Custom porcelain crowns that protect a cracked, worn, or heavily filled tooth and blend in with the teeth around it.
Porcelain Crowns in San Diego, CA
Natural-Looking Results
Same-Day Consults
A porcelain crown is a tooth-colored cap that covers a damaged tooth from the gumline up. It restores the tooth’s shape and strength so you can chew on it again without worrying about it breaking. Dentists most often recommend a crown when a tooth is cracked, has a filling too large for the remaining tooth to support, or has been weakened by a root canal.
At Sunrise Dental Arts in Hillcrest, Dr. Andy Keith places crowns as part of our restorative dentistry in San Diego, often alongside other dental procedures such as root canal therapy or implants. Before any preparation begins, we show you what we see on the tooth and explain why a crown is, or is not, the right repair.
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When a Crown Is the Right Repair
A filling works well when most of the tooth is still intact. Once a large share of the tooth is missing or cracked, a filling alone can leave thin walls that may break under chewing pressure. A crown covers and holds the whole tooth together, which is why it is often the better long-term repair for a badly damaged tooth.
Common Reasons We Recommend a Crown
We commonly recommend crowns for a cracked or broken tooth, a tooth worn down by grinding, a large old filling that is starting to fail, and a back tooth after root canal therapy. A crown also sits on top of a dental implant, and crowns on the teeth beside a gap anchor a dental bridge.
The American Dental Association lists the same uses, including strengthening a tooth with a large filling, protecting a weak tooth from breaking, restoring a broken tooth, attaching bridges, and covering implants. If your tooth only needs a small repair, we will tell you, and a tooth-colored filling may be enough.
Getting a Crown in Two Visits
Most crowns take two appointments. At the first, Dr. Keith numbs the tooth, removes any decay or failing filling material, and shapes the tooth so the crown has room to fit. We then record the shape of the tooth, choose a shade that matches your neighboring teeth, and place a temporary crown to protect it while your permanent crown is made.
AF had been wearing a fake front tooth for several years and a previous dentist had placed porcelain crowns that were not to AF’s liking. We placed an implant in the gap and then placed 6 porcelain crowns. AF said it was a relief not to have to hide the unesthetic teeth.
RM always had gaps between her teeth and although she admits that she liked it as a child, she was unhappy with them as an adult. We discussed moving the teeth orthodontically (braces or Invisalign) but she was also unhappy with the shape of the teeth. The top 8 teeth are porcelain crowns and four of the lower teeth have direct bonding to close the gaps. RM says that she can’t stop smiling.
Choosing a Natural-Looking Crown
Porcelain crowns are tooth-colored and reflect light much like enamel, which makes them a common choice for front teeth and any tooth that shows when you smile. We match each crown to the shade and shape of the teeth around it. If you are also thinking about changing nearby front teeth, we can plan the crown together with porcelain veneers so the final result matches. Whitening does not change the color of porcelain, so if you want teeth whitening, it usually makes sense to do it before we choose your crown shade.
What Shortens a Crown’s Life?
Heavy grinding, chewing ice or hard candy, and new decay at the edge of the crown are common reasons a crown fails early. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard can protect both the crown and your natural teeth.
Caring for a Crowned Tooth
The crown itself cannot get a cavity, but the tooth underneath still can, especially where the crown meets the gum. Brush twice a day, floss along that edge every day, and keep up with regular cleanings so we can check the seal and your bite. Call us if the crown feels loose, your bite feels high, or the tooth becomes sensitive, since small problems are easier to fix early.
Schedule a Crown Consultation in Hillcrest
Our office is at 3645 Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest, open Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dr. Keith will examine the tooth, explain whether a crown, a filling, or another option makes the most sense, and review the cost with you before you decide. We are in-network with Delta Dental and can bill most other PPO plans out-of-network. We also offer financing through Cherry and CareCredit.
Request an appointment online or call (619) 291-2980 to have a cracked, worn, or heavily filled tooth checked.
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FAQs
How long do dental crowns last?
Many crowns last 10 to 15 years, and some last longer. How long yours lasts depends on your home care, whether you grind or clench, and the health of the tooth and gums underneath. Regular checkups let us spot wear or decay at the edge of the crown before it turns into a bigger problem.
Will a porcelain crown look like my other teeth?
It should. We choose the shade and shape to match the teeth beside it, and porcelain has a natural translucency that blends in well, even on front teeth. Whitening does not lighten porcelain, so if you want whiter teeth, it is best to whiten before we match your crown.
How many visits does a crown take?
Most crowns take two visits. At the first, we shape the tooth and place a temporary crown. At the second, usually a few weeks later, we fit, adjust, and bond the permanent crown.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed before we start, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. The tooth and gum may be a little tender or sensitive to cold for a few days afterward. If you feel anxious about dental work, ask about nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation.
Does insurance cover a dental crown?
Many PPO plans pay part of the cost of a crown when it is needed to restore a damaged tooth, though coverage varies by plan. Our team can check your benefits before treatment, and Cherry and CareCredit financing can spread the remaining cost into monthly payments.
What should I do if my crown comes off?
Keep the crown somewhere safe, avoid chewing on that side, and call our office so we can see you as soon as possible. Do not glue it back on with household adhesive. In many cases, a crown that comes off in one piece can be cleaned and bonded back on, and if it cannot, we can make a new one.
