Dental Crowns in Pacific Beach, San Diego

Breaking or damaging a tooth can be a frightening experience — luckily, talented PB dentist Dr. Ricardo Hernandez is a natural born problem solver with a range of restorative solutions, including dental crowns, at his fingertips. A crown is a fixed prosthetic that restores full function and normal appearance to a compromised tooth. Crowns are an integral part of any dentist's repertoire.

Dental Crowns Before Dental Crowns After

Patients Teeth Before & After Dental Crowns

What Are Dental Crowns Used For?

Dental crowns can be used to:

  • Restore a single damaged or decayed tooth
  • Strengthen a weakened tooth
  • Replace a large filling
  • Provide stability when attached to a dental bridge that replaces a missing tooth
  • Cover a dental implant to replace a missing tooth

Crafted from high-quality materials, crowns are color-matched and shaped to look like natural teeth. When placed, they are practically indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth.

Front Teeth Crowns Before Front Teeth Crowns After

Patients Teeth Before & After Dental Crowns

You have a choice in dental crowns, and Dr. Hernandez will help you select the type that is most suitable for your needs and goals. Many people choose crowns with a metal-alloy base and a porcelain overlay. These crowns, called porcelain-fused-to-metal, are both aesthetically pleasing and strong enough to withstand the intense force of chewing. Another type of crown, gold crowns, are more noticeable but very strong and durable; gold crowns expand and contract like natural teeth, making them a wonderful long-term solution. Gold crowns can be covered in porcelain for a more natural looking finish. All-porcelain or all-ceramic crowns are the most natural looking choice and often used to restore a front tooth.

Dental Crown Treatment

Dental crowns usually require two separate dental appointments to plan, fit and place. During the first visit, the tooth that needs the crown will be numbed and any areas of decay will be removed. Dr. Hernandez will take an impression of the tooth and send it to the dental laboratory responsible for creating the customized crown. In the meantime, Dr. Hernandez will place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth.

Dental Crowns in Pacific Beach, San Diego

Once your permanent crown is ready, you will return to the office to have it placed. Dr. Hernandez will remove the temporary and slip the permanent crown over the tooth. He will bond it into place using a strong adhesive material. Dr. Hernandez will ensure that the crown blends in with the surrounding teeth and doesn’t interfere with your normal bite. He can make any needed last-minute adjustments for fit, comfort or appearance.

With the proper care and attention, your dental crown can last for many years. It needs to be brushed and flossed daily and you will need to see Dr. Hernandez regularly for check-ups. Although your crown is strong and durable, you should avoid biting down on hard objects (e.g., ice, bone). Also, if you are known to grind or clench your teeth, you might need to look into a night guard or something similar to protect your crown. If your crown is attached to a bridge or a dental implant, Dr. Hernandez can give you comprehensive instructions for your restoration’s care.

Learn More about Dental Crowns

To learn more about dental crowns, bridges or implants, please schedule a consultation at Dr. Hernandez’s Pacific Beach dental practice. Call (858) 272-6047 or email us today to make your appointment.

4460 Olney Street

San Diego, CA 92109

(858) 272-6047

Call us today!

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