Porcelain Crowns

During the procedure: No! Local anesthesia completely numbs the tooth and surrounding gums. You'll feel pressure and vibration from the dental drill but no pain. If you experience any discomfort, let your dentist know immediately—more anesthetic can be added.

After the procedure: Some mild sensitivity or tenderness is normal for 3-7 days, especially:

• Sensitivity to cold/hot temperatures
• Slight soreness when biting
• Gum tenderness where temporary crown sits

This discomfort is easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication (ibuprofen or paracetamol). By week 2, the crown should feel completely natural and comfortable.

It depends on the extent of damage:

Choose a FILLING when:

• Decay is small to moderate (less than 1/3 of tooth structure)
• Tooth structure is strong and intact
• Budget is very limited

Choose a CROWN when:

• Large decay or cavity (more than 50% of tooth)
• Tooth is cracked or fractured
• After root canal treatment (tooth becomes brittle)
• Tooth is heavily worn down
• Existing large filling is failing or breaking

Think of it this way: A filling repairs a pothole; a crown rebuilds the entire road. If your tooth has multiple potholes or the road is crumbling, you need complete resurfacing (crown), not patch repairs (filling).

Your dentist will honestly assess whether a filling is adequate or if a crown is necessary. We never recommend crowns unnecessarily. They're only suggested when essential for long-term tooth survival.

Active gum disease (periodontitis) must be treated BEFORE crown placement. Here's why:

• Inflamed, bleeding gums make accurate impressions impossible
• Infected gums can contaminate the crown margin
• Gum disease causes bone loss, affecting crown longevity
• Diseased gums won't heal properly around new crowns

Treatment sequence if you have gum disease:

1. Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove tartar below gum line
2. Wait 4-6 weeks for gums to heal
3. Re-evaluate gum health
4. Proceed with crown once gums are healthy

Mild gingivitis (early gum inflammation) can often be addressed with thorough cleaning before crowns. Your dentist will examine your gums and recommend the appropriate sequence.

Both improve smile aesthetics, but they're used for different situations:

CROWNS:

• Cover entire tooth (360 degrees)
• Require significant tooth reduction (1-2mm all around)
• Used for damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth
• Restore both function AND appearance
• More durable for heavy bite forces
• Can be used on any tooth

VENEERS:

• Cover only front surface of tooth
• Require minimal tooth preparation (0.5mm front surface only)
• Used for cosmetic improvements on healthy teeth
• Primarily aesthetic (not for structural repair)
• More delicate, best for front teeth only
• Cannot be used on heavily damaged teeth

Example: If your front tooth is chipped but otherwise healthy, a veneer is ideal. If that same tooth is cracked through the middle or has a large filling, you need a crown.

Absolutely not!

When created by skilled ceramists using quality materials! Modern porcelain crowns are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. Here's how we ensure perfect aesthetics:

1. Professional Shade Matching: We use Vita shade guides under proper lighting to match your exact tooth color
2. Custom Characterization: Our lab technicians add color variations, translucency gradients, and surface texture to mimic real enamel
3. Multiple Try-Ins: You approve color and shape BEFORE final cementation
4. Layering Techniques: Multi-layer porcelain creates depth and natural translucency
5. Digital Design: CAD software designs optimal crown shape for your face

The only crowns that look "fake" are poorly made ones at low-cost clinics using inferior materials and undertrained technicians. At Picasso Dental, our ceramists are internationally trained artists who take pride in creating crowns so natural that even dentists can't spot them.

Yes, when you choose a reputable clinic! Vietnam has become a world-class dental tourism destination, with many clinics meeting or exceeding Western standards. Here's why Picasso Dental is safe:

International Standards:

• Registered with Ministry of Health Vietnam
• Partnerships with American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry & Australian Dental Association
• Certified sterilization protocols
• Modern equipment comparable to Western clinics

Sterilization & Hygiene:

• Autoclave sterilization for all instruments (same as Western clinics)
• Single-use disposable items (gloves, syringes, bibs)
• Strict infection control protocols

Quality Materials:

• We use the same brands as Western dentists: Ivoclar, Dentsply, 3M, Straumann
• All materials are FDA/CE certified
• Certificates of authenticity provided

English-Speaking Dentists:

• Fluent English communication eliminates misunderstandings
• Many have international certifications

Patient Volume Proves Quality:

• 70,000+ international patients since 2013
• Patients from 62 countries
• 4.9/5 average rating from verified reviews

The biggest risks in dental tourism come from choosing unknown clinics. Research credentials, read reviews, and ask questions before committing.