Dental Crowns in West Covina

If you're suffering from broken, damaged, or weakened teeth, a filling may not be enough to restore your smile. Dental crowns are the natural-looking solution for adding durable and long-lasting strength to your teeth.

Dental crowns restore the shape and strength to damaged teeth, giving you back that beautiful smile.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are "caps" that cover the entire portion of a visible tooth that's been weakened or damaged. At Dentist of West Covina, we use natural-looking, durable porcelain or precious metals to create these crowns to suit your style and improve your dental health.

What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?

Dental crowns may be constructed from a number of different materials including, metals, porcelain, resin or ceramic.

Metal Crowns

Several metals may be used to create a dental crown. Gold, chromium, palladium, or nickel are all popular options. Metal crowns are durable over many years and require less of the original tooth to be removed than other types of crowns may require. Metal is often chosen for out-of-sight molars because of its less natural appearance.

Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Crowns

Porcelain-coated metal crowns have the durability of metal crowns with the natural look of ceramic or resin crowns. A metal "edge" of the crown may appear at the gum line. The porcelain coating may also chip through use over time. For these reasons, they are also usually selected for back-of-the-mouth placement.

All-Resin Crowns

Crowns made from resin are often a less expensive option for crowns. They do not last as long as other types, so they are less-frequently chosen.

All-Ceramic Or All-Porcelain Crowns

For the most natural appearance, all-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are the top choice. They are good for anyone looking for a very natural look or who have allergies to metals that are used in other types of crowns. They are typically chosen for visible teeth in the front of the mouth.

Pressed Ceramic Crowns

These dental crowns have the natural look of all-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns but are constructed with a hard inner core. They are the longest lasting ceramic or porcelain type crown with strong durability thanks to the hard inner core.

Is a Dental Crown Right for Me?

There are a number of things that dental crowns treat, from damage and decay to holding dental bridges in place. Our dentist will determine if a dental crown is the right choice for your smile.

Do Dental Crowns Replace Damaged Teeth?

Dental crowns do not technically replace missing teeth. They do, however, protect weak teeth from breaking. They also hold together parts of a cracked tooth and save teeth that have been damaged by decay and cannot support a filling.

Can I Get A Filling Instead Of A Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are used for teeth that are too damaged to support a filling. They also cover and support teeth with large fillings and little natural tooth remaining.

Can Children Get Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are safe for children and may be prescribed by a dentist if they have certain needs. Children who are at a high risk for tooth decay, for example, may be prescribed a dental crown.

Do Dental Crowns Replace Missing Teeth?

Dental crowns do not replace missing teeth. They do, however, restore broken teeth or teeth that are worn down by use.

Can I Get A Dental Crown After A Root Canal?

When a tooth is treated with a root canal, dental crowns are often used to treat the remaining tooth for protection.

Do Dental Crowns Help With Tooth Sensitivity?

Dental crowns can help your teeth recover from mouth sensitivity to sweetness, hot or cold.

What Other Things Are Dental Crowns Beneficial For?

There are a few other reasons dental crowns may be prescribed including:

To hold dental bridges in place
To cover dental implants
To repair misshaped or severely discolored teeth
To make other cosmetic modifications

Does It Hurt To Have A Dental Crown Placed?

Having a dental crown is, in the majority of cases, nearly pain-free. The local anesthetic numbs the gums during the procedure. Afterward, you may experience mild discomfort as the numbness subsides and you may wish to take over-the-counter pain medication.

What Is the Process of Placing Dental Crowns?

During your consultation, you will have x-rays and an examination to determine the dental care that you require. If we determine that a dental crown is the best treatment option, we will work with you to create a personalized dental crown treatment plan. We will then take impressions of your teeth to ensure that your crowns match for a natural and comfortable fit. For protection of the damaged tooth, a temporary crown will be placed until your next visit.

Once a permanent crown has been created, we will contact you to set the next appointment. During that second visit, you will return to the office. The dental crown will be placed and sealed with durable dental cement.

How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?

The cost for a dental crown can vary widely, depending on which type of crown is selected, the number of teeth to be crowned, and the position of the crowns within the mouth. We will consult with you to create the right payment arrangements to ensure your needs are met.