A dental crown is a versatile restoration used to repair and protect teeth that are damaged, decayed or weakened. Also known as a cap, a crown is designed to fit over the entire visible portion of a tooth, restoring its strength, shape and appearance. If you have a tooth that is severely compromised, a dental crown may be the best solution to maintain both function and aesthetics.
When Is a Dental Crown Necessary?
Dental crowns serve both restorative and cosmetic purposes. You may need a crown if you have a tooth that is:
- Severely decayed – If a cavity is too large for a filling, a crown can provide the necessary protection.
- Cracked or fractured – A crown can help hold a weakened tooth together and prevent further damage.
- Worn down – Teeth that have been worn due to grinding or acid erosion can be restored with crowns.
- Misshapen or discolored – A crown can improve the appearance of an irregularly shaped or severely stained tooth.
- Treated with a root canal – A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy is often more fragile and a crown can provide needed reinforcement.
- Supporting a dental bridge – A crown can anchor a dental bridge in place to replace missing teeth.
- Covering a dental implant – Crowns serve as the visible, functional tooth replacement attached to dental implants.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be made from various materials, each offering different benefits:
- Porcelain crowns – Designed to closely match the natural color and translucency of your teeth, porcelain crowns provide an aesthetic and durable solution.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns – These crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural look of porcelain.
- Metal crowns – Made from gold or other alloys, metal crowns are incredibly durable and resistant to wear, making them ideal for molars.
- Zirconia crowns – Known for their strength and natural appearance, zirconia crowns are a great option for both front and back teeth.
What to Expect During the Crown Procedure
The dental crown process typically requires two visits. During the first appointment, our dentists will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and reshaping it to accommodate the crown. Impressions are taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where the custom crown is fabricated. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made.
At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the new crown is carefully fitted and bonded into place. Once secured, the crown restores the tooth’s function and appearance, allowing you to bite and chew comfortably.
Schedule Your Consultation
We invite you to contact Comfort Dental Center today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Homayun, Dr. Sara Taj or Dr. Jamil Marwan and learn if a dental crown in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, Reseda, Santa Monica and Valencia, California, is right for you!