Cover dental implants

Sometimes, porcelain crowns are used for cosmetic purposes. For example, Dr. Patel might recommend a porcelain crown if you have a discolored tooth that doesn’t improve with teeth whitening treatment. 

What does getting porcelain crowns involve?

At SolidSMILES Dental, getting a porcelain crown takes two visits several weeks apart.

During your first visit, Dr. Patel completes an oral exam and takes dental X-rays. You qualify for porcelain crown treatment if you have a severely damaged or decaying tooth. 

Dr. Patel numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic and removes the decaying portion of your tooth enamel. She might also use composite resin to “fill” your tooth and build it up. The goal here is to create a strong base for your porcelain crown.

Next, Dr. Patel takes digital impressions of your tooth with a handheld scanner. She then covers your tooth with a temporary crown and sends your impressions to a nearby dental laboratory. 

Technicians at the dental lab use your impressions to design and create a custom porcelain crown, which takes about a week. When your porcelain crown is finished, you return to SoldSMILES Dental.

At your second appointment, Dr. Patel numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic and replaces your temporary crown with a permanent one. She checks the fit, color, and shape of your porcelain crown and bonds it on top of your tooth with dental cement.

After the dental cement dries, Dr. Patel checks your bite and adjusts the crown as needed. You can bite and chew with your porcelain crown immediately after.

How long do porcelain crowns last?

Porcelain crowns last 5-15 years on average.* To keep your crown in good condition, brush and floss daily, and visit SolidSMILES Dental for routine checkups and preventive teeth cleanings. 

Call SolidSMILES Dental to schedule a porcelain crown appointment, or book your visit online today.

*Results may vary.