Dental crowns are designed to protect damaged teeth and restore normal function. A well-made crown can serve you for many years, but like any dental restoration, it can eventually wear, loosen, fracture, or develop problems underneath.
At Simply Results Dentistry, our philosophy is simple: we don't replace a crown simply because it's old.
Dr. James Hernandez carefully evaluates the crown, the tooth underneath it, your bite, and your symptoms before recommending treatment. If an existing crown is healthy and functioning properly, our goal is to help you keep it.
That's part of the philosophy that has guided our practice for more than 25 years:
Traditional Values. Modern Dentistry. Simply Results.
Sometimes the signs are obvious. Other times, a problem with a crown can develop quietly.
You should have a crown evaluated if you notice:
These symptoms don't automatically mean that your crown needs to be replaced.
Sometimes the problem may be related to the bite, the gums, the neighboring tooth, or another condition that can be treated without replacing the crown.
That's why we believe in diagnosing first and treating second.
No.
There is no expiration date that automatically determines when a dental crown should be replaced.
Some crowns remain healthy and functional for many years. If the crown fits properly, the underlying tooth is healthy, and there is no evidence of significant decay, fracture, or other problems, replacement may not be necessary.
At Simply Results Dentistry, we don't believe in replacing dentistry simply because a certain number of years has passed.
Dr. Hernandez evaluates each restoration individually and recommends treatment based on what he actually sees clinically and radiographically.
If it doesn't need to be replaced, we'll tell you.
That straightforward approach is one of the reasons generations of patients have trusted our practice with their dental care.
Yes. Grinding and clenching can place considerable stress on both natural teeth and dental restorations.
Over time, these forces may contribute to wear, chipping, fractures, or other complications involving crowns.
Research has also examined the relationship between bruxism and the longevity of dental restorations.
For patients who grind or clench their teeth, Dr. Hernandez may recommend evaluating the bite or using a custom night guard when appropriate.
The objective isn't simply to protect the crown; it's to protect the teeth, restorations, jaw joints, and overall bite.
One of the challenges with crowned teeth is that you cannot see everything happening underneath the restoration.
A tooth can sometimes develop recurrent decay or other problems without producing significant symptoms initially.
During your dental examination, Dr. Hernandez evaluates the crown clinically and may use appropriate digital X-rays to examine areas that cannot be evaluated by vision alone.
At our Los Angeles office, we use modern digital imaging to help identify problems as early as possible.
Finding a problem early may allow us to preserve more natural tooth structure and, in some cases, avoid a much more complicated dental problem later.
If replacement is necessary, our priority is to preserve as much healthy natural tooth structure as reasonably possible.
Dr. Hernandez carefully removes the existing restoration and evaluates the tooth underneath it. Any decay or compromised restorative material is addressed before the tooth is prepared for its new restoration.
Modern digital technology allows us to create highly accurate impressions and design restorations that complement your natural teeth and bite.
But technology is only part of good dentistry.
After more than 25 years in practice, Dr. Hernandez believes that experience, judgment, attention to detail, and listening to the patient are just as important as the technology being used.
Removing an older crown sometimes reveals more extensive damage than can be seen from the outside.
When that happens, Dr. Hernandez will explain what he sees and discuss your options with you before proceeding.
Depending on the condition of the tooth, treatment could include a new crown, a core buildup, root canal treatment, or another restorative procedure.
If a tooth truly cannot be predictably saved, replacement options such as a fixed bridge or dental implant can be discussed.
Saving your natural tooth is always considered whenever reasonably possible.
If another dentist has told you that several older crowns need to be replaced and you're uncertain about the recommendation, you're welcome to come in for a second opinion.
Bring your existing X-rays if you have them.
Dr. Hernandez will evaluate the restorations and explain what he sees. If a crown needs treatment, he'll explain why. If it can reasonably be monitored, he'll tell you that too.
No pressure. No unnecessary dentistry. Just an experienced opinion you can understand and trust.
Simply Results Dentistry is an independent dental practice serving Beverly Grove, Miracle Mile, Beverly Hills, Fairfax, West Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.
Our office is conveniently located on Wilshire Boulevard, near the Metro D Line.
If you have an older crown that is uncomfortable, loose, cracked, or simply concerns you, schedule an examination with Dr. James Hernandez.
You don't have to decide beforehand whether your crown needs replacing.
That's our job to examine it carefully, explain what we find, and recommend only the treatment we believe is appropriate.
Traditional Values. Modern Dentistry. Simply Results.
