Restore Your Teeth’s Function and Appearance
Are you looking for a dental restoration to improve the function of a weakened tooth? At Southern Cal Smiles, Dr. Susan Fredericks often recommends dental crowns to rejuvenate the smiles of her patients at her practice near Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and Encino, CA.
The dental crown placement process is straightforward, so you can quickly return to life as usual. Read on to discover how our Woodland Hills restorative dentist can restore your smile with a customized dental crown.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns can be used for both cosmetic and restorative purposes, as they can instantly restore a tooth’s function and appearance. Also known as dental caps, crowns fit snugly over the tooth, protecting against unhealthy bacteria and further harm.
Crowns restore the function and appearance of chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged teeth. A dental crown makes it easier to chew, speak, and smile. They also provide strength to a structurally flawed tooth, so you won’t have to worry about extraction.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Broken, cracked teeth can be a nuisance. With dental crowns, you’ll be able to enjoy several benefits:
- Natural-looking restoration
- Preserves tooth structure
- Short, minimally invasive procedure
- Protects against harmful bacteria
- Durability and longevity
What Can Dental Crowns Fix?
Our restorative dentist in Woodland Hills may recommend dental crowns to resolve a host of dental issues. Dental crowns are used to:
- Protect teeth from further damage
- Conceal stained or discolored teeth
- Restore severely damaged or decayed teeth
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Cover teeth with large fillings
To discover if dental crowns are suited for your individual needs, schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredericks by calling our office at 818-346-3337. She’ll evaluate your oral health to determine if a dental crown is right for you, as well as discuss your other treatment options, if necessary.
The Dental Crown Process
After attending a consultation with Dr. Fredericks, she’ll begin by removing a thin layer of enamel from your tooth to make room for a crown. She’ll then take digital X-rays and physical impressions of your mouth to be sent to the dental laboratory, where they’ll create your customized crown. A temporary crown can be placed on the tooth while your permanent, custom crown is being made.
When we receive your permanent dental restoration, you’ll return to our southern California dental office, where Dr. Fredericks will carefully fit and set the crown on your tooth. After making any necessary adjustments for a natural and comfortable fit, she’ll cement the crown into place. You’re then ready to showcase your newly restored smile!
Dental Crown Treatment Aftercare
Following a dental crown placement, you may experience temporary discomfort or tooth sensitivity, but most patients usually don’t have any pain after a crown is placed. With proper home care and regular visits to Southern Cal Smiles, a crown may last up to 20 years. In some cases, a cavity or infection may develop under the tooth, which may require a root canal treatment or other procedures.
Will Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
The cost of dental crowns varies depending on several factors, such as how many you received. We recommend contacting your dental insurance provider beforehand to learn more about your plan’s coverage.
Our office will check with your insurance to determine your coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Estimated costs, payment options, and financing available through Southern Cal Smiles can be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Fredericks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental crowns typically last 15 years but can last up to 20 years if you practice proper care and maintenance. This includes maintaining good oral hygiene through daily brushing and flossing, as well as rinsing with mouthwash between meals. It’s also crucial to visit our dentist in Woodland Hills once every six months for routine dental cleanings and exams.
Receiving a dental crown is a virtually painless process. Dr. Fredericks will administer a local anesthetic beforehand, as well as a dental sedative for patients with dental phobia or resistance to anesthesia.
It’s normal to experience mild discomfort when the numbness fades, but any pain should subside within a few days. Call our office at 818-346-3337 if the pain persists or becomes severe, as it may be a sign of a complication.
Depending on your individual needs, you may receive your crown restoration in as few as two visits. Because we send your impressions and X-rays to a dental lab, you’ll need to wait for your crown’s fabrication before returning to our office for your final fitting. Dr. Fredericks will provide you with an estimated treatment timeline at your initial appointment.