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Our cosmetic dentist, Dean Lodding, DDS, and our experienced team are pleased to offer porcelain crowns to our patients. We understand that a damaged tooth can often be a source of discomfort and embarrassment, in addition to having a negative effect on your oral health. At Smile for Life Dental, we can address compromised or painful teeth with advanced procedures designed to provide results that look and feel natural. Our high-quality dental crowns are made in-house by our ceramist using state-of-the-art technology. We can help restore your dental health by bringing proper form and function to your teeth for a beautiful smile you can wear with confidence.
If you would like to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry options, or if you have specific questions about one of our procedures, please contact us today.
Porcelain crowns are custom dental restorations designed to completely cover and protect teeth that suffer from cracks, chips, fractures, decay, and other forms of damage. Often compared to a “cap,” a porcelain crown helps to restore the function and strength of a damaged tooth that is healthy enough to be saved—rather than resorting to an extraction. Additionally, porcelain crowns are designed to match the color of your natural teeth so you can feel confident knowing that your new restoration blends in harmoniously with the rest of your smile. Crowns may also be incorporated into a smile makeover, used to anchor a dental bridge, or placed on top of a single-tooth dental implant.
If a tooth is heavily decayed or damaged, but does not need extraction, a porcelain crown may be beneficial. In this procedure, a dental crown is fitted over the tooth to restore functionality. This can help provide durability and coverage, so further damage is less likely to occur. While strengthening the structure of your tooth, a crown is also made to look and feel natural. With proper maintenance, a crown has the potential to last many years.
A candidate for porcelain crowns is typically someone with a tooth that is weakened, damaged, or cosmetically compromised but still has a healthy root structure. Porcelain crowns are often recommended for teeth that are cracked, severely decayed, worn down, or have large fillings that no longer provide adequate support. They may also be beneficial for patients looking to protect teeth after root canal therapy or to enhance the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth. Ideal candidates should practice good oral hygiene and have healthy gums to support the restoration.
A consultation with Dr. Lodding can help determine procedure candidacy.
In a porcelain dental crown procedure, Dr. Lodding will examine the tooth in question to determine if a crown is a practical solution. If you have experienced sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or if the tooth is causing pain, these points should be communicated to Dr. Lodding. Once he decides that a porcelain crown can be beneficial, he will create a custom treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Our in-office master ceramist will work with Dr. Lodding to create your porcelain crown and ensure that the fit, color, and bite are just right.
Recovery after getting a porcelain crown is usually quick and seamless. Some patients may experience mild tooth sensitivity or gum soreness for a few days, especially to hot or cold foods, but this typically fades as the crown settles. Over-the-counter pain medication and avoiding very hard or sticky foods at first can help ease any temporary discomfort. Within about a week, most people feel fully adjusted and can eat and speak normally. Maintaining good oral hygiene, such as brushing, flossing, and attending scheduled dental visits, can contribute to long-term success.
High-quality porcelain crowns placed by an experienced cosmetic dentist can last for many years—or even decades—when accompanied by good dental hygiene. This includes daily brushing and flossing to prevent bacteria build-up and infections, as well as twice annual professional cleanings and exams to monitor your overall oral health. Additionally, if you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, a night guard may be recommended to prevent damage and mitigate the need for premature restoration or replacement. It is also recommended that patients avoid activities that can place excessive stress on their teeth and crown(s), such as smoking, using their teeth as tools, and biting down on hard or pitted foods like ice or cherries.
Depending on the condition of your tooth, a dental crown isn’t always the only option. For minor to moderate decay, a tooth-colored filling may be enough to restore the tooth. When damage is too extensive for a filling but doesn’t require full coverage, an inlay or onlay can repair the affected area while preserving more of your natural tooth structure. If your main concern is cosmetic, such as chips, discoloration, or uneven shape on a front tooth, porcelain veneers or dental bonding may offer a more conservative solution. However, teeth that are severely broken, weakened, or treated with a root canal often need the full protection of a crown. Dr. Lodding will examine your tooth and help you choose the most appropriate treatment.
Dr. Lodding approaches each dental crown treatment plan with compassion and extensive knowledge, taking the time to understand your goals. As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he was one of the first dentists in the world to become accredited in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Every crown is custom-made by our in-office master ceramist, who works directly with Dr. Lodding to match the color, shape, and translucency of your natural teeth. This close collaboration allows for precise adjustments and beautiful, lifelike results. Dr. Lodding is also a co-founder of the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health, reflecting his commitment to your overall well-being. Above all, he is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care and dental results.
