What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns, often called “caps,” are restorations that encase the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line. Unlike veneers, which cover only the front surface, crowns provide 360-degree coverage, offering additional strength and protection. Made from durable, tooth-colored materials like porcelain or ceramic, crowns restore the tooth’s function, health, and beauty. At our Hermosa Beach dental office, we use advanced prosthodontic solutions to ensure that crowns blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a flawless appearance and lasting strength.

When Are Dental Crowns Recommended?

Dental crowns are versatile restorations used to address a variety of dental concerns. You may benefit from a crown if you have:

  • A tooth treated with root canal therapy.
  • Severe decay or erosion that cannot be repaired with a filling.
  • A weakened tooth with chips, cracks, or excessive wear.
  • Cosmetic concerns requiring more coverage than a veneer.
  • A missing tooth being replaced with a dental implant.
  • A dental bridge requiring support from adjacent teeth.

Crowns not only repair existing damage but also protect teeth from future wear or decay, making them a durable solution for many dental issues.

The Dental Crown Process

man with natural looking smile with dental crownsGetting a dental crown typically involves three appointments. Within a few weeks, your tooth will be restored and protected with a custom-crafted crown.

1. Evaluation and Consultation

Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation. We assess your tooth to determine whether a crown is the best option. If necessary, additional treatments like root canal therapy will be completed before the crown is placed.

If the tooth cannot be saved, we’ll discuss alternative solutions, such as dental implants or bridges. Once a crown is confirmed as the ideal treatment, we’ll prepare your tooth for the next steps.

2. Tooth Preparation and Impressions

During your second visit, the damaged portion of your tooth will be removed, and the remaining structure will be reshaped to create a stable base for the crown.

Next, we’ll use digital scanning technology to create precise 3D images of your tooth. This advanced method eliminates the need for traditional impression trays, ensuring accuracy and comfort. While your custom crown is being crafted, a temporary crown will protect your tooth.

3. Final Fitting and Placement

Once your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return for your final appointment. We’ll check the fit, color, and alignment to ensure the crown blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.

After you approve the result, the crown will be securely bonded in place, completing your restoration.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns are designed to be durable and long-lasting. With proper care, most crowns last 10–15 years or longer.

Tips for Maximizing Your Crown’s Lifespan

  • Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily.
  • Avoid biting down on hard objects like ice or pens.
  • Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
  • Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor the condition of your crown.

With proper care, your dental crown can provide years of reliable protection and functionality.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns offer a range of benefits, improving both the functionality and appearance of your smile:

  • Protection: Shields damaged teeth from further decay or wear.
  • Durability: Made from strong materials that withstand daily biting and chewing.
  • Aesthetics: Custom-crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth.
  • Versatility: Addresses a variety of dental concerns, from structural repairs to cosmetic improvements.

Our dental specialists precisely design each dental crown to restore and enhance your smile.

Why Choose A Prosthodontist for Dental Crowns?

Choosing the right team for your dental crown is crucial to achieving a natural, long-lasting result. At South Bay Prosthodontics in Hermosa Beach, we prioritize quality and precision in every step of the process.

What Sets Us Apart?

  • Advanced Technology: Digital scanning ensures accurate impressions and precise fittings.
  • Customized Care: Every crown is tailored to your unique needs and preferences.
  • Attention to Detail: From preparation to placement, we handle every step with meticulous care.

With years of expertise in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, our team delivers crowns that look and feel like natural teeth while providing reliable functionality.

Restore Your Smile with Dental Crowns

Don’t let a damaged or weakened tooth affect your confidence or oral health. Dental crowns can restore your tooth’s strength, functionality, and appearance, giving you the confidence to smile again. Call us at (310) 374-8901 to schedule your appointment today!

Frequently Asked Questions

You may need a dental crown if your tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or weakened. Crowns are commonly recommended for teeth that have had root canal therapy, large fillings, cracks, chips, or excessive wear. If a tooth is at risk of breaking or cannot be repaired with a simple filling, a crown may be necessary to restore its function and protect it from further damage.

The cost of a dental crown in Hermosa Beach typically ranges from $800 to $3,000, depending on factors such as the material used and the complexity of the procedure. It’s best to consult your dentist for a detailed cost estimate based on your specific needs.

After receiving a dental crown, you may experience some mild sensitivity for the first few days, especially to hot or cold foods. However, you should be able to eat most foods right away, with the exception of very hard or sticky items (like ice or caramel), which could potentially damage your crown. If you have a temporary crown before the permanent one is placed, it’s recommended to avoid hard or chewy foods until the permanent crown is fitted.

A filling is used to restore a tooth that has a small amount of decay or damage. It is placed inside the cavity of the tooth to restore its shape and function. A crown, on the other hand, covers the entire visible portion of a damaged or weakened tooth, providing more comprehensive protection and restoration. Crowns are used for larger, more severe cases of damage, such as after a root canal or for a tooth with significant decay or fracture.

Dental crowns don’t require much special care, but it’s important to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to keep your crown and surrounding teeth clean and free from decay. Avoid chewing on hard objects, like ice or pens, to prevent damaging the crown. If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a nightguard can help protect your crown from wear. Regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure the crown remains in good condition.

Dental crowns are designed to be durable, but they may need to be replaced if they become damaged, cracked, or worn down over time. You should consult with your dentist if you notice any pain, sensitivity, or visible damage to the crown. In some cases, crowns may loosen or become dislodged, requiring replacement. Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your crown and ensure it’s still functioning properly.

Inlays and Onlays are types of dental restorations used to repair damaged or decayed teeth, similar to crowns, but they cover a smaller portion of the tooth.

  • Inlays fit inside the cavity of the tooth, covering the top surface without extending over the cusps (the chewing surfaces). They are used for cavities that are confined to the tooth’s inner areas.
  • Onlays cover a larger portion of the tooth, including one or more cusps, but don’t cover the entire tooth like a crown. They are often used when there is more damage than can be repaired with an inlay but less severe than requiring a full crown.

How They Differ from Crowns:

  • Crowns cover the entire tooth and are used for more extensive damage, offering full coverage and protection.
  • Inlays and onlays require less tooth preparation and are more conservative in terms of preserving natural tooth structure.

Both inlays and onlays are custom-made and provide a durable, natural-looking solution to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or wear, similar to dental crowns but with less coverage.