Dr. Sundstrom of SUN Family Dental Provides Porcelain Crowns

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Dec. 7, 2016 - PRLog -- SUN Family Dental

(423) 894-0650

www.sunfamilydentalchattanooga.com

Dr. Sundstrom of SUN Family Dental Provides Porcelain Crowns

As patients age, older metal alloy and plastic fillings fall out or need replacement. Many times, improperly fitted fillings which originally protected their teeth have become detrimental, providing places for bacteria and tartar to accumulate. In cases where periodontal disease—the decay of the gum and bone structure caused by advanced gingivitis—has occurred, or damage to the tooth requires it to be replaced for some other reason, Dr. Brad W. Sundstrom of SUN Family Dental is prepared to help with porcelain crowns.

Crowns cover the entire portion of damaged teeth above the gum line. They can be made from a number of materials, but vary according to aesthetics, strength, and the investment of time and other resources required to produce them. Gold crowns are the strongest, and they don't suffer decay, but they are also the most expensive. Some people also don't like the idea of having a gold smile. The metal alloy amalgam, which is made of mercury, silver, and copper, is commonly used in fillings and partial crowns, but not for entire crowns. Plastic and glass resins match the color of the patient's teeth, but like amalgam, are commonly considered to be too weak material for an entire crown (in fact, plastic resins are the weakest filling material). Porcelain crowns (also called ceramic crowns) have the same natural teeth color as resins but are much more similar to gold in terms of resilience.

The process of placing a crown can vary a bit depending on whether it is being used on top of an existing tooth, or as part of an implant. The crowns of existing teeth must be filed into a new shape, while an abutment is screwed to the tops of implants. A mold is taken of the filed teeth or abutments, and a new crown is fabricated in a lab. The patient is given temporary crowns in the meantime. Placement of the crown requires a second surgery, during which local anesthesia is used.

Porcelain crowns must be cared for like regular teeth, but when combined with a titanium base, can last for fifteen years. Ceramic is also the material veneers are made of, due to being cosmetically preferable, and can be used for partial crowns. Patients are often relieved to know that anti-inflammatory pain medications are usually sufficient for their recoveries. Directing patients towards high-quality porcelain crowns is a core part of Dr. Sundstrom's determination to provide patients with the best possible care and can keep patients chewing, smiling, and speaking comfortably well into old age.

Dr. Brad W. Sundstrom, DDS, operates SUN Family Dental at 7044 Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37421. To schedule an appointment, call 423-894-0650 or visit SUNFamilyDentalChattanooga.com (http://www.sunfamilydentalchattanooga.com/) and fill out a contact form (http://www.sunfamilydentalchattanooga.com/contact-us/).