Do You Need a Porcelain Dental Crown?
Porcelain dental crowns restore and enhance the appearance of damaged, discolored, or misaligned teeth. As a leading cosmetic dentistry solution in Pearl, MS, dental crowns have helped several patients achieve the durable, stunning smiles they deserve.
Learn more about porcelain crowns with our Pearl, MS, dentist and see how they can help you restore your beautiful smile by calling (601) 882-5600. We proudly serve patients from Brandon, Richland, Jackson, Florence, and all surrounding Mississippi communities.
Meet Dr. Alexa Lampkin
Dr. Alexa Lampkin is a skilled cosmetic dentist in Pearl, MS, specializing in natural-looking porcelain crowns that enhance both function and aesthetics. With advanced training and a patient-centered approach, she focuses on understanding your concerns and creating tailored treatment plans.
At Mint Dental, Dr. Lampkin and her team prioritize your comfort, ensuring a stress-free experience from consultation to follow-up. Whether you need tooth restoration or a cosmetic upgrade, Dr. Lampkin is here to help you achieve your ideal smile. Schedule your consultation today at our dental office in Pearl to explore the benefits of porcelain dental crowns.
What Are Porcelain Crowns?
Porcelain crowns cover the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth. They’re custom-crafted to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth and can restore the functionality and aesthetics of your smile. Porcelain is a ceramic material that closely resembles natural tooth enamel in color and translucence. It’s favored for its aesthetic qualities, especially for front teeth or any visible teeth when smiling or talking.
Types of Porcelain Crowns
- Full Porcelain/Ceramic Crowns: These are fully made of porcelain. They offer the best natural color match of any other crown type and are often more suitable for people with metal allergies.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) Crowns: These have a metal base or interior with porcelain on the outside. This combination offers strength (from the metal) and aesthetics (from the porcelain). One potential downside is that the metal can sometimes show as a thin dark line at the gum line.
Benefits of Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns offer a range of benefits, including:
- Durability: Porcelain crowns are known for their strength and durability, and can withstand the daily wear and tear of chewing and speaking.
- Aesthetics: Porcelain can mimic the appearance of natural teeth, and porcelain crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth for a natural-looking smile.
- Stain-Resistance: Porcelain is resistant to staining, which means your porcelain crowns will remain bright and white over time.
- Versatility: A porcelain crown can be used to address a range of dental issues, from chipped and cracked teeth to misshapen or discolored teeth.
Drawbacks of Porcelain Crowns
While porcelain crowns offer many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider, including:
- Cost: Porcelain crowns can be more expensive than other types of dental restorations, such as composite fillings or metal crowns.
- Sensitivity: Some people may experience increased sensitivity after getting a porcelain crown.
- Potential for Chipping: While porcelain is durable, it’s not indestructible. Porcelain crowns can chip or crack if they’re exposed to excessive force or trauma.
The Porcelain Crown Process
Consultation and Evaluation
During this appointment, your dentist in Pearl will evaluate your teeth and discuss your treatment goals and options. They may take X-rays or impressions of your teeth to help plan the treatment.
Tooth Preparation
Once you and your dentist have decided on porcelain crowns as the best solution, the next step is to prepare the affected teeth. Dr. Lampkin will remove any decay or damage from the tooth and shape it to fit the crown. This may involve removing some of the enamel from the tooth’s surface.
Impressions
After your tooth has been prepared, we’ll take an impression or mold of the tooth. This impression will be used to create a custom-fit porcelain crown that matches the size and shape of your natural tooth.
Temporary Crown
While your custom crown is being crafted in a dental lab, your Pearl dentist will fit you with a temporary crown. This will protect the prepared tooth and maintain your bite and tooth alignment while the permanent crown is being made.
Crown Placement
Once your custom porcelain crown is ready, you’ll return to the dentist’s office for the final placement. Dr. Lampkin will remove the temporary crown and replace it with the permanent porcelain crown, making any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit and natural appearance.
Follow-Up
After your porcelain crown has been placed, schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure the crown is functioning properly and to check for any sensitivity or discomfort. With proper care and maintenance, your porcelain crown can last for many years to come.
Are You a Candidate for Porcelain Crowns?
Dental crowns in Pearl can address a variety of dental concerns. You may be an ideal candidate for porcelain crowns if you experience any of the following:
- Severely Damaged or Decayed Teeth: If you have a tooth with extensive decay or damage that can’t be repaired with a simple filling, a porcelain crown can restore the tooth’s structure and function.
- Cracked or Fractured Teeth: Teeth that are cracked or fractured are vulnerable to further damage and infection. A ceramic crown can protect the tooth and prevent additional problems.
- Root Canal Treatment: After undergoing a root canal, teeth often become brittle and weak. A dental crown provides strength and protection to the treated tooth.
- Worn Down Teeth: Years of grinding or clenching can wear down your teeth. Crowns can restore the proper height and function of worn teeth.
- Cosmetic Concerns: If you have teeth that are severely discolored, misshapen, or poorly aligned, porcelain crowns can dramatically improve your smile’s appearance.
