Dental Crowns in Los Angeles, CA: A patient’s guide
Dental crowns in Los Angeles, CA are used to restore teeth that are weakened, cracked, worn, or cosmetically compromised. At Leith K Shawaf DDS in Los Angeles, California, patients can expect a careful evaluation and clear guidance on when a crown is the right choice. This page explains how a crown works, the types available, and what to expect from start to finish.
Dental crowns explained
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline. It restores strength, shape, and appearance after significant decay, fracture, or large fillings. If you have asked “What is a dental crown?” or “How does a dental crown work?”, the simple answer is that a crown reinforces the tooth so it can handle normal chewing forces while protecting it from further damage.
Materials and types
Choosing among types of dental crowns depends on location in the mouth, bite forces, cosmetic goals, and any metal sensitivities. Common options include:
- All-ceramic or porcelain: Excellent esthetics for front teeth with modern strength for many back teeth.
- Zirconia: Very strong and fracture-resistant for high-bite areas; can be layered for a natural look.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal: Durable with good esthetics; may show a dark edge at the gum over time.
- Gold or high-noble metal: Exceptional longevity and gentle on opposing teeth; more noticeable in appearance.
The best material is selected during your exam so function and esthetics are balanced for your smile.
Why consider dental crowns?
Benefits of dental crowns extend beyond appearance. A properly designed crown can:
- Restore strength to a cracked, worn, or root canal–treated tooth.
- Improve chewing comfort and protect against further fracture.
- Reshape a misshapen tooth and enhance color for a uniform smile line.
- Stabilize teeth with large fillings when a filling alone is no longer enough.
Patients often ask about the benefits of dental crowns when a tooth has recurrent decay or a crack line that causes sharp pain on biting. A crown can reduce that stress and support the tooth structure.
The dental crown process
The dental crown procedure is typically completed over two visits in most cases:
- Assessment and planning: A clinical exam and imaging check the tooth, roots, and bite. Alternatives like onlays, bonding, or extraction are also reviewed if appropriate.
- Preparation: Local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable. The tooth is shaped to make room for the crown, and any decay is removed.
- Impressions or scan: Digital scanning or impressions are taken to design your custom crown and precise bite.
- Temporary crown: A temporary crown protects the tooth while the lab fabricates the final restoration.
- Cementation: At the second visit, the fit, bite, and shade are checked. The crown is adjusted as needed and cemented.
Some single-visit systems can complete certain cases in one day, but many situations benefit from a laboratory-made crown for optimal fit and esthetics.
What to expect before and after a crown
Sensitivity is common for a few days after tooth preparation, especially to cold. Over-the-counter pain relief can help as directed. Temporary crown care is important while you wait for the final crown.
- Avoid sticky or very hard foods on the temporary crown side.
- Brush normally and floss gently by sliding the floss out rather than lifting it up.
- Call if the temporary loosens or comes off to prevent tooth movement or sensitivity.
Once the final crown is placed, routine brushing, flossing, and regular checkups keep the margins clean and the gums healthy. Patients often ask, “How long do dental crowns last?” With good home care and regular dental visits, many crowns last 10–15 years or longer. Clenching or grinding can shorten lifespan, so a nightguard may be recommended.
In Los Angeles, CA, climate or lifestyle does not change crown performance, but diet and oral hygiene do. Limiting very sticky candies and using fluoride toothpaste can help protect the tooth under the crown.