When Should You Replace a Porcelain Crown?

When Should You Replace a Porcelain Crown?

Dental crowns are durable restorations designed to deliver long-term healthy smiles. However, there are times they may need to be redone. Your trusted team at Dr. Rick Dentistry will replace your restoration with a one-hour CEREC crown to maintain your smile's function and aesthetics. Here's all you need to know about porcelain crowns and signs they may require replacement.

What Are Dental Crowns and What Are Their Uses?

Dental crowns, or caps, are tooth-shaped restorations that fully cover the visible portions of damaged teeth to restore their strength, function, and natural appearance. Porcelain crowns are closely color and texture-matched to the surrounding teeth, delivering a seamless smile.

Porcelain crowns offer an effective solution to restore teeth damaged due to deep decay, large cavities, or trauma. They also strengthen weak teeth, repair worn teeth, and protect teeth after root canal therapy. Dental crowns can cover implants or support dental bridges to replace missing teeth. These versatile restorations also play a cosmetic dentistry role, instantly perfecting the size, shape, color, or appearance of your teeth!

Why Would You Need to Get a Porcelain Crown Replaced?

While porcelain crowns are incredibly durable, there are times that they require replacement. The most common reason is reinfection or new decay underneath the crown. That sometimes happens when the margin where the natural tooth meets the restoration provides a pathway for bacteria to enter. Moreover, gum recession over time may expose the tooth-root surfaces, leaving them prone to developing cavities.

Dental crowns, just like your natural teeth, can chip or fracture if you bite down on hard foods or objects. The crown's seal over the tooth must remain intact to prevent bacteria from entering and wreaking havoc on the tooth. If we cannot repair the restoration, we may recommend replacing it.

Another reason to replace a crown is for cosmetic purposes. For example, some patients opt to whiten their teeth for a brighter smile. Restorations such as dental crowns don't bleach well, so they may no longer blend in with the surrounding teeth, posing an aesthetic concern. If you require a new dental crown, the process is no different from the original one.

How Are CEREC Crowns Created?

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. To prepare these same-day restorations, Dr. Rick will first take 3D images of the affected tooth. He will use our proprietary software to refine the images before sending them to our milling machine, which then creates your porcelain crown from a solid block of porcelain.

Dr. Rick will make sure your crown provides a perfect color match and fit before cementing it in place. The result? A cosmetic restoration that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth!

Caring for Dental Crowns

The best way to ensure the longevity of your restoration and the health of your natural teeth is to maintain meticulous oral hygiene practices. These include regular brushing and flossing and visiting Dr. Rick Dentistry for your routine dental exams and cleanings. Caring for your teeth will lower your chances of developing new decay and ensure you enjoy a healthy smile for many years to come.

Porcelain Crowns Near Me

Visit Dr. Rick's dental practice in Scottsdale, AZ, to learn more about our porcelain crowns. Our team is committed to producing quality, durable restorations designed to last for many years to come. If, however, a crown requires replacement, you can count on our team for care that exceeds your expectations. Call us and schedule your appointment today!