Porcelain-Fused-to- Metal Crowns
A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown consists of a porcelain outer layer baked onto a metal core. It is precision crafted in a dental laboratory.

Choosing a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown
When a front tooth needs a restoration, sometimes it’s best to use a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. We might choose a fused-to-metal crown to restore a tooth when a large filling has failed, or when the tooth is chipped, cracked, broken, or subject to grinding and clenching.

The advantages of a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown
A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown has several advantages:
• The metal core supports the tooth.
• It’s strong enough to withstand the heaviest biting forces and resist fracturing.
• It’s durable and long-lasting.
• The porcelain can be made to closely match your natural teeth.
When you need a crown, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are a strong and natural-looking choice.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crown	Metal core	A natural-looking choice

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Alternatives to Crowns
What are your alternatives to crowns?
After a lot of tooth structure has been lost, your choices are
limited. You could choose to:
• Delay treatment
• Have the tooth extracted
• Try a larger filling
• Choose a crown to restore the tooth

Delaying treatment
If you delay treatment, whether tooth structure was lost due to cavities or breakage, the situation is just going to get worse. Untreated cavities will grow slowly in the hard enamel, then more quickly through the softer dentin layer. If decay reaches the pulp chamber, you'll need root canal treatment to save the tooth. On the other hand, if tooth structure was lost due to breakage and the tooth breaks more, it's going to be harder to fix, and we may have no choice but to extract it.

Having the tooth extracted
An extraction is only a short-term solution. Teeth need each other for support, and when one or more teeth are lost, teeth begin to shift position, causing a chain reaction of other dental problems. Changes in your bite can lead to cavities, periodontal disease, and maybe even more tooth loss.

Trying a larger filling
A filling may be an alternative, but fillings don’t add strength to the tooth. They simply fill in the damaged part of the tooth lost to decay. For a filling to function correctly, there has to be enough tooth structure to hold it in place and keep the tooth from breaking when you chew.

Choosing a crown
A crown is an excellent way to restore a damaged tooth. It covers your tooth above the gum line, adding strength and restoring your tooth’s function.

Major tooth structure lost	A crown

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Homecare — Temporary Crowns
How to care for a temporary crown
Now that we’ve placed a temporary crown, it’s important to follow these recommendations to ensure the success of your final restoration:

Chewing and eating
If we used an anesthetic during the procedure, avoid chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.

Avoid chewing for at least one half-hour to allow the temporary cement to set.

To keep your temporary in place, avoid eating hard or sticky foods, especially chewing gum. If possible, chew only on the opposite side of your mouth.

Brushing and flossing
Brush normally, but floss very carefully. Remove floss from the side to prevent removal of the temporary crown. If your teeth are sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure, use desensitizing toothpaste. If sensitivity persists beyond a few days, call us.

Medication and discomfort
Take antibiotics or other medications only as directed. To reduce any discomfort or swelling, rinse your mouth three times a day with warm salt water. Use about 1 teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water. It’s normal for your gums to be sore for several days.

When to call us
Call us if your temporary crown comes off. Save the temporary so we can recement it. It’s very important for the proper fit of your final crown that your temporary stay in place. Call our office if your bite feels uneven, you have persistent sensitivity or discomfort, or if you have any questions or concerns.

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Homecare — PermanantCrowns
How to care for a permanant crown
Now that we’ve placed your permanent crown, it’s important to follow these recommendations to ensure its success:

Chewing and eating
If we used an anesthetic during the procedure, avoid chewing until the numbness has completely worn off. To protect your crown, avoid chewing ice or other hard objects.

Brushing and flossing
Brush and floss normally, but if your teeth are sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure, you can use a desensitizing toothpaste. If sensitivity persists beyond a few days, call us.

Medication and discomfort
Take antibiotics or other medications only as directed. To reduce any discomfort or swelling, rinse your mouth three times a day
with warm salt water. Use about 1 teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water. It’s normal for your gums to be sore for several days.

When to call us
Call our office if your bite feels uneven, you have persistent sensitivity or discomfort, or if you have any questions or concerns.

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