Restoring smiles in West Hills Los Angeles, CA with porcelain dental crowns
A dental filling is a great solution if you have a small cavity. What if you have major decay or a broken tooth? In that case, the best option is probably a porcelain crown from Royal Dental Practice in West Hills Los Angeles, CA. We use premium materials with gentle techniques to restore the appearance and health of your tooth – and do so comfortably.
What are dental crowns?
Crowns, sometimes called tooth caps, completely cover teeth with a protective material. There are several types available, including pure metal or porcelain fused to a metal base. However, the most natural looking option is all porcelain dental crowns. They perfectly replicate the color and luminescence of tooth enamel for a beautifully dazzling smile. Due to advances in modern dental materials, today’s porcelain is so strong and durable that metal is usually unnecessary.
Dental crowns may be used for several reasons, including:
- Repair broken teeth
- Restore teeth that are badly decayed
- Hold together fractured teeth
- Correct misshapen teeth
- Restore and protect teeth after root canal therapy
- About the procedure
Dental crown treatment generally requires two appointments:
During the first visit your dentist will prepare the tooth. This includes removing any diseased or damaged material and shaping the structure to hold a crown. We will take impressions and place a temporary crown on the tooth. The impressions go to a dental laboratory where your permanent crown is created.
It typically takes a couple of weeks for the laboratory to create your custom porcelain crown. When it is ready you will return to our office to complete treatment. Your dentist will remove the temporary crown and clean the tooth. After verifying that the new crown fits properly and looks great, we will cement it in place.
When treatment is complete, your smile will be healthy again, and it will look beautiful. Crowns require no special care. Like untreated teeth, you will keep them clean by brushing and flossing regularly. You may be wondering: how long does a porcelain dental crown last? The answer depends on your oral health. On average, they are expected to last from five to fifteen years. However, patients with good health and hygiene habits often keep their crowns much longer.
Take the first step in restoring your smile
Call Royal Dental Practice at (818) 334-6655 and schedule an appointment to get started.
FAQs
Is it painful to get a crown?
No, because procedures leading to a crown placement on a decayed or broken tooth are always performed under local anesthetics. Once the anesthesia wears off, the patient may experience mild sensitivity around the gums/tooth, but it generally goes away shortly after the appointment.
Does a crown require a root canal?
Not necessarily. A root canal is not necessary for any tooth requiring a crown, but a tooth with a root canal treatment very likely requires a crown.
How long does it take for a crown to heal?
After the tooth is prepared for a crown, the patient may experience sensitivity that should go away shortly after the appointment. If a patient experiences spontaneous pain or discomfort following the preparation or final placement of the crown, root canal treatment will be needed.
How long can you leave a crown off a tooth?
Preferably, every tooth prepared for a crown will receive a temporary crown to avoid any pain or discomfort. The patient should call the office immediately after losing the crown to seek treatment for cementation.
Which is better, veneers or crowns?
Both are great options depending on the tooth’s condition and the treatment’s purpose. Indications for veneers are generally for cosmetic purposes and to improve the smile, whereas crowns are indicated for teeth that have suffered a fracture, large decay, or large old restoration and are meant to preserve the tooth structure.
What type of dental crown is best?
The best type of dental crown depends on individual needs, but porcelain crowns are popular for their natural appearance and durability. They are ideal for front teeth and areas where aesthetics matter. Metal crowns, like those made of gold or alloys, are extremely durable and suitable for back teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer a balance of strength and aesthetics. Zirconia crowns are another option, combining strength and a natural look. Consult your dentist to choose the best type based on your oral health and preferences.
What are the types of dental crowns?
Dental crowns come in various materials, each suited for different needs. Porcelain crowns mimic natural teeth and are excellent for front teeth. Metal crowns, including gold and alloy crowns, are durable and ideal for back teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer strength with a natural look. Zirconia crowns are long-lasting and blend well with natural teeth. Resin crowns are less expensive but may wear down faster. Your dentist will recommend the best type for your situation based on your needs.
