When a tooth is too damaged to support a filling or other repair, it may be at risk of extraction, a last resort in most cases. Deep cracks or chips can also compromise the tooth’s structure. In such situations, porcelain crowns offer a strong, lasting solution by protecting the tooth and restoring its function and appearance.
In most dental practices, it takes two appointments to place a dental crown. But at McDowell Dental & Aesthetics, you’ll experience the expertise of Dr. Ashley McDowell, a third-generation dentist who graduated Magna Cum Laude from Temple University and trained at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies (LVI). Dr. Ashley combines advanced education in aesthetics, neuromuscular care, TMJ/TMD, and sleep apnea with cutting-edge CEREC technology to deliver exceptional dental services, including same-day porcelain crowns crafted with precision and care.
What Is A Dental Crown?
You may have an older relative who has referred to their “caps.” This was the term used for a dental crown when they were predominantly made from gold. The gold cap could look like a cap placed over the tooth. That moniker isn’t a bad way to think about porcelain crowns. A dental crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline. To make room for the dental crown, the remaining portions of the natural tooth are shaved down on all sides and the top. This allows the crown to occupy the same space as the original natural tooth.
In addition to saving a heavily damaged tooth, porcelain crowns are used as the anchors for dental bridges. They are placed on the teeth on each side of the gap.
While some dentists use crowns made from various materials, we only use porcelain crowns at McDowell — we believe they provide the best combination of strength and appearance. We can also mill them with our CEREC system, adding convenience for our patients.
When Is A Porcelain Crown Needed?
A dental crown's purpose is to restore a tooth's strength. Porcelain crowns are excellent options for the following problems:
- Chipped teeth.
- Broken or fractured teeth.
- Teeth with large fillings.
- Severely worn teeth.
- Misshapen teeth.
- Severely discolored teeth.
- Teeth that have had a root canal.
- Teeth with fractured fillings.
- The teeth on both sides of a bridge.
Porcelain crowns offer restorative support and aesthetic enhancement, making them a versatile solution for many dental concerns.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Dental Crowns?
There are a variety of reasons why a dental crown may be the best option for your oral health. Crowns are typically recommended when a tooth has been significantly damaged and can no longer be restored with a filling or smaller treatment. As full-coverage restorations, crowns are ideal for repairing broken teeth, addressing advanced decay, and protecting a tooth following root canal therapy.
Dental Crowns Offer Long-Lasting Results
While dental crowns aren’t considered permanent, they are designed to be durable and reliable for many years. Factors like gum health, daily habits, and general wear can affect how long a crown lasts. However, CEREC porcelain crowns have been known to remain strong and functional for over two decades. With proper care and regular dental visits, your crown can be a long-lasting solution for restoring your smile.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid
Thanks to the precision fit of a CEREC porcelain crown, you can enjoy most of your favorite foods without issue. However, avoiding habits that could damage your restoration is still important. Chewing on hard objects like ice, pen caps, or hard candy can cause premature wear or cracks. Sticky foods can also pose a risk by pulling against the crown’s bond. If you avoid overly hard or chewy items, you can maintain a normal, balanced diet without concern.
Possible Side Effects
After receiving a porcelain crown, some mild and temporary side effects are normal. You may notice slight tenderness around the treated area or brief sensitivity to hot or cold. These symptoms typically fade once the nerves under the tooth settle from the procedure. An over-the-counter pain reliever can help manage any initial discomfort, allowing you to return to your routine quickly and comfortably.
Comfort During the Crown Procedure
The dental crown procedure is not painful. Before beginning, Dr. McDowell will numb the area with a local anesthetic to ensure a comfortable experience. After the appointment, as the anesthesia wears off, you might feel minor soreness or sensitivity. A mild, over-the-counter pain reliever as directed can effectively ease any temporary discomfort during the healing process.
Step-by-Step Overview of the Process
After discussing your treatment plan, Dr. McDowell will prepare the damaged tooth. This involves removing decay and shaping the tooth to make room for the crown. Digital measurements and photographs are then used to design your crown with our in-office CEREC system. We create a 3D model using advanced software and send it to the milling machine, which carves your custom porcelain crown in about 30 minutes.
Once the crown is ready, we check it for color accuracy and precise fit. Minor adjustments may be made for comfort and alignment. When everything looks and feels right, we permanently bond the crown to your tooth, restoring strength, function, and a natural appearance in just one visit.
