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Dental Crowns in Santa Monica
Got a tooth that's chipped, cracked, or not pulling its weight anymore? You’re definitely not the only one. It happens all the time—biting on something too hard, grinding at night, or decay sneaking up over the years. That’s where dental crowns come in.
Think of a crown as a custom-made shell that fits snugly over your damaged tooth. It protects what’s left, brings back strength, and makes your smile look complete again. In Santa Monica, where healthy smiles are everywhere, crowns help people feel good about eating, talking, and flashing those teeth again.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is basically a cap that goes over a tooth that’s seen better days. Whether it’s cracked, worn down, or has had major dental work like a root canal, the crown acts as a protective cover. It’s custom-shaped and color-matched to look like it belongs—because once it’s on, it does.
Crowns today are built from durable stuff like porcelain, ceramic, or a combo of materials. They’re designed to handle daily use and look like the real thing. If done well, it’s tough to tell which one’s the crown and which are your natural teeth.
Signs You Might Need a Crown
You won’t always feel pain when something’s wrong, but here are some common reasons a crown might be your next step:
- There’s too much decay for a filling to fix.
- Your tooth is cracked or weakened and needs extra support.
- You’ve had a root canal and want to keep the tooth strong.
- You grind your teeth or have worn them down over time.
- You want to improve how a tooth looks.
- You’re getting a dental bridge and need support on either side.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Crowns might seem like a big commitment, but the upside is huge:
Keeps your real tooth
No need for removal. A crown lets you keep what’s left and protects it long-term.
Built to last
Restores function
Looks natural
What the Crown Process Looks Like
In most cases, getting a crown takes two visits. Some dentists offer same-day crowns, but here’s how the traditional process usually works:
Exam and Prep
Your dentist checks the tooth, maybe takes an X-ray, and discusses your options. If a crown makes sense, they’ll numb the area, clean the tooth, and shape it to make room for the crown.
Digital Scan or Mold
They take a 3D scan or physical impression of your tooth, which goes to a lab where your crown is made. This can take a couple of weeks.
Temporary Crown
You’ll get a temporary one to cover the tooth while the real thing is being made. It’s not as tough, so avoid hard or sticky foods.
Final Placement
Once your permanent crown is ready, the dentist removes the temporary and fits the real one. After a few adjustments to make sure your bite feels right, they cement it in place.
Aftercare
It might feel a little different at first, but that goes away quickly. If it still feels off after a couple of days, your dentist can tweak it easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
