Dental Crowns in Los Angeles, CA
If your tooth has been damaged in an accident or weakened by decay, give it the royal treatment with a custom dental crown. At Century City Smiles & Orthodontics, Shawn Saidian, DDS, uses metal-free crowns to protect and restore the health and appearance of your teeth. Each crown is custom-made to match the shade and shape of your natural teeth and can even be attached to an implant to replace a missing tooth entirely.
Book OnlineWhat Are Dental Crowns?
A crown is a protective cap placed over a tooth that is severely damaged. Crowns can restore the look and function of your tooth in situations such as:
- Chips
- Cracks
- Discoloration or stains
- Decay
- Protecting a tooth after a root canal
Crowns are generally tooth-colored so they blend in seamlessly with your smile and enhance your appearance. They are sturdy and improve your oral health over the long term. Crowns are also a key part of many cosmetic dentistry plans and can be combined with dental implants for complete tooth replacement.
How Are Crowns Placed?
Dr. Saidian first takes detailed impressions of the affected tooth to determine how your crown will fit. He uses special dental instruments to gently file down the tooth so the crown fits snugly, and you’re given a temporary crown while your permanent one is made.
Using those impressions, an outside dental lab custom-makes your metal-free ceramic crown to the office’s exact specifications. This typically takes about two weeks. Once your crown is ready, you’ll return for a follow-up visit, where Dr. Saidian bonds it onto your tooth with a special dental adhesive. It’s a simple, painless procedure that doesn’t require anesthetic.
What Are the Benefits of Crowns?
Crowns address a number of cosmetic and functional concerns. With a crown, you can restore a healthy, natural look to a tooth impacted by a chip, crack, or discoloration. Crowns are also a highly effective treatment for decay. If left untreated, decay can worsen and lead to tooth loss, so crowns help reverse its damaging effects and preserve your smile.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
On average, a dental crown lasts 5 to 15 years, though its lifespan depends largely on how well you care for it. Treat your crown like a natural tooth by brushing and flossing twice a day and maintaining regular dental hygiene visits. You may also want to avoid hard foods like hard candies and popcorn kernels that can crack or chip your crown.
If you think your tooth might need a crown, call Century City Smiles & Orthodontics at (310) 552-2724 or set up a consultation online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a protective, tooth-colored cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its strength, function, and appearance. At Century City Smiles & Orthodontics, crowns are metal-free for a natural look.
When do I need a crown?
You may need a crown if you have a chipped, cracked, or significantly decayed tooth, or to protect a tooth after a root canal. Crowns can also be attached to dental implants to replace a missing tooth.
Is getting a crown painful?
No. Placing a crown is a simple, painless procedure. Once your custom crown is ready, Dr. Saidian bonds it onto your tooth using a special adhesive, typically without the need for anesthetic.
How long does it take to get a crown?
The process usually involves two visits. After your impressions are taken, an outside lab custom-makes your crown, which generally takes about two weeks. You’ll wear a temporary crown in the meantime.
Are your crowns metal-free?
Yes. Dr. Saidian uses metal-free ceramic crowns that blend naturally with your smile and avoid the concerns associated with metal restorations.
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, crowns typically last 5 to 15 years or longer. Brushing, flossing, regular dental visits, and avoiding very hard foods all help extend the life of your crown.