Dental Crowns
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What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a type of restoration that acts as a protective cap or helmet for teeth that have suffered decay, fractures, or wear. Nowadays, there are many materials used to fabricate crowns including metal, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal and zirconia. Generally, porcelain and zirconia are the most aesthetic as they match the adjacent natural teeth best and can be as strong as metal. Crowns are also meant to restore dental implants, root canal treated teeth and malformed teeth. With good oral hygiene, crowns typically last between ten and fifteen years, ensuring long term dental health and functionality.
Crafted to resemble your adjacent teeth as far as color and shape, our cosmetic dentists will ensure a natural and authentic look.
When are Dental Crowns Necessary?
- Teeth with severe decay
- Teeth with large, damaged fillings
- Worn-down, chipped, cracked or broken teeth
- Root-Canal Treated Teeth
- Restoration of Dental Implant
- Cosmetic reasons such as covering severe stain or discolored teeth
- Traumatized tooth that is weak and vulnerable to fracture
- Part of a dental bridge
What Types of Crowns Are Available?
Our Tarzana Dentists offer various types of dental crowns, depending on your budget, tooth, oral health and aesthetic goals.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are made of zirconium dioxide, a white powdered ceramic substance, and considered a “white metal” due to its metal-like strength but white color. It is biocompatible, reducing the chances of surrounding tissues becoming inflamed. Zirconia dental crowns are known for their durability and natural appearance making them blend in with your natural teeth. With the advent of zirconia crowns, the presence of gray metal along the gumline is no longer an issue as there is no silver subsurface that can be exposed.
E-Max Crowns
E-Max crowns consist of lithium disilicate ceramic. Known for its aesthetic appeal and durability, E-Max crowns are frequently used for veneers, onlays and crown procedures. Due to their lack of a metal framework and their translucent, natural-white color, they also eliminate the common concerns of visible gray metal line along the gumline associated with porcelain fused to metal crowns. E-max restorations are usually cemented with resin cement which differs from the type of cement used to cement zirconia crowns.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM)
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer durability and aesthetics as porcelain is baked on top of a metal shell providing strength and a natural looking appearance. Even though sometimes there is a visible gray metal line along the gum line, PFM crowns have some key advantages as far as proper fit, durability and affordability.
Dental Crowns – Frequently Asked Questions
Will Getting a Dental Crown Be Painful?
Treated under local anesthesia, the procedure can be painless and quick. If you experience dental anxiety, our dentists have various methods of putting you at ease such as anti-anxiety medications.
Can I Whiten Dental Crowns?
No, crowns do not change in color. Teeth whitening is meant for natural teeth. Instead, maintain good oral hygiene. Additionally, avoid dark drinks such as coffee, Coke and tobacco. Teeth Whitening is typically recommended prior to crown placement by your dentist to match the crown’s shade to your natural teeth.
How much do dental crowns cost and does my dental insurance cover them?
Dental crowns may have insurance coverage if they are not designed for cosmetic procedures. They are clinically necessary for dental treatment used to preserve, strengthen and restore the tooth. Most dental insurance plans will cover a portion of the crown.
How long Do Crowns Last?
Our dentists at 32ology Dental Studio design crowns to last indefinitely. However, crowns do not last a lifetime. Normal wear and tear can compromise the longevity over time. Generally, Crowns last 10-15 years depending on oral hygiene and proper care.
Steps involved in Dental Crown Treatment
Dental Crown treatment typically involves two dental office visits.
- First appointment
The first appointment typically involves a limited examination of the tooth requiring a crown, shaping of the tooth, impressions, and a temporary crown. Our cosmetic dentists will match the shade and aesthetics of your natural smile. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory with clear instructions to fabricate your dental crown. - Second appointment
On the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed, the new crown is placed and adjusted. Our dentist will ensure that the new crown matches the shape and color of your natural teeth before permanently cementing. Special dental articulating paper is used to adjust the bite. - Maintenance and follow up
Following the second appointment, our dentist might recommend a follow-up visit in 2 weeks to ensure the bite is comfortable. During the first few days after the procedure, you might experience slight sensitivity and discomfort. It is important to practice proper oral hygiene and maintain regular dental checkups. Floss and brush twice a day and don’t bite on hard objects.
Dental Crown – Post Operative Instructions
Temporary Crowns & Bridges after initial visit
Temporary crowns are typically placed on the first visit and made of a type of resin. This plastic like material can easily break. As a result, it’s important to be careful and follow the below post operative instructions.
- You might experience some soreness and sensitivity after the temporary placement. This is normal but feel free to contact us if there is a lot of discomfort or pain.
- Do not chew on any hard foods with your temporary crown
- Do not chew gum with your temporary crown
- You will typically have your temporary crown for 2 weeks. During this time try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth until the permanent restoration is placed
- Maintain good oral hygiene, brush as usual, be careful and gentle when flossing around the temporary crown or bridge
- If the temporary crown comes off or dislodged, please contact us immediately. Do not try to cement or glue back yourself.
Permeant Crowns & Bridges
- You might experience some soreness, discomfort or sensitive 3-5 days after the permanent crown or bridge is placed. This can sometimes be due to your natural bite being off. We will typically schedule a 2 week follow up visit to evaluate your bite and ensure that there is no sensitivity
- Maintain good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day and floss every night. Maintain regular cleanings at least twice a year and routine dental checkups
- Even though your dental crown will be made of strong material such as zirconia or PFM, we advise that you don’t chew really hard foods on that side
- If a bridge is placed, it’s recommended to clean underneath the area of the missing tooth using a floss threader or water flosser.
- If you feel that the crown or bridge is cracked, please do not try and recement it yourself. Immediately contact our office
About Us
At 32logy Dental Studio, we understand the apprehension that can arise with dentist visits. To address this, we have cultivated a warm, oceanic and calm environment designed to alleviate any anxiety our patients may feel, especially those who are nervous about dental procedures. Our compassionate team and skilled dentists in Tarzana are committed to ensuring that your visit is as comfortable as possible. We proudly serve the Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Encino and Sherman Oaks communities.
Led by Dr. Argina Kudaverdian, DDS, the team at 32ology Dental Studio is committed to providing outstanding and painless dental procedures tailored to individuals of all age groups in the Tarzana-area.
We accept a wide range of dental insurance plans and invite you to discover the specialized care we provide. If you are looking for a general or cosmetic dentist, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation. With a warm office environment, the latest technology, and comprehensive dental care, Dr. Kudaverdian and the 32ology team strive to create a safe and positive experience for all patients.