For years, dental research has worked to figure out the best materials for combining strength with a tooth-like appearance. Pressed porcelain has proven to fit the bill fairly well, though surely cosmetic dentistry will continue to evolve and produce even better looking and stronger innovations. Porcelain dental crowns of current times are so tooth-like, they can break, fracture or chip just like a tooth. If your are wondering what to do if you have a porcelain dental crown chip, Deerfield cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brent Engelberg, has some solutions.
Dental Crown Materials
Throughtout dental history, the strongest materials for dental restorations were often metal based. When porcelain came on the scene, while the look was very tooth-like, the strength of the material left something to be desired. Porcelain-fused-to-metal seemed like a good way to utilize the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, the metal still shows through at the gumline with PFM crowns. Layered porcelain answered to the desire of a crown that was both aesthetically pleasing and strong. However, these days, the superior method tends to be pressed porcelain. However, just as with natural teeth, chips are still unfortunately possible even with pressed porcelain crowns.
Dealing with Chipped Crowns
Accidents are not predictable, by definition. Though you can make decisions in your life that make you more liable for a chipped dental crown. If you chew ice, or gnaw on pencils and pens – any abuse of your teeth beyond normal eating and drinking – you could be at higher risk for chips. If you should chip a crown, call Dr. Engelberg immediately. Chips can sometimes be smoothed over with a gentle abrasive, similar to sanding down wood. If the chip is too big for that type of fix, dental bonding could be a possibility. Sometimes you will require a replacement crown. Whatever the solution, don’t put off seeing your dentist or you could end up letting in unwanted germs and allowing an infection to develop inside your compromised crown.
Porcelain Dental Crowns from Deerfield Cosmetic Dentist
If you would like to arrange a consultation for any cosmetic dental procedures, you can reach your Highland Park dentist at our 60015 dentist office by calling 847-259-8030. We are happy to serve patients in Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Northwest Chicago Suburbs, and Northern Chicago Suburbs.
