Porcelain Crowns

For aesthetic reasons, teeth can be crowned. This procedure is recommended to the patient by the dentist and carried out at the request of the patient. In porcelain crowning process, the tooth is covered with tooth-shaped materials, which are harmless and extend the life of the tooth.

If one or more teeth of the patient are missing, a special coating is made by supporting the neighboring teeth. These coatings ensure that the gaps between the teeth are filled. Porcelain bridges are covered with crowns regardless of whether the teeth located on either side of the missing tooth are natural teeth or implants. The artificial tooth that will come into the cavity is placed between these crowns.

The average amount of teeth to be cut for insertion of crowns made of zirconium and metal material is the same. Metal supported crowns are made of gray metal. This material is more durable than zirconium. However, from a aesthetic point of view, gray reflection can be seen in patients with thin gum structure.

There is a white substance called zirconium in the structure of crowns made of zirconium supported material. The same gray reflection in the gums is not seen in these crowns.

The crowns made of zirconium and metal supported material are both coated with porcelain material.

A period of 4 weeks is required for the preparation of porcelain crowns and for the completion of the process.

In the sessions of making porcelain crowns, there are stages such as preparation and measurement of teeth, infrastructure proofing, porcelain proofing, polishing and cementation.

The tooth or teeth to be treated are reduced according to the treatment method to be applied. Then, a detailed measurement of the whole mouth is taken.

A mouth model is obtained in the laboratory based on the measurement taken. The metal or zirconium substructure prepared according to this model is rehearsed in the mouth and the dentist makes the adjustment process.

The porcelain model prepared in the laboratory is tested in the mouth and compliance checks are made to the neighboring teeth. The patient is asked about aesthetics and color. The porcelain material is sent back to the laboratory for polishing.

Porcelain teeth, which are applied in the laboratory, are tried for the last time in the mouth. If there is no problem, the patient’s consent is obtained and fixed in the mouth. Oral and prosthesis care techniques are explained to the patient by the physician.

Root canal treatment is not required for every tooth to be crowned. Root canal treatment is needed in cases where there is a large caries in the tooth before the coating is done and the nerve – vascular package is damaged during the preparation of the coating.

Temporary prostheses are applied to patients who will have crown coating in order to prevent chewing and other functions.

In order to cover a tooth, a structure that will support the crown must be present. If the tooth is decayed or not present, a substructure called post & core can be formed by applying canal treatment to the tooth.

Porcelain veneers and bridges are also required to be brushed like natural teeth. Floss should also be used daily.

After fixing the porcelain crowns, there should generally be no discomfort or tenderness. If the patient feels tenderness, it is recommended to see the dentist.

Fractures in porcelain teeth can be treated in the mouth or the crown may need to be replaced if the fracture area is large.

The adhesive of porcelain crown may melt over time with the effect of saliva. In this case, bacteria infiltrate under the crown and caries occur. Patients should consult their dentist when they feel that the crown is moving.

In case of dislocation of the crown due to various reasons, a physician should be consulted.

Sometimes the mobility felt in the crowns can also occur due to the loss of tissues in the surrounding teeth. In this case, the dentist should be contacted immediately.

The life span of porcelain bridges is between 5 and 7 years on average. Regular check-ups and daily maintenance of the physician will extend this period.