Crowns in West Hills
A cracked molar that twinges every time you bite down, a tooth weakened by a large old filling, or a front tooth that has chipped and darkened over the years can all lead to the same solution: a dental crown. A crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance so you can chew and smile with confidence again. At 805 Dentistry, we place crowns for children and adults, and many of our patients make the trip to our Thousand Oaks office from West Hills for restorative care that the whole family can rely on.
Your first visit with us starts with a conversation about what you've been noticing, such as sensitivity, pain when chewing, a rough edge, or a tooth that simply doesn't look the way it used to. We then complete a thorough dental exam and take the imaging needed to see what's happening beneath the surface. Our office offers 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT, which helps us understand the condition of the tooth, its root, and the surrounding bone before we recommend anything.
From there, we explain your options in plain language. A crown isn't always the answer. Sometimes a filling, inlay, or onlay can protect a tooth while preserving more of its natural structure. When a crown is the right choice, we walk you through why, what the process involves, and how it fits into your overall dental health. Our goal is for every West Hills patient to leave that first appointment with a clear plan and no lingering questions.
Crowns help in a wide range of situations. Common reasons we recommend one include:
- A tooth that is cracked, fractured, or badly worn
- A large cavity or old filling that has left too little healthy tooth behind
- A tooth that has had root canal therapy and needs protection afterward
- A discolored or misshapen tooth that doesn't respond to whitening or bonding
- Replacing a missing tooth, either as part of a bridge or on top of a dental implant
Because our practice brings several areas of care under one roof, we can handle the steps that sometimes come before a crown. If a tooth needs a root canal first, we have a board-certified endodontist on staff. If there isn't enough tooth showing above the gumline to hold a crown securely, our board-certified periodontist performs crown lengthening. For patients replacing a tooth entirely, we place dental implants as well. This coordination means fewer referrals elsewhere and a smoother experience for families traveling from West Hills.
What happens during the crown procedure?
Getting a crown typically involves preparing the tooth, capturing its precise shape, and then fitting a restoration made specifically for your bite. We begin by numbing the area so you stay comfortable, then gently reshape the tooth to make room for the crown. Any decay or weakened structure is removed so the crown rests on a solid foundation.
Next, we record the shape of the prepared tooth and its neighbors so the crown fits naturally with your bite. Our office has an on-site dental lab, which allows us to stay closely involved in how your restoration is made. Once the crown is ready, we check its fit, color, and bite carefully before bonding it in place. If dental visits make you anxious, we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation, and we have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on our team.
How do I care for my new crown?
You care for a crown much like a natural tooth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with your regular cleanings and exams. While the crown itself can't develop a cavity, the natural tooth underneath and the gumline around it still can, so good daily habits matter.
It's normal to notice mild sensitivity for a short time after treatment. If your bite feels uneven or anything seems off, let us know so we can take a look. If you clench or grind your teeth, we may suggest a night guard to help protect both your crown and your natural teeth, and our focus on TMJ care means we can evaluate jaw-related concerns too. Should a crown ever loosen or break, we offer emergency dental appointments.
How can I pay for a dental crown?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and are happy to help you understand how your benefits apply to your crown before treatment begins. Many plans include coverage for restorative care, and our team can walk you through what to expect.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available to help spread the cost of treatment over time. Led by Dr. Dar Radfar, DDS, our team believes cost shouldn't stand between you and a healthy, comfortable smile. If you live in West Hills and have a tooth that's been bothering you, we'd be glad to see you, explain your options, and help you choose the path that feels right.