knowledge for peace of mind
Porcelain Crowns in Chandler, AZ
If you’re interested in a dental crown, read on to find out more about how Chandler’s POM Dental can take care of you and your family.
What are Dental Crowns and Veneers?
Both dental crowns and veneers are excellent options for restoring teeth and enhancing your smile but they’re also permanent solutions. Once a tooth has been prepared for either a crown or a veneer, the tooth will always have to be covered by either option.
Veneers are thin porcelain teeth covers. They’re generally a cosmetic option for the front teeth. Dental crowns cover the whole tooth. Dental crowns are porcelain, ceramic, gold silver, or a combination of porcelain and metal.
The difference between the two depends on the damage sustained by your tooth: if you have relatively minor chips, cracks, gaps, and stains, porcelain teeth offered by veneers are a good choice for you. If you have a badly broken or cracked tooth, or you’ve undergone a root canal, a dental crown would be the better selection for both protection and aesthetic appeal.
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dental crown before & after
by dr. jeremy silverman, dmd
Signs You Might Need a Crown
Dental crowns are needed for similar reasons as dental fillings, so the symptoms indicating that you may need either option will also be relatively similar. These symptoms are all related to tooth decay, chipped or cracked teeth, and crowns that need replacing. Signs can include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Toothache
- Bad breath
- Pain while drinking or eating
- Presence of holes in the tooth enamel that can become discolored
- Headache
- Noticeable differences in how the teeth come together during biting
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to call POM today to schedule an appointment for the best veneers or porcelain crowns in Chandler.
TOOTH DECAY
- tooth sensitivity
- toothache
- bad breath
- pain while drinking or eating
- presence of holes in the tooth enamel that can become discolored
CHIPPED TOOTH
- tooth sensitivity
- toothache (notably when eating hard foods)
- headache
- noticeable differences in how the teeth come together during biting
REPLACING AN OLD CROWN
- tooth sensitivity
- toothache when eating or drinking
Distraction Methods – Therapeutic interventions – Pain management
What to Expect During the Crown Process
Having a crown placed typically involves two appointments at the Chandler office.
YOUR FIRST VISIT
The first step in getting a crown is determining which is the best option–you may even need a simple dental filling. The dentist will take several x-rays, evaluate the results, and communicate a treatment plan. If the dentist ascertains that a dental crown would be a good choice well proceed to prepping the area by numbing your teeth and gums.
We do this to reduce any possibility of discomfort during the procedure. Read more here about the measures we take to ensure your relaxation and comfort.
YOUR SECOND VISIT
After two weeks, your new crown or set of veneers will be returned to our Chandler office, at which time we’ll have scheduled your second appointment. At this point the crown will be placed on your tooth, x-rays will be taken to check their fit, and then they’ll be permanently cemented and polished.
After your crown or veneer has been placed, if you’re still experiencing sensitivity in the area that doesn’t go away with time, please contact the Chandler office as soon as possible. With proper home oral care and regular dental checkups, veneers and crowns can last up to 10 years.
keeping your temporary crown safe
After your first visit, but before your permanent crown is in place, you’ll be able to eat and drink but with some precautions in place. Here is some guidance to keep your procedure moving well.
- We recommend chewing on the opposite side of the mouth while wearing a temporary crown.
- Refrain from eating anything sticky.
- It’s important to floss your temporary crown by advancing the floss between the teeth as normal but instead of pulling the floss out the same way it went in, bite down and slide the floss out sideways with one hand. This will reduce the chances of you inadvertently pulling off your temporary crown while flossing.
If your temporary crown is dislodged prior to your second visit (when the permanent crown will be placed), please call our office so we can replace it for you.
after your crown treatment…
To ensure the best outcome for the procedure, it is
important to:
- Practice the same recommended oral hygiene measures as you would with your normal teeth–twice a day brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and good flossing techniques.
- Reduce excessive biting force–like chewing on ice.
- Visit the dentist for cleaning and checkups regularly.
A small percentage of patients will experience minor temperature sensitivity after a crown. This usually dissipates with time. If it does not, it is important to let the dentist know.
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If you experience biting sensitivity after your appointment and it is not going away, please contact the office.
Why Choose Peace of Mind Dental Studio?
After two weeks, your new crown or set of veneers will be returned to our Chandler office, at which time we’ll have scheduled your second appointment. At this point the crown will be placed on your tooth, x-rays will be taken to check their fit, and then they’ll be permanently cemented and polished.
After your crown has been placed, if you’re still experiencing sensitivity in the area that doesn’t go away with time, please contact the Chandler office as soon as possible. With proper home oral care and regular dental checkups, veneers and crowns can last up to 10 years.
answering your questions about crowns…
What's the difference between a crown and a veneer?
A veneer is a more conservative option as it only covers half of the tooth, while a crown surrounds the entire tooth. Aside from that, the reasons you might require one, and the general process are very simliar.
Will the crown or veneer procedure be painful?
Our office starts with the strongest topical anesthetic to reduce the chance of feeling anything during the numbing process. Then we will numb the tooth and surrounding tissues with local anesthesia so you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
In addition to our topical anesthetic, we utilize a painless oral injection system, DentalVibe®, to reduce any discomfort during the numbing process. DentalVibe is a unique tool that can help alleviate dental fear and anxiety, allowing you to undergo the treatments needed to maintain a healthy mouth. DentalVibe provides gentle vibration to the site of the dental injection that overloads the nerve that sends pain signals to the brain so you don’t feel the injection. Most patients who have a DentalVibe injection aren’t even aware they’ve had an injection! The vibrations disperse the anesthesia once it’s injected to allow it to get to work even faster…plus the sound of the vibration creates an added distraction!
DentalVibe is especially helpful in reducing dental fear among children. Many adult patients feel they wouldn’t have developed dental fears if they had this tool when they were younger.
We also employ a whole host of patient comforts to create a soothing experience. Learn more here.
How long will a crown last?
You should expect your crown/veneer to last 8-15 years. The broad range depends on your oral hygiene practice and personal habits such as chewing ice, grinding teeth, nutrition etc. We can offer guidance on how to maximize the lifespan of your new investment.
Will a crown improve my smile?
If it can, we will make sure it does! If the tooth being crowned is chipped/broken/misaligned, we will do everything possible to make the crown aesthetically pleasing and in the most ideal alignment.
Can I get a dental crown during pregnancy?
Generally, elective procedures are not recommended during pregnancy, especially the first trimester. However, dental emergencies do arise for those who are pregnant and in certain situations the only option to stabilize a tooth that is significantly broken down is by placing a crown. At Peace of Mind Dental, we will perform the most conservative treatment needed for our patients who are pregnant and postpone any elective work until after the pregnancy.
Have more questions? Please call us at 480-608-5444 or email us and we’ll be able to talk you through the process.
Tips & advice from Dr. Silverman: