What Porcelain Crowns are Used for

Porcelain crowns are used to restore teeth after damage has occurred.  Our cosmetic dentist in Santa Clara can use them in many ways to improve the health, function, and aesthetics of your smile. If you have a seriously compromised tooth, a crown may be a good choice for you.

Unlike other restorations, such as fillings or onlays, which only cover part of the tooth, dental crowns cover the entire tooth above the gum line. They can be used to:

·         Protect a tooth with a large filling

·         Restore a tooth that has had a root canal treatment

·         Improve the appearance of a misshapen or badly discolored tooth

·         Strengthen a badly damaged or decayed tooth

·         Hold the parts of a cracked or fractured tooth together

A crown can also replace a missing tooth. It can be used to cap a dental implant, or two crowns can be used to support a dental bridge.

If you are a candidate for a dental crown, you will likely need two dental visits. At the first visit, your tooth will be prepared using a local anesthetic to numb the treatment site. The damaged tissue is then removed, and the tooth is shaped to receive the crown. After an impression is made to create a model of your tooth, a temporary crown is attached to protect it in the meantime. At the next appointment, your permanent crown can be placed and bonded. With good care, a crown can last a lifetime. Call our office today to learn more about how crowns can improve your smile, or to schedule a consultation with our porcelain crowns dentist in Santa Clara.