Porcelain Dental Crowns in Berkeley, CA

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap designed to restore a damaged tooth‘s strength, shape, and appearance. Whether your tooth is weakened by decay, cracked, or broken, a dental crown can provide the necessary protection and support. The process involves your dentist removing a small amount of enamel to ensure a snug fit for the crown, which is then bonded securely in place.

Dental crowns can be crafted from various materials, including resin, metal, and porcelain. Porcelain crowns are particularly popular due to their natural appearance and durability. They blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them an excellent choice for restoring your smile. Whether you need a dental crown for functional or aesthetic reasons, this versatile solution can help you achieve a healthier, more attractive smile.

Types of Porcelain Crowns

• Full Porcelain/Ceramic Crowns: These are fully made of porcelain. They offer the best natural color match than any other crown type and are often more suitable for people with metal allergies.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) Crowns: These have a metal base or interior with porcelain on the outside. This combination offers strength (from the metal) and aesthetics (from the porcelain). One potential downside is that the metal can sometimes show as a thin dark line at the gum line. Metal crowns rarely chip, making them durable.

Benefits of Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns offer a range of benefits, including:

• Durability: Porcelain crowns are known for their strength and durability, and can withstand the daily wear and tear of chewing and speaking.
• Aesthetics: Porcelain can mimic the appearance of natural teeth, and porcelain crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth for a natural-looking smile.
• Stain-Resistance: Porcelain is resistant to staining, which means your porcelain crowns will remain bright and white over time.
• Versatility: A porcelain crown can be used to address a range of dental issues, from chipped and cracked teeth to misshapen or discolored teeth.

Drawbacks of Porcelain Crowns

While porcelain crowns offer many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider, including:

• Cost: Porcelain crowns can be more expensive than other types of dental restorations, such as composite fillings or metal crowns.
• Sensitivity: Some people may experience increased sensitivity after getting a porcelain crown.
• Potential for Chipping: While porcelain is durable, it’s not indestructible. Porcelain crowns can chip or crack if they’re exposed to excessive force or trauma.

The Porcelain Crown Process

Consultation and Evaluation

During this appointment, your dentist in Berkeley, CA will evaluate your teeth and discuss your treatment goals and options. They may take X-rays or impressions of your teeth to help plan the treatment.

Tooth Preparation

Once you and your dentist have decided on porcelain crowns as the best solution, the next step is to prepare the affected teeth. Dr. Dailley will remove any decay or damage from the tooth and shape it to fit the crown. This may involve removing some of the enamel from the tooth’s surface.

Impressions

After your tooth has been prepared, we’ll take an impression or mold of the tooth. This impression will be used to create a custom-fit porcelain crown that matches the size and shape of your natural tooth.

Temporary Crown

While your custom crown is being crafted in a dental lab, your Berkeley, CA dentist will fit you with a temporary crown. This will protect the prepared tooth and maintain your bite and tooth alignment while the permanent crown is being made. It is important to take extra care during this period to prevent damage to the more fragile temporary crowns.

Crown Placement

Once your custom porcelain crown is ready, you’ll return to the dentist’s office for the final placement. Dr. Dailley will remove the temporary crown and replace it with the permanent porcelain crown, making any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit and natural appearance.

Follow-Up

After your porcelain crown has been placed, schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure the crown is functioning properly and to check for any sensitivity or discomfort. With proper care and maintenance, your porcelain crown can last for many years to come.

Caring for Dental Crowns

Proper care for your dental crowns is crucial to ensure their longevity and maintain your oral health. Here are some essential tips to keep your crowns in top condition:

• Brush and Floss Regularly: Treat your dental crowns just like your natural teeth. Brush at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent decay around the crown.
• Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Chewing on hard objects or sticky foods can damage your crowns. Be mindful of what you eat to avoid unnecessary stress on your dental work.
• Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste are gentle on your crowns and help maintain their integrity.
• Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Steer clear of abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that can scratch or damage your crowns.
• Regular Dental Check-Ups: Schedule regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups. This ensures your crowns are in good condition and allows your dentist to address any issues promptly.

By following these care tips, you can keep your dental crowns and natural teeth healthy and strong for years to come.

Porcelain Crown Alternatives

The right choice of dental treatment will depend on your specific dental needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Here are some potential alternatives:

• Composite Resin: Composite is a tooth-colored filling material that can be used in certain situations instead of a crown. Composite fillings can restore a tooth that has a significant amount of structure missing, but they may not offer the same level of strength and durability as crowns. They’re often more affordable than a dental crown.
• Gold Crowns: Gold is one of the oldest materials used for dental crowns. It’s durable, non-abrasive, and requires less tooth reduction than porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Some people prefer the appearance of gold, especially for back teeth, while others do not like the metallic look.
• Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is a type of ceramic that’s known for its durability and strength. These crowns are tooth-colored and can be a good option for people who want both aesthetics and strength. They’re also metal-free, which can be advantageous for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities.
• CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) Crowns: This is a system that allows dentists to design, fabricate, and place a crown in just one visit. The crown is made from a block of ceramic material and is designed using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. These are also known as same-day crowns.
• Onlays or Inlays: Rather than cover the entire tooth, onlays or inlays only replace a portion of the tooth. They can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin and might be suitable for teeth that don’t require full coverage but have too much damage for a simple filling.
• Dental Veneers: For front teeth that are mostly intact but have aesthetic issues, veneers can be a more conservative alternative. They’re thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance.

Dental Crown Problems

While dental crowns are designed to be durable and long-lasting, they can still encounter issues. Here are some common problems that can arise with dental crowns:

• Chipping or Cracking: Despite their strength, crowns can chip or crack if exposed to excessive force. Avoid biting down on hard objects and seek dental care if you notice any damage.
• Decay: Poorly fitted crowns or inadequate oral hygiene can lead to decay underneath the crown. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits are essential to prevent this.
• Sensitivity: Some patients may experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks after getting a crown. This usually subsides over time, but consult your dentist if it persists.
• Loose Crown: A crown can become loose due to wear or improper bonding. If your crown feels loose, contact your dentist immediately to prevent it from falling off.
• Gum Recession: Receding gums can expose the metal base of a crown, affecting its appearance. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help prevent gum recession.

By being aware of these potential issues and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can ensure your dental crowns remain in excellent condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover if Porcelain Crowns Are Right For You

If you’re considering porcelain crowns to restore your smile, contact Dailley Dental Care at 510-848-0114 to discuss your options. With proper care and maintenance, porcelain crowns can provide a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing solution to a range of dental issues. 

Call our Berkeley, CA office today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to a restored smile.