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Introducing porcelain crowns

Caring for your teeth is important if you value your smile. At Soft Touch Dental, we regularly recommend porcelain crowns for patients with discolored, broken or cracked teeth. Among the various types of crowns, porcelain crowns look almost identical to natural teeth. 

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps which are inserted over broken or chipped teeth. Porcelain caps are made to match the size, shape and color of your teeth and cover the affected tooth. At Soft Touch Dental we pride ourselves as one of the top providers of dental crowns in San Diego.

Benefits of porcelain crowns at a glance:

  • durable, long-lasting
  • minimally invasive treatment
  • customized to your anatomy and smile
  • cosmetically enhancing
  • natural appearance
  • natural feeling in your teeth
  • restores functional use of tooth

How long do porcelain crowns last?

On average, your crowns will last anywhere from 7 to 15 years. Porcelain crowns tend to last not as long as metal ones, but the tradeoff is that porcelain crowns are more attractive and match the natural color of your teeth better.

There is also such thing as a porcelain-metal crown that combines the durability of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain, so be sure to enquire with your doctor during your consultation about the various options available to you.

When do you require dental crowns?

  • Dental crowns help to protect a weak tooth from further damage, cracks or deterioration
  • Restores broken or worn down tooth
  • Dental crowns help repair a tooth that has had considerable fillings
  • They help keep any dental bridge in place
  • They cover up misshaped teeth
  • They complete the root canal procedure

What does the dental crowns procedure involve?

Our dental experts determine that you need porcelain crowns insertions, you will need at least two sittings to complete the procedure.

In the first sitting, your affected tooth is prepped and filed down to make room for the porcelain crown. Then, we take an impression of your teeth to send to our dental laboratory to prepare your customized porcelain crown.

If necessary, your dentist will insert a temporary crown in the meantime. This is to protect the existing tooth from further deterioration until the crown is ready to be placed.

During the second visit, which will be scheduled once the crown is ready, the temporary crown will be removed. Before inserting the permanent crown, the color of the crown will be verified with your teeth color. The process is complete after the crown is permanently cemented.

The use of bridges

Bridges are especially effective when one or more teeth have become compromised or have fallen out. With missing teeth, it is more difficult to chew, there is irritation, and cosmetically the appearance in the smile is less than ideal. With a space in the teeth, the other teeth may migrate towards the hole, throwing off the bite, which in turn can cause headaches and sleep disturbances.

Bridges fix this issue. They are like prosthetic teeth, which prevent neighboring teeth around the gap to stay in place. This not only improves things functionally, but also restores a more normal look to the teeth cosmetically.

Why choose Soft Touch Dental in San Diego for your porcelain crowns?

Dr. Fakhimi offers top-tier service with stunning results for his patients. With over 20 years of experience, he has a reputation for creating gorgeous, youthful smiles that communicate vitality and personality.

Our facilities are outfitted with the latest in groundbreaking software, equipment and technology, and we exceed the standard for safety and cleanliness at our offices. From our stylish, climate-adjusted reception areas to our enticing amenities, we feel certain your visit will be stress-free, rewarding and restorative.

At Soft Touch Dental, our staff is comprised of licensed technicians, dental assistants and hygienists, all of whom are eager to provide you with exceptional service. Our entire team is caring, compassionate and approachable, making your trip to our office a pleasure rather than something to dread.

Dental Crowns FAQ

If you suffer from broken, cracked, damaged, or discolored teeth, you may feel self-conscious about your smile. At Soft Touch Dental, we want you to smile freely and with total confidence. Dr. Fakhimi, a premier cosmetic dentist, can restore damaged teeth with custom crowns.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped restoration used to repair a broken or damaged tooth. A dental crown may be necessary to restore a tooth that cannot be repaired with fillings. In the past, dental crowns have been made of many materials such as gold, metal, zirconia, ceramic, or a combination of these substances. Today, Dr. Fakhimi recommends porcelain dental crowns for durability and because these crowns look and feel extremely natural and attractive.

Why are Dental Crowns Used?

Dental Crowns are used to restore your smile and protect the remaining natural tooth structure from further damage. Dental crowns can restore a single tooth or serve to anchor a bridge. Both of these options are long-lasting ways in which to restore a healthy, attractive smile. Dental crowns are often used to:

  • Repair broken teeth
  • Conceal a tooth that requires a dental filling, but there is no longer enough natural tooth to support filings
  • Cover a tooth which has undergone a root canal
  • Anchor a dental bridge
  • As the final step in dental implants
  • Cover a discolored or misshapen tooth
  • Protect a weaker tooth from further damage

Why is a Temporary Crown Necessary?

When a tooth is waiting for a crown, a temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated. Temporary crowns allow you to continue to eat and speak normally while you wait to have the final restoration. It is important to note that temporary crowns are not as strong as your permanent crown and may not be a perfect match – don’t worry. Your permanent crown will look and feel exactly like a natural tooth and will look perfect.

What is the Difference between a Temporary Crown and a Permanent Crown?

Temporary crowns are placed using temporary cement, designed to make it easier for the temporary crown to be removed when the permanent crown is ready. A temporary crown is designed only to last a few weeks. Permanent crowns last for many, many years before needing replacement. If Dr. Fakhimi has determined that a dental crown is the best option for tooth restoration, he can create and fit a temporary crown in your first appointment. A mold of your teeth will be created so your permanent crown is a perfect fit in color, shape, and function.

What Can I Expect During Placement of a Dental Crown?

If you need to have a dental crown, there is also a possibility that you will first need to have a root canal. If your tooth has reached a state of decay where a cavity has extended to the pulp of the tooth, a root canal will be performed in order to prepare the tooth for the crown. Then, Dr. Fakhimi will shape the tooth in order to make room for the dental crown. If there is not enough tooth remaining, he may need to build up that tooth to allow the dental crown to be placed. Once your permanent crown has been created, Dr. Fakhimi will place the crown with a very strong dental cement.

Is there any Downtime Required Following Placement of Dental Crowns?

No. There is no downtime required following placement of a dental crown. You may immediately return to your day. If you did not have a root canal, your tooth may be sensitive to extreme temperatures for about a week following placement.

What Should I do if My Crown is Damaged or Falls Out?

While infrequent, dental crowns do occasionally become detached. If your crown is loose, schedule an appointment with us at once. Older crowns may require replacement. If you have a crown that is giving you any trouble, you are invited to visit our dental clinic, where we use the most advanced technologies and techniques are employed at our state-of-the-art practice. Experience dentistry at its best, and a friendly, caring staff that focus on a positive patient experience.

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Taking the first step with porcelain crowns

If you would like to learn more about whether dental crownsmight be the right solution for your needs, don’t hesitate to set up your consultation in the privacy and comfort of Dr. Fakhimi’s San Diego offices today.

During this first session, the doctor will examine your teeth, take the necessary x-rays, review your medical history, and make sure he answers all your questions in-depth, including those regarding costs, insurance, pain management, anesthesia, aftercare and much more. If you are looking to replace an older crown that has fallen out or is no longer functional, Dr. Fakhimi can help with this as well.

To better anticipate your results, Dr. Fakhimi will provide you with access to our extensive library of before and after photographs. You will quickly see the cosmetic improvement that porcelain crowns can bring, in addition to the functional corrections that they provide.

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