The cost of porcelain crowns is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on your dental needs. Dr. Lodding will examine your teeth during a consultation and create a custom dental treatment plan specifically designed to address your oral concerns. At that point, a member of our team can provide you with a personalized cost estimate. In many cases, patients may be able to receive dental insurance coverage for their crown. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you in checking your benefits. We also offer dental financing and a variety of payment methods that can help you receive the treatment you need in a budget-friendly manner. Our patients’ dental health is our number one priority, so we can work with you to develop a plan for a healthier mouth and a beautifully restored smile.
“Dr. Dean is more then a cosmetic dentist he’s an artist who cares about helping his patients have healthy teeth and gums. I get a lot of compliments on my smile so I have referred him to a lot of people. Wonderful staff as well.”
Below we have outlined some common questions we receive from our patients regarding porcelain crowns. We hope this can be helpful to you when considering this procedure. If you have more questions, our office staff is available by phone or email.
Not necessarily. Not all patients who can benefit from a dental crown will also require root canal therapy. However, if you need a root canal, you will also need a dental crown. If you have any questions about this process, please contact our office.
It is important to know that these are two very different procedures. Porcelain veneers are primarily used as a cosmetic enhancement for teeth with chips, gaps, cracks, or deep stains. Dental crowns are typically utilized to repair teeth that have been badly decayed or damaged. After examining your teeth, Dr. Lodding will determine which procedure may be the better option for your needs.
The answer depends on how much of your tooth is damaged. Fillings are typically used to repair small to moderate cavities when enough healthy tooth structure remains to support the restoration. A crown is usually recommended when a tooth has a large cavity, a crack or fracture, a very large existing filling, or has had a root canal. In these cases, a filling may not be strong enough, and the tooth could break. Dr. Lodding can examine your tooth, take X-rays if needed, and explain which option could best protect it long term.
While there is the possibility for complications to arise with dental crowns, potential adverse effects can be minimized with the proper care. The area around the tooth may feel sensitive to temperatures, but this should subside over time. Plaque and tartar could build-up around the crown if a proper dental hygiene routine is not maintained. It is possible that the crown could eventually become loose, and if this occurs it is best to contact our office so we can find the cause and provide a solution. It should be noted that porcelain crowns also have the potential to break, chip, or crack, just like real teeth.
Porcelain crowns cannot—and should not—be whitened once they are placed. Indeed, attempting to whiten a crown using traditional methods can actually damage it. That said, crowns are highly stain resistant, and they generally should not need to be whitened. Prior to placement, your crown will be tinted to match the color of your surrounding teeth to create the most natural appearance possible. If you desire an overall brighter smile, we recommend discussing a teeth whitening treatment with your dentist prior to receiving your porcelain crown.
Yes, you can typically eat normally with a porcelain crown once it is securely in place. After the procedure, Dr. Lodding may recommend starting with soft foods while any initial sensitivity or tenderness subsides. Once adjusted, the crown can function like a natural tooth, allowing you to chew comfortably. To protect your crown and prevent damage, it’s best to avoid biting down on very hard items such as ice, hard candy, or nutshells.
Porcelain crowns can be used on both front and back teeth. For front teeth, they offer excellent aesthetics by closely matching the color, shape, and translucency of natural enamel, making them ideal for smile restoration. On back teeth, porcelain crowns provide strength and durability to withstand chewing forces while still maintaining a natural appearance. Advances in dental materials have made modern porcelain crowns both strong and lifelike, allowing them to improve function and appearance anywhere in the mouth. With proper care, they can protect damaged teeth and blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth for long-lasting results.
For more information about porcelain crowns, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lodding, please contact us today.
Chronic grinding or clenching, known as bruxism, places intense pressure on your teeth and any restorations. Over time, this force can chip, crack, or loosen a crown and cause wear on the opposing teeth. Many patients grind at night without realizing it, so signs like jaw soreness, headaches, or flattened teeth are worth mentioning. Dr. Lodding can recommend durable crown materials suited to heavy bite forces and may suggest a custom nightguard to protect your crown and natural teeth while you sleep.