Porcelain Crowns

At Hillcrest Dental, we understand that dealing with a damaged or weakened tooth can affect both your confidence and daily comfort. Our expertly crafted dental crowns provide a reliable, long-lasting solution that goes beyond basic tooth restoration.

Whether you need a crown to protect a vulnerable tooth, restore function after a root canal, or enhance your smile’s appearance, our experienced team creates custom porcelain crowns that match your natural teeth perfectly in both strength and beauty.

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Understanding Crowns

A porcelain dental crown is a custom-made restoration that completely encases a damaged or compromised tooth. Think of it as a protective cap that covers the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. Modern porcelain crowns feature an innovative two-layer design: a strong zirconia core for durability, topped with a specialized porcelain overlay that mimics the translucency and light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel.

This advanced construction requires minimal removal of your natural tooth structure—typically just 1-1.5 millimeters of the outer layer—while providing maximum protection and aesthetic appeal.

Benefits of Crowns

Immediate Functional Recovery

Dental crowns restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence from day one. The full-coverage design allows you to return to normal activities without restrictions once the crown is permanently placed. Unlike some dental treatments that require extended healing periods, crowns provide instant stability and protection, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and maintain your regular routine without compromise.

Customized Bite Alignment

Each porcelain crown is precisely crafted to fit your unique bite pattern and jaw movement. Advanced digital scanning technology ensures your crown’s height, width, and contours work harmoniously with your opposing teeth. This precise customization prevents uneven wear on surrounding teeth, reduces stress on your jaw joints, and helps maintain proper dental alignment for years to come.

Stain-Resistant Surface

Modern porcelain crowns feature a highly polished, non-porous surface that actively resists staining from coffee, tea, wine, and other common beverages. The glazed porcelain exterior maintains its original shade and brightness without absorbing colors or developing surface stains. This stain-resistant quality helps preserve your crown’s natural appearance and reduces the need for professional cleaning or whitening treatments.

Temperature Sensitivity Reduction

Porcelain crowns effectively insulate compromised teeth from temperature extremes, significantly reducing sensitivity to hot and cold substances. The multi-layered construction creates a protective barrier that shields the underlying tooth structure and nerve endings. This insulation makes everyday activities like enjoying ice cream or drinking hot beverages more comfortable while protecting the vital tissues within your tooth.

Single-Visit Emergency Solutions

When dental emergencies strike, porcelain crowns offer a reliable same-day solution for cracked, broken, or severely damaged teeth. Modern dental technology allows for efficient crown preparation and placement, preventing further damage and eliminating the need for multiple emergency visits. This immediate intervention helps preserve your natural tooth structure while providing instant pain relief and structural support.

AF had been wearing a fake front tooth for several years and a previous dentist had placed porcelain crowns that were not to AF’s liking. We placed an implant in the gap and then placed 6 porcelain crowns. AF said it was a relief not to have to hide the unesthetic teeth.

RM always had gaps between her teeth and although she admits that she liked it as a child, she was unhappy with them as an adult. We discussed moving the teeth orthodontically (braces or Invisalign) but she was also unhappy with the shape of the teeth. The top 8 teeth are porcelain crowns and four of the lower teeth have direct bonding to close the gaps. RM says that she can’t stop smiling.

Our Approach to Porcelain Crown Application

Comprehensive Dental Assessment

Your first visit focuses on mapping out the optimal crown solution for your specific needs. We use advanced digital X-rays and intraoral cameras to evaluate your tooth’s structure, surrounding tissues, and bite pattern. From gum health to bite mechanics, we analyze every factor that could impact your crown’s success. You’ll leave this appointment with a clear understanding of the treatment timeline and what to expect.

Digital Crown Design

Advanced digital scanning eliminates the discomfort of traditional dental impressions while capturing every detail of your tooth’s surface. We input these precise measurements into specialized software that helps us design a crown that fits perfectly with your bite. You’ll be involved in selecting the ideal shade and characteristics that will make your crown indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Expert Crown Preparation

We prioritize the preservation of your natural tooth structure while creating an ideal foundation for your new crown. Local anesthesia ensures your complete comfort throughout the procedure. Once your tooth is prepared, we fit you with a temporary crown that protects your tooth and maintains your smile’s appearance while master ceramists craft your permanent restoration.

