Porcelain Crown Questions

in Virginia Beach, VA

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What is a crown?
A crown, or cap, is used to cover a tooth that has a healthy root but has some kind of damage above the gum line. Crowns are necessary when the tooth is so broken that fillings cannot help. A crown can also be used to seal a cracked tooth, support a filling when most of the tooth is worn down, keep weak teeth from breaking, or cover disfigured or badly discolored teeth. Types of crowns include gold crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal-crowns, and all-porcelain crowns.

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Why would I want an all-porcelain crown?
All-porcelain crowns are the standard for the placement of full crowns today. Porcelain crowns combine natural appearance with the strength that matches porcelain-metal restorations. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are used to match the color of adjacent teeth. However, a black line will appear at the gum line with these types of crowns as you age. It is now possible to avoid this black line by using all-porcelain crowns. The results are long lasting and natural-natural looking and can perfectly match your existing teeth or be part of a smile makeover.

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What is the crown procedure like?
Because cosmetic dentist Dr. Folck uses CEREC technology, your crown can be placed in one visit, cutting down on the amount of time taken out of your busy schedule. CEREC is the only dental CAD/CAM restorative system done chair side in the world.

After examining the area where your crown will be placed, Dr. Folck will give you a local anesthetic, and remove any damaged tissue to prepare the tooth for its all-porcelain crown. After taking an optical impression of the tooth, Dr. Folck will apply a non-toxic and tasteless powder. Using a digital intraoral camera, he will take a picture of the tooth.

This picture is converted into a 3D model of what your new all-porcelain crown will look like. Rather than sending this to a dental lab and having to wait for weeks, a ceramic block matching your tooth shade is placed into the CEREC machine. After ten to 20 minutes, the restoration is complete. Dr. Folck will then make sure the fit and bite are correct before finally polishing it.

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Is there any discomfort during the procedure?
Because Dr. Folck numbs the area with a local anesthetic, you should feel no discomfort. This numbness can last up to four hours. However, if you continue to feel any kind of discomfort after the anesthetic wears off, you can take anything you might typically take for a headache (Tylenol, aspirin, ibuprofen).

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How long will my porcelain crowns last?
Your porcelain crown will last for many years with the proper care and maintenance. It is important that you maintain routine dental visits after receiving your crown and that you continue to brush and floss regularly. Dr. Folck will monitor the health of your teeth and the condition of your porcelain crown through your routine dental check-ups. If you continue to take care of your teeth, your porcelain crown can last up to 15 years

If you are in need of crowns, and want to discuss getting porcelain crowns, please contact porcelain crowns dentist Dr. Folck. He will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have regarding this issue.

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Call or email us today to learn more about Dr. Folck, our office, and what we can do for you. Your first consultation is no-obligation so you've got nothing to lose, and plenty to gain!