Porcelain Crowns - Los Angeles, CA
Restore Your Teeth Without Metal Materials
Crowns (also called caps) for front teeth were formerly made from porcelain fused to metal. When the top layer of porcelain began to wear away, the metal caused a black margin at the gum line. The porcelain-covered metal also had an unnatural, opaque appearance. Dr. Latner prefers to place metal-free crowns that look less bulky and more translucent, like natural tooth enamel.
What does a crown do?
A crown fits over a structurally compromised tooth to restore shape, appearance, strength, function, and comfort. The crown forms a seal with the gum line to prevent bacteria from accessing the underlying tooth. Repairing a severely decayed or fractured tooth may require two or more visits.
How is a crown placed?
The procedure to place a crown over a damaged tooth involves several steps. First, Dr. Latner will numb the area around the tooth with a topical gel, followed by a comfortable injection of local anesthetic. These preliminary procedures make the entire experience comfortable.
Next, Dr. Latner will remove the damaged portion of the tooth and take an impression to send to our dental lab. A ceramist will fabricate a custom crown according to the impression so that it sits snugly atop the compromised tooth and fits well with surrounding teeth. Dr. Latner will place a temporary crown for you to wear until the permanent crown is delivered.
At your follow-up visit, Dr. Latner will remove your temporary crown and permanently secure the final restoration.