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Dental Crowns in Encino: Biocompatible Restorations for Lasting Strength
When a tooth is severely damaged by decay, trauma, or wear, a dental crown provides the protection and restoration it needs to function properly again. At Encino Holistic Dentistry, Dr. Linda Makuta offers dental crowns that combine exceptional durability with biocompatible, mercury-free materials that support your overall health and well-being.
With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to holistic dentistry, Dr. Makuta carefully selects crown materials that are not only strong and natural-looking, but also safe for your body. Whether you need a crown to restore a damaged tooth, protect a tooth after root canal therapy, or complete a dental implant, we provide personalized solutions that prioritize both function and health.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that completely covers a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Think of it as a protective cap that fits over your natural tooth structure, allowing you to bite, chew, and smile with confidence.
Crowns are one of the most versatile restorations in dentistry, serving multiple purposes:
- Protecting a tooth weakened by large cavities or cracks
- Restoring a tooth that’s been broken or worn down
- Covering a tooth after root canal treatment
- Anchoring a dental bridge to replace missing teeth
- Completing a dental implant restoration
- Improving the appearance of severely discolored or misshapen teeth
- Strengthening teeth with large fillings that compromise tooth structure
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
- Extensive tooth decay: When a cavity is too large for a filling to adequately restore the tooth
- Cracked or fractured teeth: To hold the tooth together and prevent further damage
- Worn teeth: From grinding, clenching, or acid erosion
- Root canal treatment: To protect the tooth after the nerve has been removed
- Large, old fillings: That have weakened the remaining tooth structure
- Broken or chipped teeth: That cannot be repaired with bonding or veneers alone
- Congenital defects: Teeth that didn’t develop properly
- Cosmetic concerns: Severe discoloration or misshapen teeth that affect your smile
Types of Dental Crowns: Choosing Biocompatible Materials
At Encino Holistic Dentistry, we believe the material of your dental crown matters. Dr. Makuta offers several crown options, each selected for their biocompatibility, durability, and aesthetic qualities. We never use materials containing mercury or other toxic metals that could compromise your health.
All-Ceramic (Porcelain) Crowns
All-ceramic crowns are made entirely of dental porcelain and are the most natural-looking option available. These metal-free restorations are:
- Highly aesthetic: Can be precisely matched to your natural tooth color
- Biocompatible: Ideal for patients with metal sensitivities or allergies
- Metal-free: No concerns about metal showing through or gray lines at the gumline
- Strong and durable: Modern ceramics are extremely strong
- Stain-resistant: Maintain their appearance over time
Best for: Front teeth and patients who want the most natural appearance or have metal sensitivities.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia is an extremely strong ceramic material that offers exceptional durability combined with excellent aesthetics:
- Superior strength: One of the strongest crown materials available
- Metal-free: Completely biocompatible
- Natural appearance: Can be layered with porcelain for optimal aesthetics
- Longevity: Highly resistant to wear and chipping
- Minimal tooth reduction: Requires less removal of natural tooth structure
Best for: Both front and back teeth, especially for patients who grind their teeth or need maximum strength.
Gold Crowns
Gold alloy crowns have been used successfully in dentistry for over a century and remain an excellent option for certain situations:
- Exceptional durability: Gold is extremely strong and long-lasting
- Biocompatible: Well-tolerated by gum tissue
- Conservative preparation: Requires minimal removal of tooth structure
- Gentle on opposing teeth: Causes less wear to teeth that bite against it
- Proven track record: Decades of successful clinical use
Best for: Back teeth (molars) where aesthetics are less critical and maximum durability is desired.
What We Don’t Use: Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
While many dental offices still offer porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, Dr. Makuta prefers to avoid these restorations when possible due to potential health concerns. PFM crowns contain a metal substructure that can:
- Cause allergic reactions in sensitive patients
- Create a dark line at the gumline as gums recede
- Contain metals of unknown biocompatibility
- Require more tooth structure removal than all-ceramic options
Our holistic approach prioritizes metal-free restorations whenever clinically appropriate.
The Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect
Getting a dental crown typically requires two appointments, though Dr. Makuta will walk you through each step of the process during your initial consultation.
First Appointment: Preparation and Impression
Examination and Planning: Dr. Makuta will thoroughly examine your tooth, take X-rays if needed, and discuss your crown options based on the tooth’s location, your bite, aesthetic preferences, and any material sensitivities.
Anesthesia: Your tooth and surrounding area are numbed for your comfort.
Tooth Preparation: The tooth is carefully shaped to create room for the crown. The amount of tooth structure removed depends on the crown material selected. Dr. Makuta always strives to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Impression: A detailed impression of your prepared tooth is taken, along with impressions of your opposing teeth to ensure proper bite alignment.
Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed to protect your tooth while your permanent crown is being fabricated at our trusted dental laboratory.
Shade Selection: For ceramic crowns, we carefully select the shade that best matches your natural teeth for seamless integration.
Between Appointments
Your impressions are sent to a skilled dental laboratory where master technicians craft your custom crown to precise specifications. This typically takes 2-3 weeks.
During this time, you’ll wear your temporary crown. While you can eat normally, we recommend avoiding very sticky or hard foods that could dislodge the temporary restoration.
Second Appointment: Crown Placement
Temporary Crown Removal: Your temporary crown is gently removed and the tooth is thoroughly cleaned.
Crown Try-In: Your new permanent crown is carefully checked for proper fit, bite, and appearance. Dr. Makuta ensures everything is perfect before final placement.
Final Cementation: Once you and Dr. Makuta are completely satisfied, the crown is permanently cemented in place using biocompatible dental cement.
Bite Adjustment: Your bite is carefully checked and adjusted to ensure comfortable, natural function.
Final Polish: The crown is polished to a natural luster that matches your surrounding teeth.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
With proper care, your dental crown can last 10-15 years or longer. Dr. Makuta recommends:
- Brush twice daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste
- Floss daily: Pay special attention to the area where the crown meets your natural tooth
- Regular dental visits: Professional cleanings and exams every six months
- Avoid damaging habits: Don’t chew ice, bite fingernails, or use your teeth as tools
- Wear a nightguard: If you grind or clench your teeth
- Maintain good overall health: Your oral health is connected to your whole-body wellness
If you experience any discomfort, sensitivity, or if your crown feels loose, contact our office immediately.
The Holistic Advantage: Why Material Selection Matters
At Encino Holistic Dentistry, Dr. Makuta’s approach to dental crowns extends beyond simply restoring damaged teeth. We consider how every material we place in your mouth affects your overall health and well-being.
Biocompatibility Testing Available
For patients with known sensitivities or concerns about dental materials, we can arrange biocompatibility testing to identify which materials are best suited to your individual body chemistry. This personalized approach ensures your dental restoration supports, rather than compromises, your health.
Mercury-Free Practice
As a certified SMART dentist and member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), Dr. Makuta is committed to mercury-free dentistry. We never use materials containing mercury or other toxic metals.
Whole-Body Health Perspective
Dr. Makuta understands that your oral health is intimately connected to your overall wellness. By choosing biocompatible crown materials and using advanced techniques that preserve healthy tooth structure, we support your complete health while restoring your smile.
Why Choose Dr. Makuta for Your Dental Crown?
- Over 20 years of experience: Dr. Makuta has successfully placed thousands of dental crowns
- Holistic approach: We consider your complete health, not just your teeth
- Biocompatible materials: Safe, mercury-free restorations tailored to your needs
- Advanced training: Dr. Makuta is working toward her Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry
- Personalized care: Every treatment plan is customized to your unique situation
- Beautiful results: Crowns that look natural and function perfectly
- Comfortable environment: Sedation dentistry available for anxious patients
Dental Crowns and Dental Implants
Dr. Makuta both places and restores dental implants. If you’re missing a tooth, a dental implant topped with a custom crown provides the most natural-looking and functional replacement option available. The implant crown is designed to match your natural teeth perfectly in both appearance and function.
Schedule Your Dental Crown Consultation
If you have a damaged tooth that needs protection and restoration, or if you’ve been told you need a crown, Dr. Linda Makuta can help. We’ll thoroughly evaluate your tooth, discuss all your options including biocompatible material choices, and create a personalized treatment plan that restores your tooth while supporting your overall health.
Contact Encino Holistic Dentistry:
Call: (818) 986-7470
Visit us at:
5400 Balboa Boulevard #211
Encino, California 91316
Conveniently located just off Ventura Blvd, serving families throughout the San Fernando Valley including Encino, Tarzana, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Reseda, and Van Nuys.
Mercury-free, biocompatible dental crowns. Over 20 years of holistic dental care. Your health is our priority.
Holistic Dental Checkups
Comprehensive exams that connect your oral health to overall wellness, using biocompatible materials and preventive care.
Safe Mercury Removal
Mercury-free dentistry with SMART protocol for safe amalgam removal, protecting your health and the environment.
Teeth Whitening
Safe, customized whitening for a radiant smile. Whitening for Life program available for long-lasting results.
Invisalign & ClearCorrect
Discreet clear aligners straighten teeth without metal braces. Comfortable, effective, and virtually invisible.