Porcelain Crowns

Do you have a missing tooth or teeth that embarrass you? Or perhaps missing teeth are causing your other teeth to become worn because you are eating on one side of your mouth only. Or it could be that you have a misshapen, discolored, broken, cracked, worn-down, or chipped tooth. If any of these are what you are experiencing, getting a dental crown may solve the issue.

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What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown, also known as a “tooth crown,” is a protective cap crafted from durable materials, such as porcelain, that covers a damaged or missing tooth.

Designed to look, feel, and function like a natural tooth, crowns are custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your surrounding teeth. This allows them to blend seamlessly with your smile while providing a solution that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

For those with missing teeth, crowns are an essential part of many restorative treatments. They can be placed on either side of a gap to support a dental bridge or fitted on top of a dental implant, creating a natural-looking replacement tooth. Crowns also play an important role in preserving teeth after root canals or large fillings, helping prevent further decay and maintaining the structure of your tooth.

As a bonus, porcelain crowns are highly resistant to decay and don’t require any special care beyond regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits.

Martha had old porcelain fused to metal crowns, and she had chipped a tooth. Her smile was restored with new crowns and anterior bridges.

“I am so excited to start smiling again, I just love my new smile. Dr. Neal has taken such good care of me over the past 35 years!”

– Martha S.

When Are Porcelain Crowns Recommended?

Porcelain crowns are used in a variety of situations. They’re often recommended for:

Severe Tooth Decay | When a tooth is too decayed for a standard filling
Cracked or Fractured Teeth | To restore strength and function to a damaged tooth
Root Canal Treatment | After a root canal, a crown is often placed to protect the tooth
Cosmetic Improvements | To enhance the shape or color of misshapen or discolored teeth
Dental Implants | To provide a natural-looking tooth on top of an implant

Call to get started on your porcelain crowns today. At your dental consultation, we’ll tell you whether we think a crown is the right treatment for you.

Benefits of Porcelain Crowns

If you’re dealing with damaged, decayed, or misshapen teeth, porcelain crowns can be an effective solution to restore both the function and appearance of your smile. Here is a list of benefits that come with porcelain crowns:

Natural Appearance

One of the most significant advantages of porcelain crowns is their lifelike, natural appearance. Porcelain closely mimics the translucency and sheen of natural enamel, allowing it to reflect light just like a real tooth.

Each crown is custom-crafted and color-matched to your surrounding teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with your smile. This makes porcelain crowns especially ideal for restoring front teeth or any area where aesthetics are a top priority.

Durability

Don’t let the word “porcelain” fool you—these crowns are built to last. Porcelain is a strong and resilient material that can withstand daily biting and chewing forces, making it an excellent option for restoring both front and back teeth.

With proper care, porcelain crowns can last 10–15 years or longer, providing long-term function and reliability for patients who want to protect a compromised tooth.

Biocompatibility

Porcelain is a metal-free, biocompatible material, which means it works well with the body and is unlikely to cause allergic reactions or gum irritation.

This makes it a great option for patients with metal sensitivities or those seeking a more holistic approach to their dental care. Additionally, because they are gentle on gum tissue, porcelain crowns can contribute to healthier and more comfortable healing and maintenance.

Conserves Tooth Structure

Unlike some older restorative methods, porcelain crowns allow for a more conservative approach to tooth preparation. Thanks to advancements in adhesive bonding and crown design, less of the natural tooth needs to be removed during the process.

This means more of your healthy tooth structure is preserved, which supports the long-term strength and stability of the tooth and crown.

Porcelain crowns provide a reliable and long-lasting solution to restore both the function and appearance of your teeth, enabling you to maintain a healthy, confident smile.

Are Porcelain Crowns Right for You?

If you’re dealing with a cracked, worn, or discolored tooth, or if you’ve had a large filling or root canal, porcelain crowns offer a reliable, long-lasting solution that blends seamlessly with your natural smile. Designed to cover the entire visible portion of a tooth, these restorations provide both strength and aesthetics, restoring function while enhancing appearance.

