At our practice, we understand that every smile tells a story. Dental crowns, one of our core services, play a pivotal role in not just restoring damaged teeth but also in bringing back confidence to your smile. Dr. Leila Zamiri, Dr. Leila Zamiri, and Dr. Leila Zamiri are dedicated to offering personalized dental care in a friendly, kind, and caring environment. We’re not your typical corporate office; we ensure one-on-one time with each patient to address individual needs.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that completely cover a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Think of them as protective helmets for your teeth. Made from various high-quality materials including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or metal alloys, crowns are meticulously crafted to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. At our Long Beach practice, we use advanced digital technology to ensure each crown matches your bite perfectly and complements your smile’s unique characteristics.
These versatile restorations serve multiple purposes: they can protect a weak tooth from breaking, restore a tooth that’s already broken, cover and support a tooth with a large filling, hold a dental bridge in place, cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth, cover a dental implant, or make cosmetic modifications to enhance your smile’s appearance.
When Are Dental Crowns Recommended?
Dr. Zamiri, Dr. [dr_last2, and Dr. Hushein recommend dental crowns for patients in various situations. Crowns are often necessary when you have a tooth with extensive decay that cannot be adequately restored with a filling, a cracked or fractured tooth that requires protection, or a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy. They are also crucial for teeth that are severely worn down from grinding or acid erosion.
Additionally, crowns are recommended for cosmetic improvements when teeth are severely discolored, misshapen, or have large gaps. Patients who have received dental implants will need crowns to complete their restoration. Moreover, if you’re getting a dental bridge, the adjacent teeth will require crowns to support the bridge structure.
During your consultation at our Long Beach office, our experienced dentists will thoroughly examine your teeth, discuss your concerns, and determine if dental crowns are the most effective solution for your specific needs. We serve patients from surrounding areas including Lakewood Village, Bellflower, and Huntington Beach, always taking the time to explain your options clearly.
The Treatment Process: What to Expect
We’ve streamlined the crown process to ensure your comfort and convenience. The treatment typically involves two carefully planned visits, though we also offer same-day crowns when appropriate.
During your first appointment, our dentists will begin by numbing the area around your tooth to ensure your comfort. The tooth is then carefully prepared by removing any decay and reshaping the surface to accommodate the crown. This involves removing a small amount of tooth structure to create space for the crown while preserving as much healthy tooth as possible.
Next, we take precise digital impressions of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. These impressions are sent to our trusted dental laboratory where skilled technicians craft your custom crown. We’ll place a temporary crown to protect your tooth while your permanent crown is being made, ensuring you can eat and speak normally.
During your second visit, typically 2-3 weeks later, we’ll remove the temporary crown and carefully check the fit and appearance of your new permanent crown. Our dentists will make any necessary adjustments to ensure perfect fit and bite alignment before permanently cementing the crown in place.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer numerous advantages that make them one of the most popular restorative treatments at our Long Beach practice. The primary benefit is the complete restoration of your tooth’s function and appearance, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with renewed confidence.
Crowns provide exceptional durability and longevity. With proper care and regular dental visits to our office, they can last 10-15 years or even longer. They’re also highly versatile, addressing both functional and cosmetic concerns simultaneously. The natural appearance of modern crowns means they blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, and many patients forget which tooth has the crown.
From a health perspective, crowns protect weakened teeth from further damage, potentially saving you from more extensive treatments later. They also help maintain proper bite alignment and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting.
Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns
Pros:
- Long-lasting solution with excellent durability
- Natural appearance that matches your existing teeth
- Restores full chewing function
- Protects weakened teeth from further damage
- Can improve the overall appearance of your smile
- Biocompatible materials that are well-tolerated
Cons:
- Requires removal of some healthy tooth structure
- More expensive than fillings initially (though cost-effective long-term)
- May require replacement after many years
- Temporary sensitivity following placement
- In rare cases, may require root canal therapy if the tooth becomes infected
Our experienced dentists will discuss these factors with you during your consultation, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision about your dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care and regular dental visits to our Long Beach office, dental crowns typically last between 10-15 years. Some patients have crowns that last even longer. The longevity depends on factors like the material used, your oral hygiene habits, and whether you grind your teeth.
Are dental crowns painful to get?
Thanks to modern dental techniques and effective anesthesia, getting a dental crown is typically painless. Our dentists and team will ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. You may experience some mild sensitivity for a few days after placement, but this usually subsides quickly.
Can dental crowns be whitened?
No, dental crowns cannot be whitened like natural teeth since they’re made of ceramic or porcelain materials. This is why it’s important to discuss your cosmetic goals with our dentists beforehand so we can choose the perfect shade for your crown that matches your desired tooth color.
How do I care for my dental crown?
Caring for a dental crown is simple and similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and visit our dentists for regular check-ups and cleanings. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or using your teeth as tools.
Will my insurance cover the cost of a dental crown?
Most PPO dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of crown costs, typically 50-80% after your deductible. Our knowledgeable team is happy to verify your benefits and help you understand your coverage. We also offer flexible payment options to make treatment affordable.
What’s the difference between a crown and a filling?
While fillings repair small areas of decay, crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth. Crowns are recommended when the tooth is too damaged for a filling or when maximum protection is needed. Dr. Zamiri, Dr. Salcedo, and Dr. Hushein will recommend the most conservative treatment that effectively addresses your needs.
Can I eat normally with a dental crown?
Yes! Once your permanent crown is placed and you’ve adjusted to it (usually within a few days), you can eat normally. Crowns are designed to withstand normal chewing forces. However, we recommend avoiding extremely hard foods like ice or hard candy to protect both your crown and natural teeth.
At Leila Zamiri DDS, serving Long Beach and surrounding communities like Lakewood Village, Bellflower, and Huntington Beach, we’re committed to providing high-quality, personalized dental care that exceeds your expectations. Whether you need a dental crown or any other dental service, Dr. Zamiri, Dr. Salcedo, and Dr. Hushein are here to ensure you receive the exceptional care you deserve in our welcoming, patient-focused environment. Contact us today at 562-422-6868 to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more beautiful smile.