- Large Fillings: When a tooth has a large filling that compromises its structural integrity, a crown can provide additional support and prevent the tooth from breaking.
- Dental Bridge Support: Crowns are often used to anchor dental bridges, replacing missing teeth in your smile.
- Dental Implant Restoration: Porcelain crowns are commonly placed on top of dental implants to replace missing teeth.
You may not be a suitable candidate if you have active gum disease, insufficient tooth structure remaining, or certain medical conditions that affect healing. During your consultation at Mint Dental, Dr. Lampkin will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if porcelain crowns are the right solution for your dental needs.
Porcelain Crown Care and Maintenance
Proper care helps your porcelain crowns last longer and stay beautiful. Follow these dental crown care tips to protect your investment:
- Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, focusing on where the crown meets the gum line.
- Floss Carefully: Gently slide floss around the crown to remove plaque and food.
- Rinse with Mouthwash: Antimicrobial mouthwash helps reduce bacteria and keep gums healthy.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Don’t chew ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels.
- Don’t Use Teeth as Tools: Avoid opening packages, cracking nuts, or biting nails.
- Night Guard: If you grind or clench your teeth, a custom night guard can prevent damage.
- Be Cautious with Sticky Foods: Minimize caramel, taffy, and other sticky candies.
Dr. Lampkin will examine crowns every six months for wear, damage, or loosening. Professional cleanings help keep crowns stain-free and maintain gum health.
Watch for Warning Signs
Contact our Pearl dental office if you notice:
- Loose or dislodged crown
- Pain or sensitivity around the tooth
- Chips or cracks in the porcelain
- Gum swelling or tenderness
- Bite changes
Lifestyle Tips
- Limit Staining Foods & Drinks: Reduce coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco use.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Supports overall oral health and healthy gums.
- Stay Hydrated: Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
With proper care, porcelain crowns can last 10–20 years or more. Mint Dental is here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
Insurance and Financing Information
At Mint Dental, we want to make porcelain crowns affordable for everyone. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer flexible financing options to fit your budget.
The price of a porcelain crown depends on:
- Crown type (PFM vs. full porcelain)
- Tooth location (front vs. back)
- Additional procedures (root canal, buildup)
- Lab fees or same-day CEREC options
Dental Insurance Coverage
- Typical Coverage: Most plans cover about 50% of crowns after your deductible. Coverage may vary depending on medical necessity.
- We Verify Benefits: Our team checks your insurance and explains your coverage before treatment.
- Pre-Authorization: We can request approval from your insurer so you know your out-of-pocket costs in advance.
Flexible Financing Options
- Payment Plans: Spread your cost over several months.
- CareCredit: Promotional financing options for qualified applicants.
- Third-Party Financing & In-House Plans: Competitive rates and discounts for patients without insurance.
During your consultation, Dr. Lampkin will provide a personalized treatment plan with a clear cost breakdown. Call Mint Dental at (601) 882-5600 to discuss insurance, financing, and payment options—we’ll help you find a solution that works for your budget.
Porcelain Crown Alternatives
The right choice of dental treatment will depend on your specific dental needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Here are some potential alternatives:
- Composite Resin: Tooth-colored fillings for missing structure, more affordable but less durable than crowns.
- Gold Crowns: Durable, non-abrasive, require less tooth reduction. Preferred by some for back teeth.
- Zirconia Crowns: Strong, durable, tooth-colored ceramic, metal-free.
- CEREC® Crowns: Same-day ceramic crowns designed and placed in one visit using CAD/CAM technology.
- Onlays or Inlays: Partial tooth coverage for damage too extensive for fillings but not requiring a full crown. It can be made from porcelain, gold, or composite.
- Dental Veneers: Thin porcelain shells for front teeth to improve aesthetics without full coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care and maintenance, porcelain crowns can last 10 to 20 years. However, their lifespan can vary depending on factors such as oral hygiene practices, diet, and the amount of wear and tear they experience. Porcelain crowns are known for their durability and longevity.
Porcelain crowns can be more expensive than other types of crowns and dental restorations due to the high-quality materials and custom crafting involved. The cost can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the number of crowns needed, and the geographic location of the dental practice.
Not at all. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area and make the procedure as comfortable as possible. After the procedure, you may experience some sensitivity or soreness, but this should subside within a few days.
Porcelain is highly resistant to staining and discoloration, and porcelain crowns are designed to remain bright and white over time. To prevent discoloration, maintain good oral hygiene practices, and avoid consuming these substances in excess. Additionally, regular dental cleanings can help remove any surface stains and keep your porcelain crowns looking their best.
Discover if Porcelain Crowns Are Right For You
If you’re considering porcelain crowns to restore your smile, contact Mint Dental at (601) 882-5600 to discuss your options. With proper care and maintenance, porcelain crowns can provide a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing solution to a range of dental issues.
Call our Pearl dental office today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to a restored smile. We proudly serve patients from Brandon, Richland, Jackson, Florence, and all surrounding Mississippi communities seeking cosmetic dentistry and tooth restoration services.