Professional Crown Placement

The day your permanent crown arrives marks the transformation of your compromised tooth into a strong, beautiful restoration. We take time to verify the fit, making minor refinements if needed before permanent placement. Our specialized bonding techniques create a durable seal that keeps your natural tooth protected while ensuring your new crown feels completely natural.

Proactive Care Planning

Protecting your investment starts with understanding how to care for your new crown. We’ll demonstrate specific cleaning techniques and recommend products that help maintain your crown’s appearance and durability. Regular check-ups allow us to monitor your crown’s condition and address potential issues before they develop into problems, helping your restoration last for many years.

Why Patients Choose to Partner with Us

At Hillcrest Dental, we focus exclusively on creating crowns that look natural while providing superior protection for your teeth. Our dental team combines extensive crown placement experience with ongoing education in the latest dental materials and techniques.

We understand that getting a crown is a significant decision, which is why we take extra time to ensure proper fit, optimal comfort, and outstanding aesthetics. From precise shade matching to meticulous placement, every step reflects our commitment to delivering crowns that enhance both your oral health and confidence.

Restore Your Tooth’s Strength and Beauty

Don’t postpone the dental care you need! Our proven expertise in custom crown creation helps patients regain full tooth function while achieving natural-looking results.

Contact Hillcrest Dental at (619) 291-2980 to schedule your personalized crown consultation, or book online for a time that works best for you.

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FAQs

How long do dental crowns last?

Modern porcelain crowns offer remarkable durability when properly maintained. While we typically quote 10-15 years of service, your crown’s lifespan largely depends on your daily habits. Patients who maintain excellent oral hygiene, wear night guards when needed, and avoid biting hard objects like ice or pencils often see their crowns last beyond two decades. Environmental factors like teeth grinding, acidic foods, and even your natural bite force can influence your crown’s longevity.

What does a dental crown look like?

Today’s porcelain crowns showcase unprecedented aesthetic qualities that outperform older materials. Our advanced ceramic options capture the subtle color gradients of natural teeth, from the deeper hues near the gumline to the translucent edges that catch light. We carefully layer different porcelain shades to recreate the depth and character of your surrounding teeth, ensuring your crown reflects light naturally and blends seamlessly with your smile.

How long does a dental crown take?

Your crown placement unfolds across two focused appointments with a crafting period in between. The initial visit requires about 75-90 minutes for tooth preparation, digital scanning, and temporary crown placement. Our master ceramist then dedicates 8-12 days to handcrafting your permanent crown, paying attention to every detail of color, fit, and contour. Your final 45-minute appointment focuses on perfecting the fit and securing your crown for lasting stability.

Do dental crowns hurt?

Thanks to precise anesthetic techniques and gentle preparation methods, getting a crown is remarkably comfortable. You’ll feel pressure but no pain during the procedure. Following placement, your tooth might feel slightly different when biting or may respond more to temperature changes for a few days. These sensations typically fade within 3-5 days as your mouth adjusts to the new crown. Most patients maintain their normal eating habits within 24 hours of placement.

Can you put a dental bridge after a crown?

Using an existing crown to support a bridge depends on multiple clinical factors we’ll evaluate carefully. The crown’s foundation must be solid, with healthy root structure and bone support. We assess the crown’s position, material composition, and structural integrity through detailed imaging. If your current crown shows signs of wear or wasn’t designed with bridge support in mind, replacing it simultaneously with your bridge placement often provides better long-term stability.

What to do when a dental crown falls out?

A dislodged crown requires specific steps to protect your tooth until professional care is available. First, rinse the crown and tooth area with warm water, avoiding hot or cold temperatures. If possible, place the crown back on your tooth using dental wax (available at pharmacies) – never use household glues or adhesives. Contact us immediately for a same-day emergency appointment. Skip chewy or sticky foods, and maintain gentle cleaning of the exposed tooth area until professional reattachment.