Porcelain crowns are dental restorations that cover and protect damaged or weakened teeth. Made entirely from porcelain, these crowns are a highly aesthetic solution due to their ability to mimic teeth's natural translucency and color. The dentist in Los Gatos, CA, typically uses them when a tooth is extensively decayed, fractured, or has just undergone root canal therapy.

The process involves reshaping the affected tooth, taking an impression, and crafting the crown in a dental laboratory to ensure a perfect fit. Once ready, the crown is cemented onto the prepared tooth, restoring its function and appearance.

Porcelain crowns are favored for their durability, biocompatibility, and lifelike appearance, making them an excellent choice for restoring front teeth or any visible areas in the smile.

The Porcelain Crown Procedure 

The porcelain crown journey begins with an initial consultation with our dentist at Orchid Dental Care. During this appointment, our dentist will comprehensively examine your oral health, assessing the condition of the affected tooth or teeth. X-rays may be taken to evaluate the extent of damage or decay and to ensure that the underlying tooth structure is healthy enough to support a crown. 

Our dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs based on the examination findings. This plan will outline the number of porcelain crowns required, the type of porcelain material to be used, and any preparatory procedures that may be necessary, such as root canal therapy or tooth reshaping. 

Before a porcelain crown can be placed, the affected tooth must be prepared to accommodate it. This involves removing a layer of enamel from the tooth's surface to create space for the crown. The amount of enamel removed will depend on how damaged the tooth is, but a layer of enamel is typically removed from all sides of the tooth. The procedure is done under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. 

Once the tooth has been prepared, our dentist will take impressions of your teeth using dental putty or digital scanning technology. These impressions serve as precise molds of your teeth and are used by the dental laboratory to fabricate custom-made porcelain crowns that fit seamlessly over the prepared teeth. 

While your permanent porcelain crowns are being crafted in the dental laboratory, our dentist may place temporary crowns over the prepared teeth to protect them and maintain aesthetics. Temporary crowns are typically made from acrylic or composite materials and provide temporary coverage until the permanent crowns are ready. 

Using the impressions taken during the initial appointment, skilled dental technicians meticulously craft your porcelain crowns in a dental laboratory. They carefully select the appropriate shade of porcelain to match the color of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with your smile. 

Once your porcelain crowns are ready, you'll return to the dental office for their final placement. Our dentist will remove the temporary crowns, thoroughly clean the prepared teeth, and try on the permanent crowns to ensure a perfect fit and appearance. Any necessary adjustments will be made before dental cement permanently bonds the crowns to the teeth. 

After your porcelain crowns are placed, our dentist will instruct you on how to care for them properly. This includes practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding hard or sticky foods that may damage the crowns, and attending regular dental checkups to ensure longevity and optimal function. Contact us today! 

The Benefits of Porcelain Crowns 

Porcelain crowns in Los Gatos, CA, can provide myriad benefits that make them a preferred choice for dental restoration. Firstly, their natural appearance is unparalleled. Crafted from porcelain, these crowns closely mimic natural teeth's translucency, color, and texture, seamlessly blending with the surrounding dentition. This aesthetic advantage makes porcelain crowns an ideal solution for restoring front teeth or any visible areas in the smile, enhancing both confidence and oral aesthetics. 

Beyond their lifelike appearance, porcelain crowns are renowned for their durability and biocompatibility. Unlike traditional metal crowns, porcelain crowns are highly resistant to wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting results that withstand the rigors of daily use. Additionally, porcelain is biocompatible with oral tissues, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or irritation. With proper care and maintenance, porcelain crowns can provide patients with reliable and functional tooth restorations that restore oral health and preserve the natural beauty of their smiles for years to come. 

Maintaining Porcelain Crowns 

Regular Oral Hygiene 

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. 
• Floss daily to remove plaque and debris from between the teeth and around the gumline. 
• Consider using an antiseptic mouthwash to help reduce bacteria and maintain oral health. 

Avoiding Hard Foods 

• Refrain from biting on hard objects, such as ice cubes, pens, or candies, as this can damage the porcelain crowns. 
• Avoid chewing on extremely hard or sticky foods, which may cause the crowns to chip or dislodge. 

Protective Measures 

• If you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a nightguard to protect your porcelain crowns from excessive wear and tear. 
• Use a mouthguard during sports or physical activities to prevent injury to your teeth and crowns. 

Routine Dental Check-ups 

• Visit our dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings to monitor the condition of your porcelain crowns and address any issues promptly.  
• Our dentist can also professionally clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar from the natural teeth and cleaning the crown to prolong its lifespan. 

Porcelain crowns represent dental innovation, combining aesthetics, durability, and functionality to restore smiles with precision and beauty. Visit Orchid Dental Care at 320 Los Gatos—Saratoga Road, Los Gatos, CA 95030, or call (408) 395-8888 to book your consultation and discover how porcelain crowns can transform your smile and boost your confidence.