Dental Crowns in Manhattan Beach and Woodland Hills CA

man smiling after dental crowns in manhattan beach

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped prosthetic that covers a tooth's entire visible surface down to the gumline and is often called a "cap." A crown's purpose is to restore the tooth's shape, size, structure, and appearance so you can chew on it comfortably again.

We Offer High-Quality Tooth Crowns

Modern American Dentistry offers custom dental crowns with high-quality materials for a realistic appearance. If you need a crown, Dr. Gabe Adorjan will evaluate your needs and preferences and recommend the appropriate material.

Many of our patients choose porcelain crowns because they are durable and have an appearance similar to tooth enamel. Visit our Smile Gallery to see the real difference dental crowns can make!

Why We Recommend Dental Crowns

There are numerous reasons why our dentist in Woodland Hills would recommend a crown:

  • Protect a severely decayed, damaged, or broken tooth
  • Restore strength to a tooth after root canal treatment
  • Support a tooth with a large filling
  • Stabilize a fractured or cracked tooth to prevent further damage.
  • Improve a tooth's appearance with cosmetic imperfections or discoloration
  • Strengthen a tooth worn down by grinding or clenching
  • Support dental bridgework to replace a missing tooth
  • Restore a dental implant's function and appearance

If you experience a problem with a tooth, it's best to schedule an appointment with our dentist, who will determine the best treatment options for you.

woman smiling after getting a dental crownThe Process for Getting a Tooth Crown

Our dentist in Manhattan Beach will determine if you need a crown by examining the tooth and taking x-rays to determine the extent of the damage. If a crown is the right option for you, the steps for preparing it are as follows:

 

  • Tooth preparation — The first step is to remove the decayed or damaged portion and shape the tooth to make room for the crown. We will numb the area with a local anesthetic so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.
  • Digital impression — Instead of messy, uncomfortable putty, we use an intraoral scanner to capture digital impressions of your smile. The result is a 3-D virtual model of your teeth that our dentist uses to plan and design your crown.
  • Temporary crown — While you wait for the dental lab to create your crown, our dentist will place a temporary crown over your tooth to protect it.
  • Crown fabrication — We work with the top custom dental abs in our area that we trust to produce high-quality results. At the lab, a skilled technician will use our specifications to prepare your crown using the finest dental materials for a natural-looking result. This process typically takes 2–3 weeks to complete.
  • Final crown placement — Once your final crown is ready, our dentist removes the temporary and places the new restoration over your tooth. They'll make necessary adjustments to ensure a perfect fit and cement the crown to the tooth using a long-lasting adhesive.

Types of Dental Crowns

Several materials are available for crowns, each with pros and cons. The ideal material depends on the tooth's location and condition, your preferences, and your budget.

Here are some common dental crown materials:

Porcelain or Ceramic

Porcelain crowns are popular because they look natural and blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth. They are durable and stain-resistant, making them a popular choice for front teeth. Ceramic is similar to porcelain but tends to be stronger and more durable.

Metal Alloys

Metal crowns may be made of gold, silver, or other alloys. They're super-strong and durable, making them a good choice for back teeth. Unfortunately, they're not as natural-looking as porcelain and may not be suitable for front teeth.

Zirconia

Zirconia is a metal oxide known for its strength and durability. Crowns made using zirconia are strong, durable, and resistant to chipping and cracking. They can be matched to the color of your teeth and are often used for back teeth.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal

Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetic appearance of porcelain. They are strong, durable, and often recommended for posterior (back) teeth. One major drawback is aesthetics, as the metal layer can create a noticeable dark line along the gums.

dental crownCaring for Your New Crown

We custom craft our tooth crowns using the highest quality, most durable materials, so they give you many years of use. Here are some steps to extend your crown's lifespan and keep it in excellent condition.

 

  • Use teeth for chewing only — Your teeth aren't tools, so don't use them to open packages or bottles. Also, avoid biting your nails or chewing on hard objects like pens or pencils. All these habits can damage or dislodge your crown.
  • Choose your foods carefully — Don't eat sticky foods like gummy candies that could dislodge your crown. Be careful with hard or crunchy foods like crusty bread, and avoid popcorn kernels that can break or chip your crown. Also, avoid chewing on ice or hard candy.
  • Practice good oral hygiene — Brush twice daily and floss once to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the crown's surface. Take care to clean the area around your crown carefully to remove plaque and food particles.
  • Attend regular dental check-ups — Visit Modern American Dentistry every six months for a check-up and teeth cleaning. Our dentist will examine your crown for signs of wear or damage during your visit and ensure it's secured firmly to your tooth.
  • Wear a mouthguard — If you have a teeth-grinding habit or play contact sports, wear a custom-fitted nightguard or mouthguard to protect your crown and prevent damage.

Is a Dental Crown Right for You?

Do you have a damaged or broken tooth and wonder if it needs a crown? Please call to schedule an appointment at our Woodland Hills or Manhattan Beach dental offices so we can help you.