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Porcelain dental crowns are a remarkably consistent and effective tooth restoration option that provides a natural look while protecting the underlying tooth. Many patients in Watkinsville, Georgia, who visit an area dentist like Dr. Drew Richardson, Dr. Brant Sandifer, and the team at Athens Dental Group are told that they need to undergo a porcelain dental crown procedure, likely because their natural tooth has been damaged or weakened in some manner. This damage could be due to advanced decay, physical trauma, or some other reason. Patients also request crowns to cover up cosmetic imperfections that a tooth may exhibit. Whatever the reason may be, porcelain dental crowns are a versatile solution that can be used for a number of reasons. If you want a dental crown placed, keep reading to learn more about dental crowns and the procedure.
A porcelain dental crown is a strong, durable (usually) porcelain cap that is custom-crafted to fit over a decayed or damaged tooth to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crafted from porcelain, a durable and tooth-colored material, the crown blends seamlessly with natural teeth. Porcelain crowns mimic the translucency and texture of natural teeth, providing a cosmetically pleasing solution. Crowns offer durability and resilience, restoring function and enhancing smiles with a natural-looking result.
When you see your dentist for a dental crown procedure, your tooth and the surrounding area will be numbed using a localized numbing agent. Your tooth will then be reshaped to make room for the crown. An impression is then taken to ensure a precise fit. If using porcelain, color matching is performed. A temporary crown will need to be placed while the permanent one is fabricated, usually in a dental laboratory. Once your dentist receives the permanent crown, you will return for a follow-up appointment, during which the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is bonded in place with dental cement. Your dentist will check for proper fit and bite alignment before polishing the crown, leaving you with a restored tooth that looks and functions naturally.
Dental crowns are reliably durable. Made from materials like porcelain, crowns can withstand normal biting and chewing forces. With proper care and maintenance, including regular dental check-ups, crowns can last for many years, providing long-term restoration and functionality to the treated tooth.
Generally, a dental crown will blend seamlessly into your smile. Modern crowns are crafted from materials like porcelain that closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth, including color, translucency, and texture. Your dentist will carefully match the crown’s shade to your surrounding teeth for a great blend. With careful shaping and placement, the crown fits snugly against neighboring teeth, ensuring seamless integration into your smile, restoring both function and aesthetics effectively.
The dental crown process typically takes two visits, spanning over a few weeks, with each appointment lasting one to two hours. If you are interested in learning more about dental crowns or believe you have a tooth that needs the benefits offered by a porcelain crown, please reach out to a Watkinsville, GA, dentist like Dr. Drew Richardson or Dr. Brant Sandifer and the team at Athens Dental Group by calling (706) 666-4611.