At No Gaps Dental, we understand the importance of top-quality dental care and the role that porcelain crowns can play in restoring and enhancing the appearance of your teeth. If you want to feel more confident every time you smile and need to strengthen or protect damaged teeth, porcelain crowns may be the right solution for you.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look closer at the benefits of porcelain crowns and what to expect during the treatment process.
What are Porcelain Crowns?
Porcelain crowns are custom-made dental restorations to cover your entire tooth’s surface. They are made of high-quality dental porcelain, a durable and stain-resistant material that closely resembles the appearance of natural teeth.
They’re made by taking the impressions of your tooth or teeth and adding a porcelain or metal cap, or a combination of both, and permanently cementing it onto your natural tooth to cover a chipped or damaged tooth.
Applying a porcelain crown with minimal tooth preparation to preserve most of the natural tooth beneath the cap takes great skill. At No Gaps Dental, our team of over 35 dentists don’t take a one size fits all approach. They’ll take the time to provide you with a personalised plan to ensure the best possible results.
Reasons Why You May Need a Dental Crown
Porcelain crowns are often used to address various dental issues, including:
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Severely decayed teeth
- Teeth with large fillings
- Discoloured or stained teeth
- Misshapen or poorly aligned teeth
- Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment
If you have a tooth causing you any pain or discomfort, you should book an appointment with a dentist specialising in crowns as soon as possible.
The Benefits of Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns offer numerous benefits for patients, including:
- Improved aesthetics — Porcelain crowns closely mimic the look of natural teeth, providing a natural and seamless appearance.
- Durability — Porcelain crowns are a long-lasting solution for damaged or decayed teeth, often lasting up to 15 years or more with proper care.
- Protection — Protect weakened teeth from further damage or decay, helping extend the natural tooth’s life.
- Comfort — Porcelain crowns are custom-made to fit snugly over the tooth, providing a comfortable and secure fit.
- Versatility — Since porcelain crowns can be used for many dental issues, they are a versatile option for many patients.
How Much Do Porcelain Crowns Cost?
Various factors will impact the overall cost of porcelain crowns, including the tooth’s location, size and damage sustained by the tooth or surrounding teeth that require repair.
We’re called No Gaps Dental for a reason — as the original No Gaps dentist in Sydney, we accept benefits from all Australian health insurance as full payment for general and preventative treatment, including your consultations!
Our dentist will give you a better understanding of any expected costs in your initial consultation. We also offer flexible payment plans so you can pay for your treatment on your own time.
What to Expect from Your First Appointment
During your first consultation, the dentist will remove damaged or decayed tissue and shape the tooth to accommodate the porcelain crown. They will then take impressions of the tooth, which will be used to create a custom-made porcelain crown.
While the permanent porcelain crown is fabricated, they will place a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it. When the temporary crown is in place, we recommend using sensitive toothpaste to brush your teeth (minus the flossing) but try to avoid sticky, chewy or tough foods. Chew on the other side of your mouth when you can.
Appointment Two
At your second appointment, you will have the permanent porcelain crown replace the temporary crown, ensuring it fits comfortably. The dentist will bond the crown to the tooth using a strong dental adhesive, completing the treatment process.
If your natural tooth is more significantly damaged, your dentist may fill the damaged tooth. They will ensure your new crown works well with your natural bite and chewing.
Are Porcelain Crowns Painful?
By choosing No Gaps Dental, you can trust that our experienced team of 35 dentists have successfully placed more porcelain crowns than you could ever imagine. We see over 83,000 patients annually across our 15 locations and don’t compromise on our gentle, compassionate service standards.
Rest assured, you will be under local anaesthesia and medicated while your tooth or teeth are prepared for the crown and during the application. You may feel a slight pinch, but you will also receive topical numbing agents to help soothe the area.
Aftercare and Expected Recovery Time
You can expect mild discomfort and sensitivity once this procedure is complete and will experience a numb jaw and mouth for several hours afterwards. You may also suffer from inflammation around your dental crown and can seek over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or topical anaesthetic gels to manage it — this should subside after a few days.
After placing the porcelain crown, you may experience some tenderness and must stick to soft foods for some time. You should avoid hot liquids and chewy foods. If you’re suffering from any significant pain, get in touch with your dentist for further advice.
How Long Do Porcelain Crowns Last?
To help your porcelain crown last for many years, you should have them regularly examined for any chips that can be repaired or replaced if more excessive.
If your crown feels loose, see your dentist immediately since it can cause bacteria to infest beneath it, causing tooth decay and other issues.
Book an Appointment at No Gaps Dental Today
If you’re experiencing issues with your teeth and think you may need a dental crown to restore the natural appearance of your teeth, we’re here to help. Book an appointment at one of our 15 Sydney practices that are most convenient to you.
We use the latest technology for the best results. You can count on a warm welcome from our friendly team and a comprehensive examination to get to the root of your oral health and plan a treatment plan just for you.