Porcelain Dental Crowns

dental crowns

Elevating Smiles with Custom Dental Crowns

At Michael Kim DDS in Mequon, we often use dental crowns to repair a worn-down or damaged tooth. These restorations cover the entire tooth to restore its natural appearance and function. The effectiveness of dental crowns largely depends on the type of crown, how it is fixed, and how well you care for them.

Why Are Dental Crowns Used?

Your dentists may recommend getting dental crowns if you have severely worn down, weak teeth or to change the shape and size of uneven natural teeth. Crowns are also used to cover a large filling, protect a tooth after a root canal, hold a dental bridge, or cover dental implants.

What Is Required for Dental Crowns?

Although the teeth require reshaping to make room for the crowns, you need a sufficient amount of tooth for support. If the tooth structure is minimal, the caps will not bond properly and may cause them to fall out. Because of this, your dentist may spend more time preparing the tooth by creating a structure with a composite filling material to support the crowns.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Initial Exam

The dentist X-rays and examines your mouth, noting the tooth’s color to ensure the ceramic’s shade matches your surrounding teeth.

Tooth Preparation

Some teeth may need to be filed away to ensure a good fit. With the help of a local anesthetic, the dentist will clean up any tooth decay and ensure the tooth’s pulp isn’t infected. The dentist preserves as much of the natural tooth as possible.

Temporary Crown Placement

While waiting for your permanent crown to be made, you are fitted with a temporary crown. The temporary crown protects your tooth and prevents any shifting. You’ll schedule an appointment to return when your permanent crown is ready.

Permanent Crown Placement

At the following appointment, your dentist will remove your temporary crown, thoroughly clean the area, and make readjustments before placing the new crown. Once your dentist is sure that your new crown has a proper fit, they’ll attach it to your tooth using dental cement. They then check to ensure your bite is even and not bothering or rubbing against other teeth.

What Are Dental Crowns Made From?

Crowns are made from different types of material. Early in dentistry, they were made from metals and stainless steel. Here at Michael Kim DDS, we use porcelain crowns. The reason that we recommend porcelain is because of their strength and also cosmetic appeal. Porcelain provides a better color match than other materials. They are also better for those who have metal allergies.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Crowns last between five to fifteen years, depending on your oral health habits and the amount of wear and tear they receive. After we place your dental crown, you’ll want to stay away from chewing ice and other hard materials, grinding your teeth, biting your fingernails, and opening packages with your teeth. This will help your crown last as long as possible.

How Michael Kim DDS Saves Cracked And Broken Teeth

One of the most common procedures here at Michael Kim DDS is placing a crown. Dr. Kim and Dr. Lentz will place crowns to help out with many different dental health problems. Some of those include:

  • Covering a dental implant.
  • For a cosmetic modification.
  • Protecting a broken tooth or one that has been severely worn down.
  • Covering misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
  • Protecting a weak tooth from decay or holding parts of a cracked tooth together.
  • Restoring an already broken tooth from further damage.
  • Holding a dental bridge in place.

Get Your Dental Crowns in Mequon

While the dental crowns do not need any special dental instructions, you need to brush your teeth and provide proper care for the crowns to last. Visit Michael Kim DDS in Mequon for more information about dental crowns and what you can expect from the procedures. Call us now to book an appointment with a dentist near you. 

To schedule a consultation regarding a dental crown, give us a call at 262-241-5558 or email us. You can learn more about us by checking our business page, and make sure to get directions before heading our way.