Porcelain dental crowns: a functional and natural-looking restoration option for Pasadena, CA patients

Porcelain dental crowns are one of the most common types of dental restorations, and for good reason! They are incredibly versatile, and are a great option for restoring a tooth’s function and appearance while also protecting it from future damage. At Pasadena Prosthodontics, our dentists combine a personalized treatment approach with the latest dental materials and techniques to provide Pasadena, CA area patients with natural-looking and durable restorations that will leave them smiling!

What is a dental crown?

The best way to think about a dental crown is like a cap that is placed over your tooth. In fact, many people call crowns “tooth caps”! It is custom-designed for your mouth based on dental impressions that are taken. While dental crowns can be made from a variety of different materials, patients often choose porcelain because it is long-lasting and has a similar translucency and color as tooth enamel for a restoration that blends in seamlessly with the rest of the teeth.

Typically, two visits are required to place a dental crown. In the first visit, any decay is removed from the tooth and the dentist then shapes the tooth in preparation for the crown to be placed. This is necessary so that the crown can have a snug fit in your mouth without being too bulky or large in comparison to the rest of your teeth. Then, dental impressions are taken and a temporary crown is placed on the tooth for your comfort and protection while the permanent crown is made to our dentists’ precise specifications. When your permanent crown is ready, you come back in to the office, where we will “try on” the crown to check the fit and make any minor adjustments necessary before bonding it onto your tooth with a strong dental cement.

Reasons a dental crown may be recommended

Dental decay is incredibly common, and if it is left untreated, it can result in damage to your tooth structure that may be too large for a traditional filling. In addition, even the most diligent patients who take great care of their teeth with regular brushing and flossing and routine hygiene visits may experience traumatic injuries, wear and tear, or cosmetic issues with their teeth over time. Some of the common reasons that one of our dentists may recommend a dental crown include:

• Repairing a tooth that has been worn down, broken, or cracked
• Restoring the structure of a tooth that has sustained significant decay or damage
• To enhance the appearance of a tooth that is permanently stained, chipped, oddly shaped, has pitting or grooves in the enamel, or other cosmetic issues
• After root canal therapy to restore and protect the treated tooth
• Finishing a dental implant with a functional tooth crown after tooth loss
• Anchoring a dental bridge in place

At Pasadena Prosthodontics, we treat every patient like the unique individual that they are, and the dental crown placement process is no exception. To schedule an appointment at our Pasadena, CA office, call 855.770.3737 or visit us online.