PORCELAIN CROWNS

A dental porcelain crown replaces the outer portion of a tooth to restore the aesthetics, shape, size, strength and function of your smile and bite. Crowns are most often recommended when teeth become worn out over time or have decayed beyond the point of supporting additional fillings. 

Commonwealth Prosthodontics of Richmond, VA, specializes in restorations with crowns designed to look and act just like your natural teeth. Crowns are composed of high-quality, tooth-colored porcelain material that is both durable and natural-looking. Each porcelain crown is customized to fit and blend in with the surrounding teeth. No more having to chew on one side. A crown will restore the function of your teeth so that you can resume your normal diet immediately. 

There are many reasons that a tooth may require a crown restoration. Most often, crowns are necessary to restore the integrity and structure of the tooth. Additional reasons for getting a crown include:

• Repairing a broken or chipped tooth that is severely worn down
• Protecting a weak tooth that has been damaged from decay
• Covering a dental implant
• Replacing loose or damaged existing crowns
• Providing a strong cover for a tooth that has had root canal treatment
• Holding a dental bridge in place 

Commonwealth Prosthodontics of Richmond, VA is proud to provide natural-looking dental crowns to restore the function of your teeth and smile. Our prosthodontists specialize in custom-made crowns that are created in our in-house lab. We use the highest quality materials available to ensure that your restoration is non-toxic and safe for your health. We use state-of-the-art technology to create restorations that are long-lasting and reliable. If you are interested in learning more about dental crowns, call Commonwealth Prosthodontics today at (804) 346-3366.

Porcelain crowns usually require two visits to complete. The first visit will involve taking x-rays to make sure the tooth is healthy enough for a crown restoration. The next step is to prepare your tooth for the crown. Under local anesthetic, your Richmond prosthodontist will reshape the enamel on your tooth to ensure that the crown restoration will fit perfectly. Impressions or molds will be made of your upper and lower teeth so that the lab can create customized porcelain crowns that will fit seamlessly into your bite. You will receive a temporary crown to cover and protect your tooth until your custom crown is completed. 

At your second visit, the temporary crown will be removed, your tooth will be cleaned and we will place your permanent crown on your tooth. A special adhesive is used to bond the crown to the tooth to make sure that it is cemented in place. Our prosthodontists will make small adjustments to the new crown so that the fit is accurate and comfortable. Your new crown restoration will function and look like your natural teeth. You can resume a normal diet, brushing and flossing once you have your new crown in place. 

Crowns are designed to last a long time. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) suggests that with proper care and good oral hygiene practices, porcelain crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or even longer. There are a few oral habits that can accelerate the wear and tear on a crown such as:

• Clenching or grinding your teeth at night – known as bruxism
• Crunching on hard candy or ice 
• Biting fingernails especially if crowns are on front teeth
• Opening packages with front teeth

Commonwealth Prosthodontics of Richmond, VA is pleased to offer natural-looking, durable crowns to restore the look and function of your smile and bite. If you are having any issues with existing crowns or have been told you need a crown to replace large fillings, Commonwealth Prosthodontics can help. We specialize in restorative treatments that preserve the health and function of your teeth and smile. Call Commonwealth Prosthodontics today for a consultation at (804) 346-3366.