A Guide to Quality Porcelain Crowns: Versatile Treatment Supports Sustained Health, An Attractive Smile

We at Westlake Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, Oregon, are a proud blend of experienced and skilled practitioners, a kind and caring environment, and advanced technologies, techniques, and products. Our dentist, Dr. Brad Sievert, has invested in top-notch team members, extensive training, and cutting-edge technology with your utmost comfort and satisfaction at heart.

In turn, we can rebuild teeth with porcelain crowns so that these and other dental restorations are indistinguishable in form and function from natural, healthy teeth.

Dental Crowns 101

Natural crowns protect and cover the innermost tissues and structure of each tooth. The crown is the white part of the tooth visible when you smile. Crowns can become stained, discolored, worn, broken, and otherwise damaged by wear and tear with time (or due to conditions such as bruxism), fractures or cracks, injuries, and trauma. Additionally, progressive tooth decay can affect the inner pulp tissue and threaten the health and structural integrity of the tooth. Gum disease may also break down the supportive attachments surrounding and protecting the teeth.

We can address these and other conditions by replacing the natural crown. Our crowns may be made from various materials. They are shaped precisely to cover the prepared (cleaned and shaped) tooth structure. The dental crown is then secured to the tooth. Crown placement may also restore a tooth treated with root canal therapy. Such treatment may be the only way to preserve a severely decayed or badly infected tooth.

Candidates for Crowns

In addition to resolving fractures and decay, dental crowns may be made and fixed securely to a pontic or replacement tooth in a dental bridge. A crown may also be attached to an implant secured in the jaw. The implant functions like a tooth root to stabilize the replacement tooth or crown.

Lastly, some cosmetic cases may benefit from crowns. The crown can be placed and secured on top of a poorly shaped tooth or a tooth that is stubbornly, deeply stained, or discolored.

Alternatives

Depending on what Dr. Sievert finds during an examination at our office in Lake Oswego, Oregon, crowns may represent either “too much” or “too little” coverage. For smaller cavities or less extensive damage, he may recommend tooth-colored fillings, dental inlays, or dental onlays (also known as “partial crowns”). Patients with more extensive damage may require root canal therapy in addition to crown placement or alternative endodontic treatment. If a tooth cannot be preserved, extractions are followed as promptly as possible by tooth replacement. Bridges and implants also involve using at least one dental crown! This procedure is incredibly versatile.

The Power of Porcelain

Crowns can be designed and shaped from various metals, non-metals (ceramics), and a combination of metals and ceramics. Dental porcelain is traditionally coveted because it resists stains, mimics the characteristics of natural enamel, and is durable. It presents a great value when investing in the health of your mouth and the lasting attractive esthetics of your smile.

Do not wait to reach out to Westlake Family Dentistry. Call us at (503) 662-9176. Many oral conditions that cause damage are progressive and can be prevented or stopped in their tracks with proactive care. You may be able to avoid restorative treatment, or we can save your badly damaged tooth!