Dental Crowns in Granada Hills, CA

Dental crowns (caps) cover damaged or weakened teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and strength. At Granada Hills Dental Group, we create custom crowns that blend with your natural teeth and strengthen your smile.

When recommending a crown for the most robust and natural-looking restoration, we may also refer to it as a cap, especially if there is deep decay, an extensive filling, a cusp fracture, or a recent root canal was performed. Crowns can also improve the appearance of a misshapen or discolored tooth.

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Why You Might Need a Crown

A crown is used when a tooth cannot be fixed with a simple filling. Common reasons include:

• Cracked or broken tooth: A crown holds the tooth together and stops further damage.
• A large cavity or filling: If decay is too extensive, a crown restores the tooth's structure.
• After root canal: The treated tooth is fragile, and a crown protects it.
• Worn or weakened tooth: Grinding (bruxism) or erosion can weaken a tooth; a crown adds strength.
• Cosmetic fix: A severely discolored, misshapen, or unattractive tooth can be covered with a crown.

Our dentists will examine your tooth and discuss the best option. We recommend a crown when it offers the most durable, long-lasting solution.

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The Crown Treatment Process

Getting a crown usually takes two visits:

• Visit 1: We numb the area, remove decay or old filling material, and shape the tooth for the crown. We then take precise impressions or digital scans of the prepared tooth and your bite. These are sent to a lab to craft your custom crown. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth for about two weeks.
• Visit 2: We remove the temporary crown and fit your new permanent crown. The dentist adjusts it for the best fit and checks your bite. Once everything feels right, we bond the crown permanently. We polish it for a smooth finish and make sure it looks natural.

After placement, you'll get care instructions. With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, your crown should last for many years.

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Crown Materials and Benefits

We offer crowns in several materials to suit different needs:

• Porcelain (All-Ceramic): Tooth-colored crowns that are beautiful and resistant to stains. They work especially well on front or visible teeth. Today's porcelain crowns are strong and easy on opposing teeth.
• Zirconia: Zirconia crowns are extremely durable and tooth-colored. It is ideal for both front and back teeth. Zirconia can be colored to match your teeth and withstand heavy biting.
• Metal and Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): A metal crown (such as gold or alloy) is the strongest and will last the longest. They involve minimal tooth removal but are metallic in color, so we have them put on the back teeth, which are not visible. PFM has a metal understructure and porcelain veneer. This combines strength with a natural-looking surface.

Your dentist will recommend the best material based on the tooth's location, your bite, and how you want it to look. For example, a front tooth usually receives a porcelain or zirconia crown. At the same time, a molar might get zirconia or PFM for extra strength.

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Crowns vs. Other Repairs

A small cavity may only need a filling. Veneers (thin shells on front teeth) can fix cosmetic issues with minimal coverage. Crowns cover the entire tooth, providing full strength and protection. They are more extensive than fillings or veneers but can save a tooth that might otherwise be lost.

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Advanced Technology in Crown Fabrication

Our office uses advanced technology to make your crown treatment precise and comfortable:

• Digital Imaging: Digital X-rays give us quick, detailed images of your tooth and roots with very low radiation. We use these images to plan your crown and check your overall health.
• Digital Scanning: Instead of messy putty, we often use an intraoral scanner to create a 3D model of your prepared tooth. This is more comfortable and yields an exact shape for the crown.
• CAD/CAM and Lab Partnership: Our in-office milling machine or a high-tech dental lab uses the 3D model to make the crown. Computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) provides a highly accurate fit and the same color as your teeth.

By using these tools, we increase accuracy and reduce waiting time. The result is a well-fitting, high-quality crown that looks and feels natural.

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Our Dental Team

Your crown will be placed by experienced, caring dentists:

• Dr. Kamran Rafie, DDS (USC, 1992) – General Dentist with over 30 years of experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Farsi.
• Dr. Shadi Khoshbin, DDS (USC, 1992) – General Dentist with decades of experience. Known for her gentle approach and expertise in family dental care.

We follow the latest dental advancements to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your care.

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Insurance and Payment Options

We take a variety of dental insurance plans. We can assist you in checking your benefits for crowns and other care. We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express).

We also accept the CareCredit healthcare credit card, which spreads your treatment cost into monthly payments that are easier to manage (often without charging you any interest). Ask us for details.

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Schedule Your Appointment

Protect your tooth and restore your smile today. Contact Granada Hills Dental Group today to make an appointment for a free cosmetic consultation.

During your visit, we will explain all your options and answer any questions. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile.