Crowns in Newbury Park
You bite into something crunchy and feel a sharp twinge. Or maybe an old, oversized filling has started to crack, or a tooth that had a root canal years ago now feels fragile. For many patients who visit us from Newbury Park, situations like these lead to a conversation about a dental crown. At 805 Dentistry, our Thousand Oaks office provides crowns as part of the complete family, restorative, and cosmetic care we offer under one roof. Newbury Park patients can handle the exam, the treatment, and the follow-up visits with one team they already know.
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline. It restores the tooth's shape, strength, and appearance when a filling alone is no longer enough. Because it surrounds the tooth, a crown holds weakened structure together and helps protect it from the pressure of everyday chewing.
Crowns are among the most versatile restorations in dentistry. They can protect a cracked or heavily decayed tooth, cover a tooth after root canal therapy, and anchor one end of a bridge. They can also improve the look of a tooth that is badly discolored or misshapen. Crowns are part of our broader restorative dentistry and smile makeover care, so we can plan a single crown or coordinate several as part of a larger treatment plan.
Crowns help in a wide range of situations, and many of our Newbury Park patients come to us with more than one of these concerns. You may be a good candidate if you have:
- A tooth with a large, failing, or broken filling
- A cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth
- A molar or premolar that has had root canal therapy
- Decay too extensive for a filling, inlay, or onlay
- A gap that a bridge could fill, with crowns placed on the neighboring teeth
- A tooth whose shape or color stands out from the rest of your smile
Not every damaged tooth needs a crown. When less tooth structure is missing, a filling, inlay, onlay, or composite bonding may be a better choice, and we offer all of these. During your exam, we look closely at how much healthy tooth remains so we can recommend the most conservative option that will hold up.
What happens at my first crown visit?
Your first visit starts with a thorough exam and imaging so we understand exactly what is happening with the tooth. We also check the nerve, the surrounding gums, and your bite, because each of these affects how a crown should be planned.
If the tooth needs other care first, we can often provide it within our own practice. Our team includes a board-certified endodontist for root canal treatment and cracked teeth. It also includes a board-certified periodontist who performs crown lengthening, a procedure that exposes more tooth structure when there isn't enough above the gumline to support a crown. For Newbury Park families, keeping these steps in one office means fewer referrals and less coordinating between different practices.
How is a crown placed?
A crown is typically placed over a couple of visits. First, we numb the area, remove any decay, and gently shape the tooth so the crown can fit over it. Then we take records of the prepared tooth and place a temporary crown to protect it while your permanent restoration is made.
Our office has an on-site dental lab, which lets our clinical team and lab work closely together on the fit, shape, and shade of your crown. At your next visit, we remove the temporary, check the fit and bite of the permanent crown, and bond it securely in place. For patients who feel anxious about dental work, we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation, and a board-certified dental anesthesiologist is part of our team.
How do I care for my new crown?
You care for a crown much like a natural tooth, with daily brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings. The crown itself can't decay, but the tooth underneath can, especially where the crown meets the gumline. Keeping that area clean matters.
If you clench or grind your teeth, let us know. We provide night mouth guards that can help protect crowns and natural teeth from that extra force. Because we also treat TMJ disorders, we can look at jaw-related causes of grinding if they apply to you. Sports guards are available for active patients as well. If a crown ever feels loose, cracks, or causes discomfort, call us. We offer emergency dental appointments.
How can I pay for a dental crown?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and many plans include coverage for crowns. Our team can help you understand your benefits before treatment begins.
If you don't have dental insurance, we welcome self-pay patients. Financing is also available to help spread the cost of care over time. Whether you need a single crown or a more complete restoration, we'll walk you through your options clearly so you can make a comfortable decision. To schedule a visit with Dr. Dar Radfar and our team, Newbury Park patients can contact our Thousand Oaks office today.