Porcelain crowns are especially ideal for front teeth or any visible areas, thanks to their natural translucency and ability to match the surrounding enamel. They’re also stain-resistant and biocompatible, making them a smart choice for patients who value both health and beauty.

Discomfort, sensitivity, or feeling self-conscious due to damaged teeth requires a solution. Schedule a consultation with our team at The Lodi Dentist. We’ll evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and help determine if porcelain crowns are the right fit for your unique needs. Your smile deserves to look and feel the way you have always wanted.

The Dental Crown Placement Process

If dental crowns are right for you, the process for getting one placed typically involves a few simple steps that can be completed over two visits:

1. Consultation and Evaluation

During your initial consultation, the dentist will examine your tooth and take X-rays to assess the need for a crown. If a crown is the best option, we’ll discuss the procedure, material choices, and answer any questions you may have.

2. Tooth Preparation

To prepare for the crown, a small amount of the outer enamel layer is removed from the affected tooth, allowing the crown to fit comfortably and securely. For larger cases, a core buildup may be used to provide a stable foundation.

3. Impressions

After preparing the tooth, an impression is taken to create a precise model of the area. This model is sent to a lab where your custom crown is crafted to match the shape, color, and alignment of your natural teeth.

4. Temporary Crown Placement

While your permanent crown is being created, a temporary crown will be placed to protect the prepared tooth.

5. Final Placement

At your second appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and fit your new, custom porcelain crown. Once any necessary adjustments are made, the crown is bonded in place, restoring function and appearance.

With proper care, porcelain crowns can last 10–15 years or longer, making them a reliable and effective solution for many dental concerns. If you’re considering porcelain crowns, schedule a consultation with our team at The Lodi Dentist to discuss your options and learn more about how crowns can enhance your smile.

The Dangers of Delaying a Dental Crown

Postponing or avoiding a dental crown when one is recommended can put your tooth and overall oral health at serious risk.

A crown is often needed to protect a weakened, cracked, or extensively decayed tooth. Without that protective coverage, the damage can worsen over time, potentially leading to pain, infection, or even tooth loss.

Cracks can deepen, large fillings can fail, and bacteria can enter the inner part of the tooth, resulting in the need for a root canal or extraction. In some cases, an untreated tooth may fracture beyond repair, requiring more extensive and costly treatment.

Placing a crown at the right time helps preserve your natural tooth structure, restore strength and function, and prevent complications that could affect surrounding teeth, gums, and even your bite alignment. Acting early can mean the difference between saving a tooth and losing it, so don’t wait if your dentist has recommended a crown.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns

If you’re considering porcelain crowns, you likely have some questions. Here are some answers to the most common inquiries:

Is the procedure painful?
Can porcelain crowns chip or break?
Is special care required for a dental crown?
Can a crown be replaced if it’s damaged or worn?

Is the procedure painful?

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure, as local anesthesia is used. Any post-treatment sensitivity can usually be managed with some pain relief medications.

Can porcelain crowns chip or break?

While porcelain is durable, crowns can chip or break under excessive pressure, such as grinding teeth or chewing hard foods. Avoiding such habits can help maintain their integrity.

Is special care required for a dental crown?

Dental crowns don’t require special maintenance; you can care for them as you would your natural teeth by brushing, flossing, and attending regular dental check-ups. Avoiding habits like grinding your teeth can also help preserve your crown.

Can a crown be replaced if it’s damaged or worn?

Yes, if a crown becomes damaged, worn, or loose over time, it can be replaced. Your dentist will assess the condition of your crown and recommend a replacement if necessary.

Gain Confidence with Dental Crowns Today

Call today about getting dental crowns at our office in Lodi near Galt and Stockton. We want your smile to look lovely and at its healthiest, and porcelain crowns may give you the smile of your dreams. Check out our cosmetic dentistry page and find out which option best fits you.