John P. Goodman DDS

Ideal Candidates for Porcelain Dental Crowns

Jun 27, 2014 @ 10:04 AM — by Dr. John Goodman
Tagged with: Dental Crowns Restorative Dentistry Dental Restorations

When a tooth is substantially damaged, it's important to undergo restorative care of some kind in order to improve your overall dental health. A skilled restorative and cosmetic dentist can help you have a smile that's healthy and beautiful, allowing you to laugh, smile, and speak with confidence and without feeling self-conscious.

One great option to consider for a number of different dental restoration needs is porcelain dental crowns. Let's take a moment right now to consider who the best candidates are for porcelain dental crowns.

About Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are caps that fit over teeth that have been seriously damaged or decayed, preventing further damage to the teeth and also restoring the biting strength and general function to the patient's smile. Dental crowns are most commonly used to restore teeth that have been serious injured, decayed, or have had to undergo root canal therapy.

In general, dental crowns are used when a person is no longer a candidate for a less substantial kind of dental restoration, such as an inlay or an onlay.

What sets porcelain dental crowns apart?

Porcelain dental crowns are entirely made from dental porcelain, a durable substance that closely matches the color of a patient's natural teeth. This dental porcelain is quite durable, able to withstand the basic wear and tear that a person's natural teeth are often subject to.

Porcelain Dental Crowns for the Restoration of Prominent Teeth

Given the aesthetic advantages of porcelain dental crowns, these are usually the best for the treatment of the most prominent teeth in the patient's mouth. They will blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth so that you do not feel self-conscious about the way your smile looks.

Porcelain Dental Crowns for Dental Implants

Another application for dental crowns is to cap dental implants following the loss of a tooth or multiple teeth. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically embedded into the jawbone and gum tissue of the patient's mouth. When in place, the dental implants are able to support various kinds of dental appliances, including bridges and dentures.

Dental crowns can be used to cap individual dental implants when a person is missing an individual tooth or multiple individual teeth in different parts of the mouth.

Alternatives to Porcelain Dental Crowns

When porcelain dental crowns are not an ideal option for care, there are other kinds of crowns that can prove helpful.

One option is the use of porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns. These kinds of dental crowns have a metal core that is capped in tooth-colored porcelain, which provides a strong interior as well as an aesthetically pleasing exterior.

Another option is the use of all-metal dental crowns. Generally this is an option that's reserved for the molars and pre-molars since these teeth are hidden from view.

Weighing All of Your Options for Advanced Dental Treatment

During your consultation for dental care treatment, we will be sure to go over all of your options for advanced dental care. After carefully noting the tooth damage and the position of the tooth along the dental arch, we will determine if porcelain dental crowns or another option is best give your dental health needs.

Learn More About Restorative Dental Care Options

If you would like to learn more about dental crowns and your other options available for advanced dental care, be sure to contact our Kansas City cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the very best results with regard to your overall health and wellness.