Porcelain Crowns in Gibsonia & Pittsburgh, PA

What Is a Porcelain Crown?

A porcelain crown is a custom restoration that fully covers a tooth above the gumline. It restores both function and structure when a tooth is no longer strong enough on its own.

Crowns are commonly used within restorative dentistry to preserve natural teeth.

When a Crown Is Needed

• Advanced decay affecting tooth integrity
• Cracked or fractured teeth
• Teeth weakened after root canal treatment
• Large, failing restorations
• Significant enamel wear

Crowns are often placed after root canal therapy to protect the remaining tooth.

Why Porcelain Crowns Are Used

• Restores full chewing function
• Protects against further structural damage
• Matches natural tooth color and shape
• Maintains proper spacing and alignment
• Durable under normal bite forces

Steps in the Crown Process

1. Evaluation and diagnosis
2. Tooth preparation
3. Digital impressions
4. Temporary crown placement (if needed)
5. Final crown placement and adjustment

Timeline

• Typically completed over two visits
• Timing depends on fabrication and case complexity

Cost Factors for Porcelain Crowns

• Extent of tooth damage
• Materials used
• Additional procedures required

Insurance may contribute when medically necessary. Details are available on the patient information page.

Who Needs a Crown

• Patients with structurally compromised teeth
• Individuals recovering from internal tooth treatment
• Those seeking long-term reinforcement

When Alternatives Are Considered

• Minor damage treatable with fillings
• Missing teeth requiring replacement
• Cosmetic concerns without structural issues

In these cases, options within cosmetic dentistry may be explored.

Crowns Compared to Other Treatments

• Crowns vs Fillings: Full coverage vs localized repair
• Crowns vs Veneers: Structural restoration vs surface enhancement
• Crowns vs Extraction: Preserves the natural tooth

Alternative Treatments

• Tooth-colored fillings
• Veneers
• Implants or bridges

Clinical Planning at Chips Dental Associates

Treatment decisions are based on preserving tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Timothy Chips, Dr. John Chips, Dr. Lutfiie Abliaieva, and Dr. Silvia M. Dunn assess each case to determine whether full coverage is necessary and how to achieve long-term stability.

FAQs

How long do porcelain crowns last?

They can last 10–15 years or longer with proper care.

Does getting a crown hurt?

Local anesthesia is used, and discomfort afterward is typically minimal.

Will the crown match my teeth?

Yes, crowns are designed to blend with surrounding teeth.

Can a crown fail?

Failure is uncommon but can occur due to wear, decay, or trauma.

When is a crown necessary?

When a tooth requires full structural support rather than partial repair.

Address Structural Tooth Damage Early

Crowns are often recommended to prevent a weakened tooth from breaking further. Evaluating the condition early allows for more predictable treatment and may help avoid more complex procedures later.

Gibsonia Office
5615 William Flynn Highway, Gibsonia, PA 15044
(724) 443-5710

Pittsburgh Office
100 McKnight Park Drive, Suite 106, Pittsburgh, PA 15237
(412) 364-7144

To schedule, visit the contact page.