Crowns
by Dr. Mehryar Issac Ebrahimi, DDS | Beverly Wilshire Dental Group
Dental Crowns in Beverly Hills A damaged, cracked, or structurally weakened tooth doesn't always need to be removed. In many cases, a dental crown can restore the tooth's strength, function, and appearance, allowing you to keep your natural tooth for years to come. Dr. Ebrahimi, DDS of Beverly Wilshire Dental Group offers comprehensive crown treatment, from damaged and cracked teeth to cosmetic and root-canal-treated teeth, using modern materials and techniques designed for a natural, long-lasting result.
Crowns for Damaged Teeth
When a tooth has lost significant structure due to decay, a large old filling, or general wear, a crown provides the reinforcement needed to restore normal function. Rather than relying on a filling alone, which may not be strong enough to support a severely compromised tooth, a crown fully encases the visible portion of the tooth, distributing biting forces more evenly and protecting it from further damage.
Crowns for Cracked Teeth
A cracked tooth can range from a minor surface line to a more significant fracture that threatens the health of the tooth. Left untreated, a crack can worsen over time, potentially extending below the gumline or into the tooth's inner pulp. A crown stabilizes a cracked tooth by holding it together under the pressure of biting and chewing, often preventing the crack from progressing further.
Crowns for Root-Canal-Treated Teeth
Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are often more brittle than teeth with intact nerve tissue, making them more susceptible to fracture. For this reason, a crown is frequently recommended following root canal therapy, particularly for molars and premolars that bear significant biting force, to protect the tooth and restore its full function long-term.
Cosmetic Crowns
Beyond their structural role, crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of a tooth that is significantly discolored, misshapen, or otherwise affecting the look of your smile. A cosmetic crown is designed with careful attention to shape, size, and shade, allowing it to blend naturally with your surrounding teeth.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain and other all-ceramic crown materials are popular choices for their ability to closely mimic the translucency and color of natural tooth enamel. Porcelain crowns are often selected for visible teeth where appearance is a priority, while still offering meaningful strength and durability for everyday use. Dr. Ebrahimi can discuss which crown material, including porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain fused to metal, best suits your specific tooth and goals.
The Crown Procedure
Getting a crown typically involves a straightforward process:
Examination and Planning — Dr. Ebrahimi evaluates the tooth, often with digital X-rays or imaging, to confirm a crown is the appropriate treatment and to plan the preparation needed.
Tooth Preparation — The tooth is numbed with local anesthesia, and a portion of the outer structure is reshaped to accommodate the thickness of the crown.
Impression or Digital Scan — A detailed impression or digital scan of the prepared tooth is taken to guide the design and fabrication of your custom crown.
Temporary Crown — A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is being made.
Permanent Crown Placement — Once ready, the permanent crown is checked for fit and bite, then permanently bonded or cemented into place.
Many crowns are completed over two visits, though some practices offer same-day crowns using in-office digital technology for suitable cases.
Crown Lifespan
With proper care, dental crowns often last between ten and fifteen years, and in many cases considerably longer. Lifespan depends on factors such as the material used, the location of the tooth, your oral hygiene habits, and whether you grind or clench your teeth.
Caring for Your Crown
A crowned tooth still requires everyday care. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, including around the crown margin, and keep up with regular dental checkups. Decay can still develop at the edge where the crown meets the natural tooth, so maintaining good oral hygiene remains essential. If your crown ever feels high when you bite, develops a rough edge, or becomes loose, contact our office promptly.
Alternatives to a Crown
Depending on the extent of damage, a crown isn't always the only option. A conservative filling may be sufficient for smaller areas of decay, while a bonded ceramic onlay can restore a damaged cusp without the full coverage of a crown. In cases of extensive damage or tooth loss, extraction followed by a bridge or implant may be considered instead. Dr. Ebrahimi evaluates each case individually to determine whether a crown or a more conservative alternative offers the tooth the best long-term outcome.
Common Myths About Dental Crowns
Myth: "Getting a crown means losing most of your natural tooth." Beneath a crown, the natural tooth structure still provides the foundation. A crown replaces the outer visible portion of the tooth, not the entire tooth from the root up.
Myth: "Crowns look obviously artificial." Modern crown materials, especially porcelain and zirconia, are designed to closely match the shade, shape, and translucency of natural teeth, often blending in seamlessly.
Myth: "A cracked tooth will heal on its own without treatment." Unlike bone, a cracked tooth cannot heal itself. Without treatment, a crack can worsen over time, potentially leading to further damage or infection.
Myth: "You never need a crown after a root canal." Root-canal-treated teeth, particularly molars, are often more brittle and prone to fracture. A crown is frequently recommended to protect the tooth and restore full chewing function.
Myth: "All crown materials are essentially the same." Crown materials vary in strength, appearance, and how they interact with gum tissue. Dr. Ebrahimi selects the material best suited to the tooth's location, function, and your cosmetic goals.
Myth: "Once you have a crown, that tooth is protected from all future problems." A crowned tooth can still develop decay at its margin or experience issues with the surrounding gum tissue if oral hygiene is neglected, so regular care and checkups remain important.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a crown instead of a filling? This depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains. Dr. Ebrahimi evaluates the extent of damage, the tooth's location, and your bite to determine whether a conservative restoration or a full crown offers 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. 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, and a second to place the finished crown. Some cases may be suitable for same-day crowns using in-office technology.
Will my crown match my other teeth? Yes. 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.
Do I always need a crown after a root canal? Not always, but it's commonly recommended for molars and premolars, which bear significant biting force and are more prone to fracture after root canal treatment. Dr. Ebrahimi can advise based on your specific tooth.
What happens if my crown becomes loose or falls off? Contact our office as soon as possible. A loose or missing crown leaves the underlying tooth structure exposed and vulnerable, so prompt attention helps prevent further damage.
Are there alternatives to getting a crown? Depending on the extent of damage, options such as a filling, a bonded onlay, or in cases of significant damage, extraction followed by a bridge or implant, may be appropriate alternatives. Dr. Ebrahimi can discuss which option best fits your situation.
Considering a Crown?
At Beverly Wilshire Dental Group, Dr. Ebrahimi evaluates every damaged, cracked, or weakened tooth individually, discussing the benefits of a crown alongside any 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.