Restorative Dentistry
Dental Crowns in Los Angeles
A cap that puts a damaged tooth back to work.
Crowns are custom-fitted caps that cover and protect a damaged or weakened tooth. Made from porcelain or zirconia, they restore strength, bring back function, and are crafted to blend into the teeth either side of them. Smile LA Downtown Modern Dentistry makes them here in the Financial District.
When you need one
When a crown is the answer
A crown is a cap that covers what is left of a damaged tooth and takes over its job. It is what we use when there is not enough sound structure for a filling to hold, or when what remains is worth keeping but too weak to trust with a full bite. That covers a wide range: a tooth mostly rebuilt in filling material, one that has been through root canal treatment, one cracked or worn down over years, and the visible tooth that finishes a dental implant. The common thread is that the tooth is worth saving and cannot be left as it is. Made from porcelain or zirconia and matched to the teeth on either side, a crown restores the shape and the bite as much as the appearance.
- A large filling with little tooth left Where minimal natural structure remains to hold anything else.
- After root canal therapy Supporting and strengthening the treated tooth. See root canals.
- Completing a dental implant The visible tooth on top of the implant post. See dental implants.
- A tooth weakened by decay or injury Protecting what is left before it fails.
- A broken or severely worn tooth Restoring the shape and the bite.
- A discolored or misshapen tooth Improving how it looks as well as how it works.
What it restores
What a crown gives you back
What a crown is for is easy to state and easy to undersell. These are the four things it actually gives back.
- Protection and strength The damaged tooth is covered and held together.
- Chewing and speaking Function restored, not just appearance.
- A natural look Matched to the surrounding teeth so it does not announce itself.
- Longevity Long-lasting results with proper care.
The process, in four steps
- Consultation We evaluate the tooth and discuss how a crown would restore its strength and appearance.
- Preparation The damaged tooth is reshaped so the crown will seat securely.
- Digital impressions Captured with a scanner rather than a tray, for a precise custom fit.
- Placement The finished crown is bonded to the tooth and checked for fit and appearance.
Looking after it
Brush and floss daily to prevent decay and gum disease around the crown. Avoid biting hard objects — ice, pens. If you grind your teeth, a nightguard is worth having. And keep up your regular checkups and cleanings.
Dental Crowns FAQ
- What is a dental crown made of?
- Advanced materials such as porcelain or zirconia, chosen so the crown restores strength and function while blending with your natural teeth.
- Why would I need one rather than a filling?
- When too little natural tooth remains for a filling to work — after a large filling, a root canal, decay or injury, or a break. A crown covers the whole tooth rather than filling part of it.
- How many visits does it take?
- The process is consultation, preparation, digital impressions and placement. We reshape the tooth, capture precise impressions and bond the finished crown once it is ready.
- Will it look like my other teeth?
- Each crown is crafted to blend seamlessly with the teeth around it, in color and in shape.
- How long does a crown last?
- With proper care, a long time. Daily brushing and flossing around the crown, avoiding hard objects like ice and pens, and regular checkups are what extend it.
- I grind my teeth — is that a problem for a crown?
- It can be. A custom nightguard is worth considering to protect the crown along with the rest of your teeth.
