Crowns & Bridges in Santa Monica

A crown is a custom cap that covers a damaged tooth to restore its shape and strength, and a bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring false teeth to the teeth on either side. They're for teeth that are cracked, heavily filled, worn down, treated with a root canal, or missing.

When a crown is the right choice

  • A large filling has left too little natural tooth
  • A tooth is cracked or broken
  • A back tooth has had a root canal
  • A tooth is badly worn or discolored

Bridges for missing teeth

A bridge fills the gap left by a missing tooth, helping you chew and speak normally and keeping nearby teeth from drifting. Dental implants are another way to replace missing teeth, and we'll explain both so you can choose.

Dental implants

An implant replaces the root of a missing tooth and supports a crown that looks and feels natural. Implants are placed by our trusted partner oral surgeon, and Dr. Asgharzadeh plans your treatment and restores the implant with a natural-looking crown here in our office.

Materials

We favor metal-free ceramic crowns, such as zirconia and porcelain, for a natural look and strength. The right material depends on where the tooth is and how you bite.

What to expect at your visit

  1. Exam and X-rays to confirm the tooth can support a crown or bridge.
  2. Shaping the tooth and taking an impression or scan; a temporary is placed.
  3. The permanent restoration is made to match your teeth.
  4. Fitting, adjustment and cementing at a second visit.

Common questions

How long does a dental crown last?

Crowns commonly last 10 to 15 years or longer with good hygiene and regular checkups. Grinding and chewing hard objects can shorten their life.

Does getting a crown hurt?

The tooth is numbed, so the procedure is usually comfortable. Some temporary sensitivity afterward is normal.

Bridge or implant: which is better?

Both work well. A bridge is faster and avoids surgery but involves the neighboring teeth. An implant replaces the root and leaves neighbors untouched but takes longer. If you choose an implant, our partner oral surgeon places it and Dr. Asgharzadeh restores it with a crown here in our office.

Book an appointment

Book online on Zocdoc at any time, or call the office at (310) 829-4322. New and returning patients welcome.

Prefer to send a request? Use our appointment request form.