Dr. Jason Petkevis is a general dentist in the Exton, PA area that will restore a structurally unsound tooth with a dental crown. A dental crown, or ‘tooth cap’, can be used as a restorative treatment to protect a tooth damaged by tooth decay.
It can also be used in cosmetic dentistry to change the shape or length of a tooth. Dr. Petkevis can also replace a metal dental crown, a broken or worn dental crown with a new porcelain dental crown that looks and feels like your natural tooth.
What Can Dental Crowns Do?
Dr. Petkevis may recommend a dental crown for any of the following dental problems or cosmetic concerns:
- Restore a tooth with a large cavity
- Repair a damaged, chipped, or cracked tooth
- Reinforce a tooth with a root canal
- Strengthen anchor teeth for a dental bridge
- Improve the appearance of misshaped or crooked tooth
- Cover a stained or discolored tooth
- Close gaps between teeth
- Lengthen teeth
- Restore a missing tooth along with a dental implant
Benefits of Porcelain Dental Crowns
Dr. Petkevis can replace a metal dental crown, broken or worn dental crowns with a new, porcelain dental crown in his Exton, PA cosmetic dentistry office. Replacing a dental crown is a simple procedure that can provide a dramatic improvement in the appearance of the smile. The benefits of porcelain dental crowns in our Exton, PA make treatment worth it for many patients.
Metal-Free
Porcelain dental crowns are completely metal-free, which means they won’t cause dark lines or discoloration along the gumline like traditional metal crowns sometimes do. This makes them especially popular for front teeth, where appearance matters most. Because they are metal-free, porcelain crowns also reduce the risk of allergic reactions that some patients may have to metals.
Natural-Looking
Porcelain crowns are made of layers of fine ceramic that closely resemble natural tooth enamel. They are color-matched to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth, making them almost impossible to notice. The ceramic material can even mimic the way light reflects off natural teeth.
Long-Lasting
Porcelain dental crowns are highly durable and can last many years with proper care. They are also resistant to staining, so your crown will maintain its bright, clean appearance over time. With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, a porcelain crown can protect your tooth while providing long-term strength and function.
The Dental Crown Process in Exton, PA
You can get a crown in several office visits. Dr. Petkevis and our team will help you through the whole process.
Consultation
At your consultation, Dr. Petkevis will examine your teeth and overall dental health. He’ll look for signs of decay, cracks, or weakened teeth. This exam helps him design your personalized treatment plan. At this visit, he’ll also discuss your options, explain the procedure, and answer your questions so you feel comfortable and informed before moving forward.
Tooth Preparation
Next, Dr. Petkevis will prepare the tooth for the crown. He needs to remove a small amount of natural tooth structure to create enough space for the crown to fit properly. After preparing the tooth, he places place a temporary crown to protect it while your custom porcelain crown is being made. Temporary crowns keep your tooth safe, maintain your bite, and allow you to eat and speak normally until the final restoration is ready.
Final Crown
You’ll return to our Exton, PA dentist office in about 2 to 3 weeks. Dr. Petkevis will remove the temporary crown and carefully fit the final crown on your tooth. He will make any necessary adjustments to ensure your bite feels comfortable and natural. Once the final dental crown is secure, it will look, feel, and function just like a healthy, natural tooth.
How To Care For Crowns
Once you get your final crown, Dr. Petkevis will give you aftercare tips. Follow these tips for the best results:
- Brushing and Flossing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Floss daily around the crown and between your other teeth to remove plaque and food particles. Taking care of the gums around your crown helps prevent decay and gum disease.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Try to avoid chewing very hard foods, ice, or using your teeth to open packages. Hard objects can crack or damage the crown. Being mindful of what you bite into helps protect both the crown and your natural teeth.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Visit our office regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. Dr. Petkevis can check your crown for any signs of wear or issues and make sure it continues to fit properly. Routine visits also help maintain your overall oral health.
Pay attention to any discomfort, sensitivity, or looseness in your crown. If you notice any problems, contact our office right away. Early treatment can prevent bigger issues and keep your crown lasting longer.
Alternatives to Dental Crowns
When a tooth has become damaged due to decay, gum disease, or a physical injury, one of the methods that can be used to repair it is applying an inlay or an onlay. These are specially molded dental prosthetics that are applied only to the damaged area of the tooth in order to restore its natural shape and functionality.
The actual inlay or onlay can be made from porcelain, gold, advanced ceramics, or even a type of composite resin. Ceramics and resins can be tinted so that they match the color of the surrounding tooth and are practically invisible when set.
Dental inlays and onlays are different from crowns and fillings. A crown covers the entire top and sides of a tooth, where inlays and onlays cover only a small portion of the tooth. The advantage is that more of the natural tooth is preserved with the process so that the structure of the tooth remains intact and very strong.
Additionally, inlays and onlays can be constructed so precisely that they leave no space between the prosthetic and the tooth where harmful bacteria could enter. This makes the inlays and onlays a better choice in most cases than metal fillings that require removing large parts of the tooth and that are not as resistant to damage and infection.
Get a Strong Crown
Do you need to protect a tooth? Get a custom dental crown in Exton, PA. Call Dental Distinction today at 610-904-9274. Feel free to request an appointment with Dr. Petkevis online.