Crowns in Westlake Village
If you have a tooth that cracked on something hard, a large old filling that's starting to crumble, or a molar that just had a root canal, you may be wondering what comes next. For many of our patients from Westlake Village, the answer is a dental crown. At 805 Dentistry, our Thousand Oaks office is a convenient, close-by option for Westlake Village families who want to restore a damaged tooth without coordinating care across several different offices.
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline. Unlike a filling, which repairs only one area, a crown surrounds the tooth. It holds weakened structure together and gives you a strong surface for biting and chewing. Once it's in place, it looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Crowns are one of the most versatile tools in restorative dentistry. We use them on their own to protect a fragile tooth. They also serve as the anchoring pieces of a bridge and as the visible tooth on top of a dental implant. Because our practice has an on-site dental lab, we can manage much of the crown-making process under one roof rather than relying entirely on outside facilities.
Patients in Westlake Village come to us for crowns for several different reasons. Each one calls for a slightly different approach.
Cracked or broken teeth. A crack can spread over time if a tooth isn't protected. Our practice includes a board-certified endodontist who treats cracked teeth. If a crack has reached the inner part of the tooth, we can evaluate that and address it before placing a crown.
After root canal therapy. A tooth that has had a root canal, especially a molar, often needs a crown afterward to protect it. We provide root canal therapy for front teeth, premolars, and molars, as well as root canal retreatments. That means the treatment and the crown can be coordinated within the same practice.
Large or failing fillings. When a filling takes up much of a tooth, the remaining walls can become thin. A crown can reinforce what's left.
Cosmetic concerns. Crowns can improve the appearance of a tooth that is badly discolored or misshapen. They're sometimes part of a broader smile makeover or full mouth rehabilitation.
What happens during the crown process?
Getting a crown usually begins with an exam and imaging so we can see the tooth's condition clearly, both above and below the gumline. Our office provides 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT. This helps us plan carefully, particularly when a tooth has a crack or a history of treatment.
From there, a typical crown experience includes:
- Evaluation and planning of the tooth and surrounding gums
- Preparing the tooth by shaping it so the crown fits securely over it
- Fabrication of your custom crown, supported by our on-site dental lab
- Placement, where we check your bite and fit before securing the crown
Sometimes there isn't enough tooth structure showing above the gums to hold a crown well. In those cases, our board-certified periodontist can perform crown lengthening to expose more of the tooth. If dental visits make you anxious, we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia through our board-certified dental anesthesiologist. Let us know about any nervousness ahead of time so we can talk through your options.
How do I care for my crown afterward?
You care for a crown much like a natural tooth, with daily brushing, flossing, and regular checkups. The crown itself can't develop decay, but the natural tooth underneath and the gumline around it still can. Keeping that area clean matters.
We recommend keeping up with routine cleanings and exams so we can check the crown's fit and the health of the surrounding gums. If you grind or clench your teeth, ask us about a night mouth guard to help protect your crowns and natural teeth. Given our focus on TMJ treatment, we're glad to look into jaw-related concerns as well. If a crown ever feels loose or breaks, we offer emergency dental appointments, so Westlake Village patients don't have to wait in discomfort.
Will insurance cover my crown, and is financing available?
Many dental plans offer some coverage for crowns, and we accept all major PPO insurance plans. Our team can help you understand your benefits before treatment begins, so you know what to expect.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available for those who would like to spread the cost over time. If you live in Westlake Village and have a tooth that needs attention, contact 805 Dentistry to schedule an evaluation. We'll walk you through your options clearly and help you decide on the right next step for your smile.