Dental Crowns at Dentalville

A dental crown is a "cap" that is designed to fit over the entire tooth to the gum line. Crowns are attached to the underlying tooth with a special cement, ensuring that they fit snugly and correctly. At Dentalville Panorama City in Los Angeles, we offer different types of crowns to our patients so they can choose whichever one they prefer.

Uses For Dental Crowns

We may recommend that you get a dental crown in order to:

• Restore a tooth that is broken, chipped or worn down
• Protect a tooth that is weak from dental decay
• Prevent a tooth from cracking or hold together a tooth that has previously cracked
• Hold a dental bridge in the correct position
• Cover a severely discolored or misshapen tooth
• Support a tooth that has received a large filling
• Cover teeth that have had bridges or implants

Different Types of Crowns Available

There are several different compositions for crowns. The different materials affect how long the crown lasts, its appearance and its feel in the mouth.

Stainless steel crowns are typically used as temporary crowns. They are long-lasting and cost-effective. Stainless steel crowns are often used in children's mouths as they require less dental visits to fit.

Metal crowns have alloys that have a high content of platinum, gold, or base metal alloys. They are the longest lasting type of crown as they can withstand biting and chewing and rarely break or chip. Because of their metallic color, however, they are only typically used to cover molars in the back of the mouth where they aren't easily visible.

Porcelain-to-metal crowns are color-matched to be the same color as the rest of the teeth, making them look natural. They are prone to chips and breaks and the metal underlying the crown can be visible along the gumline should the gums recede over time. Resin and ceramic crowns are also color-matched to the same color as the surrounding teeth in the mouth. Resin crowns are the least expensive option but are the most fragile of the varying types of crowns. Ceramic crowns are a good option for those who are allergic to metals.

Crown Procedure

Two visits are typically required in order to prepare and place a dental crown. We will first remove a small amount of enamel from the underlying tooth. This will help the crown to fit snugly in the mouth without being too big or thick. Next, an impression will be taken of the tooth using a putty or paste. Scans may also be taken. These impressions and scans will be sent to an outside lab where the crown will be made. A temporary crown will be placed until the permanent crown is ready. At the second visit, the crown will be checked to ensure it is the correct fit and color for the mouth. A cement will be used to put it into its proper place and position.

Contact Dentalville Panorama City Today

If you are in need of a dental crown or a dental crown replacement, you can count on the caring and professional staff at Dentalville Panorama City. We offer free dental crown consultations to help restore your smile. Contact us today for an appointment!