Porcelain Crown![]() Advantages of porcelain crownsPorcelain crowns are a translucent durable material. Generally, crowns that are well cared for can last up to 15 years. They are a highly biocompatible material, while metals like beryllium, chromium, and nickel have been known to cause allergic reactions. Your crowned tooth will be significantly less sensitive to pressure or temperature unless the nerve endings and pulp are still present in the tooth. Most cases of tooth sensitivity on crowned teeth may actually be sensitivity in the adjacent teeth. Any time you have tooth pain or prolonged sensitivity, it is important that you visit us for an examination. Disadvantages of porcelain crownsPorcelain crowns can vary in durability depending on the porcelain type. Porcelain crowns are vulnerable to fractures or cracking. Because they are less durable than other crowns, porcelain crowns are not usually recommended for back teeth or molars. These teeth are usually made for anterior (front) use and can be used in conjunction with veneers. Procedure for making a porcelain crownIt can take up to two sessions for a porcelain crown to be fully installed. The full process can take two to four weeks. You will need a consultation appointment where our dentist will examine your teeth. We will take X-rays of your tooth and supporting bone structure. In some cases, the dentist may recommend a root canal if there is a risk of infection, tooth decay, or injury to the tooth's nerve and soft tissues known as the pulp. If the tooth is severely decayed, an extraction of the tooth may be necessary. In this instance, a bridge or implant will be installed. If the tooth is in good health, it will first be cleaned and reshaped to fit the crown. Metal crowns require less filling than porcelain crowns. When the tooth is shaped and ready, an impression of the tooth will be taken to ensure the crown will properly fit your bite. At this point, your impression will be sent to a dental lab to make the crown. This can take about two to three weeks. In the meantime, the dentist will place a temporary crown over the tooth. In your second visit, the temporary crown is removed, the tooth is cleaned, and the permanent porcelain crown is cemented into place. Our dentist may use a numbing agent when fitting the crown. Reach out to us at Town Center Dental to discuss a treatment plan. Call us at 636-273-5866 for more information. |