Dental Crowns & Caps in Canoga Park

Some problems with teeth cannot be fixed while maintaining the original tooth structure without compromising the tooth's function. In many cases, a prosthetic or replacement may be the only solution. A dental crown may be needed to protect a weak tooth, restore a broken tooth, support a tooth with a large filling, hold a dental bridge in place, cover misshaped or severely discolored teeth or improve the appearance of teeth.

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to restore the tooth’s shape and size, strength, and appearance. Dental crowns are sometimes called dental caps, tooth caps, or porcelain jackets. When cemented into place over the tooth, crowns only cover the visible portion of a tooth above the gum line.

Crowns are made from stainless steel, metal (including gold), porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, or ceramic. Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to our office.

On the first visit, Dr. Kenney may take a few X-rays to check the roots of the tooth and remove any decay. We then prepare the tooth by filing down the tooth's surface to make room for the crown. If a large area of the tooth is missing, we will use filling material to build up the tooth to support the crown.

A paste or putty is used to make an impression of the tooth to make impression models for the crown. The impressions are sent to an off-site dental lab where the crown will be manufactured. If the crown is made of porcelain, we will match the crown color to the color of your teeth.

While the permanent crown is being made, a temporary crown will be placed to cover and protect the prepared tooth. Temporary crowns usually are made of acrylic and are held in place with temporary cement.

At the second visit, the temporary crown is removed and we will fit and adjust the permanent crown, finally cementing it into place.

Keep in mind that your newly crowned tooth may be sensitive immediately after the procedure and as the anesthesia begins to wear off. If the tooth that has been crowned, still has a nerve in it, you may experience some heat and cold sensitivity.

You may need to brush your teeth with toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Pain or sensitivity that occurs when you bite down usually means that the crown is too high on the tooth. If this is the case, you should call our office. We can easily fix the problem.

The life span of a crown depends on the wear and tear that the crown is exposed to. You should avoid grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting fingernails, and using your teeth to open things.

You should brush your teeth at least three times a day and floss once a day, especially around the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. Antibacterial mouth rinse can also help keep this area clean.

If you think you may be a candidate for a crown, please call 818-312-9787 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kenney.