Comparative Analysis of Crown Materials
Porcelain crowns are popular for their natural appearance and durability, but aren’t the only option. Metal crowns, such as gold or metal alloys, are known for their strength and longevity, especially for molars. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine aesthetics and durability but may eventually show a dark line near the gums. Resin crowns are more affordable but tend to wear down faster. At McDowell Dental & Aesthetics, we exclusively use all-porcelain crowns due to their superior cosmetic results and compatibility with advanced CEREC same-day technology.
CEREC Technology and Same-Day Crowns
With our in-house CEREC system, McDowell Dental & Aesthetics offers patients the convenience of same-day crowns. Traditional crown placement can require multiple visits and temporary restorations, but CEREC eliminates that hassle. Using digital impressions and CAD/CAM design, your custom porcelain crown is milled and placed in a single visit — no messy impressions, waiting weeks, and no second appointment. This technology offers exceptional precision, faster results, and a more comfortable patient experience.
Maintenance and Care Tips
To maximize the life of your porcelain crown, follow these simple maintenance tips:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to keep the gumline clean and healthy.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pens.
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
- Schedule regular checkups with McDowell Dental & Aesthetics.
Good oral hygiene and routine dental visits ensure your crown and surrounding teeth stay healthy for years.
FAQs About Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns provide the perfect combination of strength and appearance. With proper care, porcelain crowns can last for decades, and because porcelain allows the light to reflect like your natural tooth enamel, they are aesthetically superior. Fully porcelain crowns also don’t include mercury or other toxic metals.
Bonding agents and cement doubly reinforce porcelain crowns. Whereas PFM (Porcelain Fused to Metal) crowns only use cement to adhere to the tooth, porcelain crowns have the added bonding agent to make them stronger and last longer.
There is no recovery after your dental crown is placed. You may have some residual feeling from the anesthesia we used when preparing your tooth for the crown, but that quickly dissipates. Otherwise, you can use your new crowned tooth immediately.
Porcelain crowns are life preservers for heavily damaged teeth. Without a crown, the damaged tooth may need to be extracted. It won’t be strong enough to handle biting and chewing once the damaged/decayed portion is removed. So, if you want to keep the tooth, a crown is the only option. If you want to extract the tooth, you can replace it with a dental implant or a bridge.
Porcelain veneers are only cosmetic improvements to teeth. The veneers are placed onto the front of the tooth or teeth, improving their appearance. Porcelain veneers are only cosmetic, however, and they don’t do anything to strengthen the tooth. Any decay or damage must be addressed before a tooth can get a veneer. Also, veneers usually only last 10-15 years.
Porcelain crowns cover the entire tooth. They not only make the tooth look perfect, but they also restore function. So, porcelain crowns are cosmetic and functional. Porcelain crowns can last for decades, often the remainder of the person’s life.
Dental Crowns Before & After Images
Why Choose McDowell Dental & Aesthetics?
At McDowell Dental & Aesthetics, you’ll benefit from the experience and precision of Dr. Ashley McDowell, a third-generation dentist with advanced training from the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies. Her dedication to patient comfort, aesthetic excellence, and the latest dental technology ensures your porcelain crown is as beautiful as it is durable.
Our practice is supported by a compassionate and knowledgeable team committed to creating a welcoming, stress-free experience from the moment you walk through our doors. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Experienced, caring team: Our hygienists, assistants, and coordinators are highly trained and committed to making your visit comfortable and personalized.
- Full-scope expertise: Our team is skilled in restorative dentistry, TMD, occlusion, periodontal disease, laser therapy, and oral cancer screenings.
- Community-focused care: We proudly serve families in Rydal and the greater Philadelphia area, combining professionalism with a deep-rooted sense of community.
- Supportive coordination: From scheduling to insurance questions, our front office team ensures you understand your treatment options and feel fully supported at every step.
At McDowell Dental & Aesthetics, you’ll experience advanced, personalized care rooted in expertise, innovation, and a genuine commitment to your comfort and long-term oral health.
Restore Your Smile with a Custom Porcelain Crown
Ready to restore your smile with a durable, natural-looking porcelain crown? Call McDowell Dental & Aesthetics at 215.885.0555 to schedule your appointment today.
