Do porcelain crowns get cavities?
Porcelain crowns are a popular type of dental crown that can restore damaged or decayed teeth. They are made of a durable ceramic material that closely resembles natural teeth in color and texture, making them a popular choice for cosmetic dental procedures. However, many patients wonder if porcelain crowns can get cavities. In this article, we'll explore this question and provide some insights into how to care for porcelain crowns to prevent cavities.
Understanding Porcelain Crowns
Before we dive into whether porcelain crowns can get cavities, let's first understand what they are and how they work. Porcelain crowns are custom-made caps that cover the entire tooth, protecting it from further damage or decay. They are used to restore teeth that are severely damaged, decayed, or discolored, and can also be used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of teeth.
Porcelain crowns are typically used when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be restored with a filling. The process involves removing the damaged portion of the tooth and reshaping it to fit the crown. The crown is then cemented onto the remaining tooth structure, restoring its function and appearance.
Do Porcelain Crowns Get Cavities?
The short answer is no, porcelain crowns themselves do not get cavities. This is because the material that porcelain crowns are made of, ceramic, is not susceptible to decay like natural tooth enamel. However, the underlying tooth structure that the porcelain crown covers can still be vulnerable to decay. It's important to note that porcelain crowns are not a substitute for good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
While porcelain crowns themselves cannot develop cavities, the tooth underneath the crown can still be susceptible to decay if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. It's important to continue to brush and floss regularly, even with a porcelain crown, to prevent decay from developing underneath the crown.
Caring for Porcelain Crowns
Proper care for porcelain crowns is important to maintain their appearance and functionality. Here are some tips for caring for porcelain crowns:
Practice Good Oral Hygiene: As mentioned earlier, proper oral hygiene is essential for maintaining good oral health, even with porcelain crowns. Brush and floss regularly to prevent decay from developing underneath the crown.
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Porcelain crowns are durable, but they can still be damaged by hard or sticky foods. Avoid chewing on ice, hard candies, or other foods that can potentially damage the crown.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor the health of your teeth and your porcelain crown. Your dentist can also provide professional cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar buildup that can lead to decay.
Wear a Mouthguard: If you participate in sports or other activities that involve contact, it's important to wear a mouthguard to protect your porcelain crown and other teeth.
Finding the Right Dentist Near You
If you're considering porcelain crowns in SW Calgary, it's important to find a reputable and experienced dentist near you who can provide this treatment. You can ask for recommendations from friends and family or search online for dentists in your area.
When choosing a dentist, it's important to consider their credentials, experience, and reputation in the dental community. You may also want to visit their office or website to get a sense of their practice and services offered.
Porcelain crowns are a popular and durable type of dental crown that can restore damaged or decayed teeth. While porcelain crowns themselves cannot develop cavities, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly to prevent decay from developing underneath the crown. If you're considering porcelain crowns in SW Calgary, consult with your dentist near you to determine if this treatment is right for you or not?
