Perfect Blend of Strength and Beauty for Your Teeth
If you have a damaged or weakened tooth, a porcelain dental crown could be the perfect solution to restore its function and appearance. These custom-made caps not only protect and strengthen your teeth but also blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
At Corner Stone Dental, Swansea, IL dentist, Dr. Randall E. Wilson and his team provide high-quality porcelain crowns to patients in Swansea, Belleville, Fairview Heights, O’Fallon and the surrounding areas. Whether you have a cracked, discolored, or decayed tooth, a porcelain crown can give you the confidence to smile again. Contact your Swansea dentist today by calling (618) 236-0501.
What Are Porcelain Dental Crowns?
Porcelain dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed over a damaged tooth to restore its size, shape, strength, and appearance. They are crafted from durable, tooth-colored porcelain to mimic the natural look of enamel.
Unlike metal crowns, porcelain crowns are highly aesthetic and ideal for restoring front and visible teeth. They are custom-designed to match the color, texture, and translucency of your natural teeth, making them virtually undetectable.
Why Do You Need a Porcelain Crown?
A dentist may recommend a porcelain crown for several reasons, including:
- To restore a broken or fractured tooth
- To protect a weak tooth from further damage
- To cover a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth structure left
- To enhance the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth
- To cap a dental implant
- To anchor a dental bridge
If you’re in Swansea, IL, or nearby areas like Belleville, Fairview Heights, or O’Fallon, Dr. Wilson can help determine if a porcelain crown is the right solution for your needs.
Benefits of Porcelain Dental Crowns
Porcelain crowns offer several benefits, making them a popular choice for tooth restoration:
Natural Appearance
Porcelain closely resembles natural tooth enamel, making it ideal for restoring front teeth. The color and translucency can be customized to match your surrounding teeth perfectly.
Durability & Strength
High-quality porcelain crowns are strong and can withstand normal biting and chewing forces for many years with proper care.
Stain Resistance
Unlike natural teeth, porcelain crowns are resistant to stains from coffee, tea, wine, and other foods, keeping your smile bright and attractive.
Biocompatibility
Porcelain is a non-metallic material, making it less likely to cause allergic reactions or gum irritation compared to metal-based crowns.
Long-Lasting Solution
With proper care, a porcelain crown can last between 10 to 15 years or even longer, providing lasting protection and beauty.
The Porcelain Crown Procedure at Corner Stone Dental
Getting a porcelain crown usually requires two visits to the dentist. Here’s what to expect:
Consultation & Tooth Preparation
During your first visit, Dr. Wilson will examine your tooth and take X-rays to assess its condition. If your tooth is severely decayed or infected, a root canal may be required before placing the crown.
Once your tooth is ready:
- The dentist will numb the area with local anesthesia.
- The damaged portion of the tooth will be shaped and prepared for the crown.
- An impression of your tooth will be taken to create a custom crown.
- A temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth while the permanent one is being made.
Placement of the Permanent Crown
Once your porcelain crown is ready (usually within one to two weeks), you’ll return for the final placement.
- The dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit, shape, and color of the new one.
- If everything looks good, the crown will be cemented into place, restoring your tooth’s function and aesthetics.
After this, you can enjoy a strong, natural-looking smile with your new porcelain crown!
Caring for Your Porcelain Crown
To extend the life of your crown, follow these simple care tips:
- Practice good oral hygiene – Brush twice daily and floss around the crown to prevent plaque buildup.
- Avoid chewing hard foods – Biting down on ice, hard candies, or non-food objects can damage your crown.
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth – Grinding or clenching can weaken or crack the crown over time.
- Visit your dentist regularly – Routine checkups with Dr. Wilson at Corner Stone Dental in Swansea, IL, will help ensure your crown stays in great shape.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Porcelain Crowns?
Porcelain crowns are an excellent option for many patients, but they may be especially beneficial if you:
- Have a weakened or cracked tooth that needs reinforcement.
- Have a large dental filling with little natural tooth structure remaining.
- Have a severely discolored or misshapen tooth that affects your smile.
- Have undergone a root canal and need protection for the treated tooth.
- Need to restore a dental implant with a natural-looking cap.
- Need support for a dental bridge to replace missing teeth.
- Want a durable, aesthetic solution that blends seamlessly with your smile.
To determine your candidacy for porcelain crowns, contact Dr. Wilson by calling (618) 236-0501.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care and maintenance, porcelain crowns can last 10 to 20 years. However, their lifespan can vary depending on factors such as oral hygiene practices, diet, and the amount of wear and tear they experience. Porcelain crowns are known for their durability and longevity.
Porcelain crowns can be more expensive than other types of crowns and dental restorations due to the high-quality materials and custom crafting involved. The cost can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the number of crowns needed, and the geographic location of the dental practice.
Not at all. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area and make the procedure as comfortable as possible. After the procedure, you may experience some sensitivity or soreness, but this should subside within a few days.
Restore Your Smile with Porcelain Crowns in Swansea, IL
A damaged tooth doesn’t have to ruin your confidence. With a custom porcelain crown, you can enjoy a beautiful, functional smile for years to come. If you’re in Swansea, Belleville, Fairview Heights, or surrounding areas, contact Corner Stone Dental by calling (618) 236-0501 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Randall E. Wilson. Let us help you achieve a stronger, healthier smile!