Porcelain Crowns In Saint Paul, MN

Porcelain crowns are dental restorations designed to cover and protect a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its function and appearance. These crowns are crafted from high-quality porcelain or ceramic, offering a natural look that blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth. They are highly durable and resistant to staining, making them suitable for front and back teeth.

The procedure of placing porcelain crowns involves preparing the affected tooth by removing a small amount of enamel, taking impressions for a custom fit, and placing a temporary crown while the permanent one is fabricated. Once ready, the permanent crown is securely bonded to the tooth.

Porcelain crowns in Saint Paul, MN, are a robust and aesthetic solution for teeth that are decayed, fractured, or cosmetically flawed, enhancing both oral health and the smile's overall appearance.

Why Choose Porcelain Crowns

Natural-looking Appearance

One of the primary reasons patients choose porcelain crowns is their natural appearance. These crowns are meticulously crafted to match your natural teeth's color, translucency, and texture, making them virtually indistinguishable. Unlike metal crowns that can sometimes create a dark line at the gumline over time, porcelain crowns blend seamlessly with your smile. This aesthetic advantage makes them an excellent choice for front teeth, where appearance matters most.

Durability and Strength

Porcelain crowns are known for their durability and strength. They can withstand the forces of chewing and biting, providing long-lasting functionality. Modern porcelain materials are strong enough for front and back teeth, providing reliable protection and support. This durability ensures that your restored tooth can function normally without concern for damage or wear. Contact us today to learn more.

Biocompatibility

Another significant benefit of porcelain crowns is their biocompatibility. The materials used in porcelain crowns are well-tolerated by gum tissue, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or sensitivity issues. This makes porcelain crowns a safe and reliable option for a wide range of patients, including those with sensitive gums or allergies to metals.

Stain Resistance

Porcelain is inherently stain resistant, maintaining its color and brightness over time with proper care. Unlike natural teeth that can get discolored by factors like coffee, tea, or smoking, porcelain crowns retain their appearance and do not require special maintenance beyond regular oral hygiene practices. This makes them a convenient choice for patients looking to preserve their smile's brightness.

Versatility and Customization

Porcelain crowns are highly versatile and can be customized to meet individual patient needs. Whether you need a crown to restore a damaged tooth, cover a dental implant, or enhance the appearance of a cosmetically flawed tooth, porcelain crowns can be tailored to achieve optimal results. Dentists in Saint Paul, MN, work closely with dental laboratories to ensure each crown is crafted with precision and accuracy, ensuring a perfect fit and natural look.

The Procedure for Getting Porcelain Crowns

The process begins with a consultation with our dentist, where you discuss your dental concerns and goals. Our dentist will examine your teeth and gums, possibly taking X-rays to assess the extent of damage or decay.

Our dentist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs based on the examination and your goals. This plan will outline the number of crowns needed, the tooth preparation required, and additional procedures like root canals or gum treatments.

To prepare the tooth for the crown, our dentist will first numb the area with a local anesthetic to ensure comfort. Then, they will carefully shape the tooth by removing a thin enamel layer from all surfaces. This step is crucial as it creates space for the crown to fit snugly over the tooth without altering its overall shape and size.

Once the tooth is prepared, your dentist will take impressions (molds) of the tooth and surrounding teeth. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians will use them to custom create your porcelain crown. Modern digital scanners may sometimes be used to create highly accurate digital impressions.

While your permanent crown is being fabricated at the dental laboratory (typically taking about one to two weeks), our dentist will place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth. This temporary crown protects the tooth and maintains its appearance and function until the final crown is ready.

At the dental laboratory, technicians will use the impressions to craft your porcelain crown. They will ensure that the crown matches your natural teeth's color, shape, and size for a seamless fit and natural appearance.

Once your permanent crown is ready, you will return to your dentist for its placement. Our dentist will remove the temporary crown, thoroughly clean the tooth, and check the fit and color of the new crown. Adjustments may be made to ensure a precise fit and comfortable bite.

Once satisfied with the fit, your dentist will permanently bond the crown to your tooth using a dental adhesive or cement. They carefully position the crown and apply the bonding material, ensuring a secure attachment.

After bonding the crown, our dentist will check your bite to ensure it aligns properly with your other teeth. They may make further adjustments to provide comfort and proper function.

Our dentist will then provide instructions on caring for your new crown, including oral hygiene practices and dietary considerations. Regular dental visits are recommended to monitor the crown's condition and ensure long-term oral health.

Choosing porcelain crowns means investing in a restoration that looks natural and functions seamlessly, providing you with a durable and beautiful smile for years to come. Visit Hillcrest Dental Center at 1762 Iowa Ave East, Saint Paul, MN 55106, or call (651) 771-6464 to learn how porcelain crowns can effectively restore your smile's health and beauty.