“We’re not only fans of Dr. Lodding and his staff, but also his patients."
Our cosmetic dentist, Dean Lodding, DDS, and our experienced team are pleased to offer porcelain crowns to our patients. We understand that a damaged tooth can often be a source of discomfort and embarrassment, in addition to having a negative effect on your oral health. At Smile for Life Dental, we can address compromised or painful teeth with advanced procedures designed to provide results that look and feel natural. Our high-quality dental crowns are made in-house by our ceramist using state-of-the-art technology. We can help restore your dental health by bringing proper form and function to your teeth for a beautiful smile you can wear with confidence.
If you would like to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry options, or if you have specific questions about one of our procedures, please contact us today.
Porcelain crowns are custom dental restorations designed to completely cover and protect teeth that suffer from cracks, chips, fractures, decay, and other forms of damage. Often compared to a “cap,” a porcelain crown helps to restore the function and strength of a damaged tooth that is healthy enough to be saved—rather than resorting to an extraction. Additionally, porcelain crowns are designed to match the color of your natural teeth so you can feel confident knowing that your new restoration blends in harmoniously with the rest of your smile. Crowns may also be incorporated into a smile makeover, used to anchor a dental bridge, or placed on top of a single-tooth dental implant.
If a tooth is heavily decayed or damaged, but does not need extraction, a porcelain crown may be beneficial. In this procedure, a dental crown is fitted over the tooth to restore functionality. This can help provide durability and coverage, so further damage is less likely to occur. While strengthening the structure of your tooth, a crown is also made to look and feel natural. With proper maintenance, a crown has the potential to last many years.
In a porcelain dental crown procedure, Dr. Lodding will examine the tooth in question to determine if a crown is a practical solution. If you have experienced sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or if the tooth is causing pain, these points should be communicated to Dr. Lodding. Once he decides that a porcelain crown can be beneficial, he will create a custom treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Our in-office master ceramist will work with Dr. Lodding to create your porcelain crown and ensure that the fit, color, and bite are just right.
High-quality porcelain crowns placed by an experienced cosmetic dentist can last for many years—or even decades—when accompanied by good dental hygiene. This includes daily brushing and flossing to prevent bacteria build-up and infections, as well as twice annual professional cleanings and exams to monitor your overall oral health. Additionally, if you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, a night guard may be recommended to prevent damage and mitigate the need for premature restoration or replacement. It is also recommended that patients avoid activities that can place excessive stress on their teeth and crown(s), such as smoking, using their teeth as tools, and biting down on hard or pitted foods like ice or cherries.
The cost of porcelain crowns is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on your dental needs. Dr. Lodding will examine your teeth during a consultation and create a custom dental treatment plan specifically designed to address your oral concerns. At that point, a member of our team can provide you with a personalized cost estimate. In many cases, patients may be able to receive dental insurance coverage for their crown. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you in checking your benefits. We also offer dental financing and a variety of payment methods that can help you receive the treatment you need in a budget-friendly manner. Our patients’ dental health is our number one priority, so we can work with you to develop a plan for a healthier mouth and a beautifully restored smile.
“Dr. Dean is more then a cosmetic dentist he’s an artist who cares about helping his patients have healthy teeth and gums. I get a lot of compliments on my smile so I have referred him to a lot of people. Wonderful staff as well.”
Below we have outlined some common questions we receive from our patients regarding porcelain crowns. We hope this can be helpful to you when considering this procedure. If you have more questions, our office staff is available by phone or email.
Not necessarily. Not all patients who can benefit from a dental crown will also require root canal therapy. However, if you need a root canal, you will also need a dental crown. If you have any questions about this process, please contact our office.
It is important to know that these are two very different procedures. Porcelain veneers are primarily used as a cosmetic enhancement for teeth with chips, gaps, cracks, or deep stains. Dental crowns are typically utilized to repair teeth that have been badly decayed or damaged. After examining your teeth, Dr. Lodding will determine which procedure may be the better option for your needs.
While there is the possibility for complications to arise with dental crowns, potential adverse effects can be minimized with the proper care. The area around the tooth may feel sensitive to temperatures, but this should subside over time. Plaque and tartar could build-up around the crown if a proper dental hygiene routine is not maintained. It is possible that the crown could eventually become loose, and if this occurs it is best to contact our office so we can find the cause and provide a solution. It should be noted that porcelain crowns also have the potential to break, chip, or crack, just like real teeth.
Porcelain crowns cannot—and should not—be whitened once they are placed. Indeed, attempting to whiten a crown using traditional methods can actually damage it. That said, crowns are highly stain resistant, and they generally should not need to be whitened. Prior to placement, your crown will be tinted to match the color of your surrounding teeth to create the most natural appearance possible. If you desire an overall brighter smile, we recommend discussing a teeth whitening treatment with your dentist prior to receiving your porcelain crown.
For more information about porcelain crowns, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lodding, please contact us today.