Crowns
by Dr. Mehryar Issac Ebrahimi, DDS | Beverly Wilshire Dental Group
Dental Crowns: Protecting and Restoring Damaged Teeth When a tooth is significantly weakened by decay, a large old filling, a crack, or a root canal, a dental crown is often the most reliable way to protect it and restore full function. At Beverly Wilshire Dental Group, Dr. Ebrahimi carefully evaluates each damaged tooth to determine whether a crown is the right solution, and if so, designs it to look and function as close to a natural tooth as possible.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline. Unlike a filling or a partial restoration such as an onlay, a crown fully encases the tooth, which provides significant structural support for teeth that have lost too much healthy tissue to be restored another way. Crowns can be made from several materials, including all-ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, or zirconia, each offering a different balance of strength, appearance, and suitability depending on the tooth being treated.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
1. Strong, Reliable Protection
A crown reinforces a tooth that has been significantly weakened, helping to prevent further cracking or breakdown that could otherwise lead to tooth loss.
2. Restores Full Function
Crowns are shaped and adjusted to restore normal biting and chewing function, allowing you to use the tooth comfortably rather than avoiding it.
3. A Natural Appearance
Modern crown materials, particularly all-ceramic and zirconia options, are designed to closely match the color, translucency, and shape of surrounding natural teeth.
4. Long-Term Durability
With proper care, crowns are built to withstand years of normal biting forces, making them a dependable long-term solution for a damaged tooth.
5. Versatility Across Situations
Crowns are used in a range of circumstances, including after a root canal, over a dental implant, to anchor a bridge, or simply to protect a tooth with extensive decay or a large fracture.
Common Myths About Dental Crowns
Myth: "A crown means the natural tooth is basically gone." Beneath a crown, the natural tooth structure, or in some cases a dental implant, still provides the foundation. A crown replaces the outer visible portion, not the entire tooth from the root up, except in cases involving an implant.
Myth: "Crowns look obviously artificial." Modern crown materials are designed to closely match the shade, shape, and translucency of natural teeth. When properly planned, a well-made crown often blends in seamlessly with surrounding teeth.
Myth: "Getting a crown always means significant tooth reduction." While crowns do require more tooth preparation than a filling or onlay, the amount removed is specific to what is needed to accommodate the crown material and thickness, and is planned to preserve as much healthy structure as reasonably possible.
Myth: "Once you get a crown, that tooth can never have another problem." A crowned tooth still needs regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. Decay can develop at the edge where the crown meets the natural tooth, and the crown itself can eventually need replacement.
Myth: "All crowns are the same, no matter what material is used." Crown materials vary in strength, appearance, and how they interact with the gum tissue. Dr. Ebrahimi selects the material best suited to the tooth's location, function, and your cosmetic goals.
Myth: "A temporary crown means you can go back to normal habits right away." Temporary crowns are less durable than permanent ones and are not designed for the same level of biting force. Certain foods and habits should be avoided until the permanent crown is placed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a crown instead of a filling or onlay? This depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains. Dr. Ebrahimi evaluates the extent of damage, the location of the tooth, and your bite to determine whether a more conservative restoration or a full crown offers the tooth the best long-term outcome.
Is getting a crown painful? The tooth is numbed with local anesthesia during preparation, so most patients do not experience significant discomfort during the procedure. Some mild sensitivity is common for a short period afterward.
How long does the crown process take? Many crowns are completed over two visits: one to prepare the tooth and take an impression or digital scan, and a second to place the finished crown. Some practices offer same-day crowns using in-office digital technology, depending on the situation.
How long do crowns last? With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, crowns often last from ten to fifteen years or longer, though this varies based on the material used and individual habits such as grinding.
Will my crown look different from my other teeth? Crown material and shade are selected to match your surrounding natural teeth as closely as possible, so the goal is for the crown to blend in rather than stand out.
Can a tooth still get a cavity under a crown? Yes. The margin where the crown meets the natural tooth can still develop decay if oral hygiene is inadequate, which is why regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups remain important after crown placement.
What happens if my crown becomes loose or falls off? Contact your dentist as soon as possible. A loose or missing crown leaves the underlying tooth structure exposed and vulnerable, and prompt attention helps prevent further damage or infection.
Considering a Crown?
At Beverly Wilshire Dental Group, Dr. Ebrahimi evaluates every damaged tooth individually, discussing the benefits and limitations of a crown alongside any more conservative alternatives before recommending a path forward. If you've been told a tooth may need a crown, we welcome the opportunity to review your options together.