If You Are Considering a Porcelain Dental Crown, Here Are Some Common Questions Asked By Patients About The Procedure

There are many reasons why you may need a dental crown made from ceramic porcelain. Some require a crown on a tooth following a root canal or reinforcing a tooth that has had to have significant portions removed due to decay. Others choose porcelain crowns for cosmetic reasons.

Whatever your reason may be, if you are seeking a porcelain dental crown in the Rochester, Michigan area, you should reach out to John L. Aurelia, D.D.S., PLLC, and his friendly team. Dr. John Aurelia can answer any questions about porcelain crowns and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the treatment. It is common to have some questions about dental crowns before having one put into place. Here are some common questions many patients have about this treatment.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown, made out of porcelain today in most cases, is a customized covering for a tooth. Teeth that have become weakened due to advanced decay or from a root canal need the protection offered by a dental crown. In some cases, patients have begun to utilize dental crowns for cosmetic purposes to cover up aesthetic issues with a tooth. Getting a dental crown requires multiple appointments, usually two. During the first appointment, impressions will be taken, which are to be sent into an off-site lab where the crown will be crafted. Before you leave your initial appointment, a temporary crown will be placed while waiting for your permanent crown to be sent to your dentist. Once your dentist receives your crown, you will make a return visit to have it placed.

Do Dental Crowns Last Forever?

In most cases, a dental crown will not last forever. The average porcelain dental crown will last about 10 years. Of course, it can last longer and probably will with vigilant care and not exposing the crown to extreme impact. Some of the most common reasons for a dental crown needing to be replaced include:

• If the dental crown fractures.
• If your teeth darken, causing the lighter crown to stand out. Replacing in this situation is not required, but some patients do so for aesthetic reasons.
• When we age, our gums can begin to recede. This causes the appearance of what is called being “long in the tooth,” where our teeth appear to be longer than they were previously. This gum recession can expose the crown margin, which can have a gray appearance.
• While a dental crown does help protect the tooth from further decay, it is not guaranteed. Even with a dental crown in place, the tooth underneath could still begin to decay further, requiring the tooth underneath the crown to be exposed for treatment. This would require the crown to be removed and remade before being placed back over the tooth.

Are There Alternatives to Dental Crowns?

There is no alternative if you have a tooth with significant portions removed due to decay or have undergone root canal therapy. An extreme option would be to have the tooth extracted, but most dentists will advise against this and guide you towards a dental crown. Having a tooth removed can lead to further dental health issues and a higher cost as you may need to look into tooth replacement options such as a denture, bridge, or implant. If you want to preserve your compromised tooth, a dental crown is likely your best and only option, but you should speak to your dentist about any possible alternatives.

Schedule an Appointment for Your Dental Crown! 

Dental crowns are a truly effective way to preserve and protect a tooth that has undergone significant work to remove decay or undergone root canal therapy. Porcelain crowns provide strength and durability so that your tooth is protected while you still have full functionality to bite and chew. If you are looking into dental crown options in the Rochester, Michigan area, you should reach out to the office of Dr. John Aurelia. Please call (248) 243-6044 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Aurelia.

Dr. John Aurelia
Connect with John L. Aurelia on Linkedin.

Dr. John Aurelia, DDS, brings over two decades of expertise in dentistry, having earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2003. An active member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American and Michigan Dental Associations, Dr. Aurelia has also completed advanced studies at the Dawson Academy and Pankey Institute. His dedication extends beyond practice, with a history of humanitarian work in the Dominican Republic and a focus on integrating cutting-edge techniques in implants and cosmetic dentistry. Known for personalized care, Dr. Aurelia is committed to enhancing patients' smiles and confidence.

Dr. Dina Khoury

Dr. Dina Khoury, a dedicated dentist with over 20 years of experience, graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1995. Following her education, she served veterans during her residency at the VA Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Khoury has spent most of her career in private practice, focusing on patients of all ages and specializing in cosmetic dentistry. As an active member of the Rochester community, she combines professional expertise with a personal commitment to patient care and local engagement.