Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain Crowns Can Help Save A Tooth And Have You Smiling Again In No Time

A crown (oftentimes referred to as a “cap”) is a common type of dental restoration here at Bartusiak Dental Care of Washington. It’s designed to cover the entire visible surface of a single tooth. This offers patients two valuable benefits – not only is the tooth’s remaining structure better preserved, but its original shape and size is replenished as well for a healthier overall smile. Porcealin dental crowns from our Washington, PA dentist are ideal for patients with dental damage that’s too extensive for a simple filling, inlay, or onlay to correct successfully.

Dr. Bartusiak is proud to primarily offer high-quality ceramic and zirconia materials for dental crowns, which means that your new smile addition will look just as healthy and natural as it feels. If you’d like to learn more or schedule a first appointment here in Washington, PA, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Do I Need A Porcelain Dental Crown?

An extensive variety of restorative needs can be addressed with a brand-new dental crown, including:

Dental breakage/fractures
Significant tooth decay
Large fillings that need additional support
When a tooth has been treated with a root canal
When a tooth has a significant cosmetic imperfection
When a tooth has been lost and is replaced with a dental implant that needs restoration

The Porcelain Dental Crown Process

In most cases, the creation and placement of a brand-new dental crown will require at least two appointments here in Washington, PA. First, our Dr Bartusiak will get started by capturing highly detailed molds of the tooth or teeth in question. This mold will also be used to create a temporary crown that patients can wear in the interim while the permanent version is being painstakingly crafted by a trusted dental laboratory. After decay is removed from the tooth and the surface is shaped to accommodate the temporary crown, it will be secured in place.

At your follow-up appointment, we will remove the temporary dental crown, thoroughly clean the dental structure, and then place the new, finished dental crown very carefully in order to ensure that the appearance, spacing, and overall bite are all ideal. We will also provide plenty of care instructions so that you can ensure a long, healthy life for the new restoration at home.

The Costs of Dental Crowns

The cost of your dental crown restoration plan will depend on the materials we use as well as a number of other factors. In most cases, we’ll recommend a crown made from ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, or zirconia in order to deliver a more natural end result. These restoration options may be a little pricier than the old-fashioned metal solutions, but they look and function much more like your healthy, natural smile, making them worth the investment for many patients. Some of the factors that influence the cost of treatment include:

Dental insurance – those with traditional insurance benefits usually receive coverage for 50% or more of the costs of dental crowns.
Materials – the long-lasting, natural-looking materials can be pricier, but they are less likely to need to be repaired or replaced than other materials and they blend seamlessly into your smile.
Preparatory treatments – if you have tooth decay or damage to surrounding teeth, we will need to repair the smile prior to designing and placing your dental crown to ensure the longevity of your restoration.
Use of sedation – dental sedation options are available and they may be recommended as part of the treatment process, especially if you need a dental crown on one or more of your back teeth.

Caring for Your Dental Crowns

Once your dental crown is in place, you’ll need to make a few minor adjustments to your at-home oral hygiene routine to ensure your crown remains whole and functional. With proper care, your dental crown will remain functional for ten years or longer. In order to preserve the dental restoration, we’ll recommend you make some adjustments to your oral hygiene products.

First, you’ll need to utilize a soft or ultra soft bristled toothbrush to avoid excessive wear. You may also want to switch to a less abrasive toothpaste. To avoid tugging around the edges of the dental crown, you might want to use a waxed floss or an air or water flosser. During your regular dental exams and teeth cleanings twice a year, we can review your at-home oral hygiene routine and help you to select the right products.

In addition to these regular dental appointments and thorough at-home care, you should also protect your smile from potential damage. Use sports mouthguards to shield your smile during athletic competitions and practices, and you should always wear a mouthguard at night if you struggle with teeth grinding and clenching, bruxism. You should also avoid bad habits like using your teeth to open packages, chewing on ice, or biting your fingernails. Basically, we encourage you to take every precaution to avoid damaging your dental crown.

Dental Crown FAQs

If you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth, you may need a dental crown in Washington to bring your smile back to full health. This modern restoration offers both restorative and cosmetic benefits by using high-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology. In short, it’s an excellent way to improve your oral health while simultaneously giving your appearance a boost! Of course, it’s completely normal to have a few lingering questions in mind before committing to treatment. To help you out, our team at Bartusiak Dental Care of Washington has decided to answer some frequently asked questions below.

Are Dental Crowns Permanent?

Even though dental crowns are not considered permanent, they’re certainly a long-term solution. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect your crowned tooth to last anywhere between five to 15 years. It’s worth noting that the process of getting a dental crown is irreversible. Dr. Bartusiak will need to reshape your tooth for the placement of your restoration, meaning it will always need a crown for protection moving forward. That’s mainly because once the enamel is removed, it will never grow back.

How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?

The only way to know for sure whether or not your crown needs replacement is by visiting Dr. Bartusiak for an exam. He’ll physically examine your tooth and take X-rays to determine if there are any problems. That said, here are some signs that indicate your restoration could be nearing the end of its lifespan:

If you’re experiencing any discomfort, it could be because you have a cavity.
You should contact Dr. Bartusiak right away if your restoration feels loose, especially when chewing something sticky.
Worsened appearance. A chipped or discolored crown could negatively affect your confidence, which is enough reason to replace it.
A dark line has formed at the crown’s base. If you have a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, the porcelain layer can chip away over time, revealing the darker metal portion underneath.

Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?

Before your procedure begins, Dr. Bartusiak will numb the tooth in question to ensure you’re completely comfortable. Even though all that’s usually needed is a topical anesthetic, severely anxious patients may benefit from dental sedation. If you’re getting a traditional crown that takes two appointments, you may receive an anesthetic when your dentist removes the temporary restoration and places the permanent one. Afterward, your tooth will likely feel sensitive for a few days. You can easily manage your discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medication and using a cold compress.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Get a Dental Crown?

Keep in mind that dentists only recommend dental crowns to patients who really need one. Therefore, putting off the procedure can lead to more painful complications down the line. That’s why it’s best to schedule your appointment as soon as your dentist suggested it. Otherwise, waiting too long can inevitably lead to further decay or damage. The tooth may eventually become so compromised that it’d need a root canal or extraction – both of which are more expensive and invasive than a dental crown.

Want A Gorgeous Smile? We Can Help Restore It!

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Dr. Barry and his staff are wonderful. They make you feel comfortable the moment you walk in. During your visit, they are always asking if you need anything and if you’re okay. Every staff member is very friendly. I have had both routine cleaning and dental work done and am extremely pleased with both. I definitely recommend this office for your dental needs.

Fantastic experience. Started seeing Dr. Barry for a dental emergency a few months ago. I tried contacting 10+ dentists in the area, none of them would see me. Crazy, right? I'm very happy those 10+ dentists declined me as a patient. I had an appointment scheduled with Dr. Barry the next day. Professional, knowledgeable, friendly staff. Nothing but good things to say as a new patient. And no, I wasn't provided a gift card to leave this review. I did so on my own free will.