A dental crown is a custom restoration that covers and protects a damaged or weakened tooth. At Woodland Hills Dental Care, crowns may be used when a tooth is cracked, significantly decayed, worn, or no longer strong enough to be restored with a filling alone. The crown restores the tooth's shape and function while helping preserve the remaining natural tooth structure.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown fits over the visible portion of a prepared tooth, covering and reinforcing the remaining tooth structure. Because the crown surrounds the tooth on all sides, it holds the remaining structure together and shields it from further damage. Crowns are a common part of restorative dentistry and can be placed on natural teeth, after a root canal, or on top of a dental implant. When a tooth has been treated with root canal therapy, a crown may be recommended afterward when additional protection is needed. A crown can also serve as the visible tooth on a dental implant that replaces a missing tooth.

Reasons You May Need a Crown

Your dentist may recommend a crown when a tooth needs more support than a filling can provide. Common reasons include:

• Broken or fractured teeth

• Significant tooth decay

• Large or fractured fillings that no longer provide enough support

• Worn or weakened teeth

• A tooth that needs additional protection after root canal treatment

• Certain cosmetic concerns involving tooth shape, size, or appearance

For concerns that are mainly about the shape or color of a tooth, we can also discuss other cosmetic dentistry options to find the right fit for your goals.

Types of Dental Crowns

Crowns can be made from several materials, and the best choice depends on which tooth needs the crown, how much chewing force it handles, and your cosmetic goals. Common options include:

• Porcelain and ceramic: matched to the color of natural teeth, a popular choice for front teeth and other visible areas.

• Porcelain fused to metal: combines a natural-looking surface with added strength.

• Metal: very durable and often used for back teeth, where strength matters most.

Tooth-colored crowns are often chosen when appearance is an important consideration because they can be designed to blend with the surrounding teeth. The right crown material depends on several factors, including the location of the tooth, the amount of chewing force it receives, the condition of the remaining tooth structure, and your cosmetic goals. Like other dental restorations, crowns can last for many years with proper care but may eventually need to be replaced. If several teeth are affected, or a missing tooth needs to be filled in, we may also recommend dental bridges as part of your treatment plan.

The Dental Crown Procedure

At the first appointment, the tooth is numbed and prepared by removing decay, if present, and shaping the remaining structure to properly support the crown. Your dentist then takes an impression or digital scan that is used to create the custom restoration. A temporary crown is typically placed with temporary cement to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory, and your bite is checked before you leave.

At your second appointment, your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate. You will receive care instructions and be encouraged to maintain regular dental visits so your dentist can monitor the crown, your bite, and the health of the tooth underneath it.

Caring for Your Crown

A crowned tooth does not need special products, but it does need consistent care. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with your regular checkups and cleanings so your dentist can monitor the crown and the tooth beneath it. Avoid biting very hard foods or objects, and if you grind your teeth at night, ask about a night guard to help protect your restoration.

Crowns vs Fillings

A filling repairs a smaller area of damage, while a crown covers and reinforces more of the tooth. When decay, fracture, or loss of tooth structure is too extensive for a filling to provide predictable support, a crown may be recommended. Your dentist will evaluate how much healthy tooth structure remains, the location of the tooth, and the forces placed on it before recommending the most appropriate restoration.

Dental Crown Care in Woodland Hills

Woodland Hills Dental Care provides restorative dental care for patients in Woodland Hills and surrounding communities, including Tarzana, West Hills, Encino, Winnetka, Canoga Park, Calabasas, and Reseda. Before recommending a crown, the dentist evaluates the tooth's condition, explains the available restorative options, and discusses what to expect from treatment so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Ready to restore your smile? Call (818) 875-0537 or schedule your consultation online to find out whether a dental crown is right for you.

Dental Crown FAQs

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown, sometimes called a cap, is a custom restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. It restores the tooth's original shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are used when a tooth is too damaged or weakened to be restored with a filling alone.

Why would I need a dental crown?

A crown may be recommended for a broken or fractured tooth, a tooth with significant decay, a large or fractured filling, or a tooth that has had a root canal. Crowns are also used for cosmetic enhancement and to strengthen teeth that can no longer be supported by a standard filling. Our Woodland Hills team will examine your tooth and discuss whether a crown is the right option for you.

What types of dental crowns are available?

Crowns can be made from several materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, and porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are popular because they are matched to the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. The best material for you depends on the location of the tooth and your functional and cosmetic goals.

How long does it take to get a dental crown?

A traditional crown usually takes two appointments. At the first visit, the tooth is prepared and an impression is taken, and a temporary crown is placed while your custom crown is made in a dental laboratory. At the second visit, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is placed and adjusted for a comfortable bite.

Does getting a dental crown hurt?

Local anesthetic is typically used before the tooth is prepared to help keep the procedure comfortable. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity or tenderness afterward, which often improves within a few days. Contact the office if discomfort is severe, worsening, or does not improve as expected.

How long do dental crowns last?

With good care, dental crowns can last many years. Their lifespan depends on factors such as your oral hygiene, your bite, and habits like grinding or chewing hard objects. Like most dental restorations, a crown may eventually need to be replaced.

How do I care for my dental crown?

Care for a crowned tooth the same way you care for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with regular dental checkups and cleanings. Avoiding very hard foods and not using your teeth as tools can help protect the crown over time.

What is the difference between a crown and a filling?

A filling repairs a smaller area of damage, while a crown covers and reinforces more of the tooth. When decay, fracture, or loss of tooth structure is too extensive for a filling to provide predictable support, a crown may be recommended. Your dentist will evaluate the condition of the tooth and recommend the restoration that best preserves the remaining healthy structure.

Can I get a crown after a root canal?

A crown is commonly recommended after root canal treatment when the tooth needs additional protection, particularly for back teeth that withstand greater chewing forces or teeth that have lost substantial structure. Whether a crown is necessary depends on the tooth, how much healthy structure remains, and the dentist's assessment.

Does dental insurance cover crowns?

Coverage for dental crowns varies by plan and by the reason the crown is needed. Many plans provide partial coverage for restorative crowns. Our office team can help you understand your benefits and review payment options before treatment begins.

Schedule Your Visit

If you think you may need a crown, our Woodland Hills team is here to help. Call (818) 875-0537 or book online, and we will help you restore and protect your smile.