Dental Crowns in San Diego, CA
When a tooth is cracked, broken, or severely decayed, a dental crown saves it — restoring full strength and a natural appearance. Dr. Robair Aldaya, DDS has placed thousands of crowns in over 30 years of practice.
Crown Consultation — $99 New Patient ExamMost Insurance Accepted · Flexible Financing Available
(858) 412-5777What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that fits over a damaged tooth, encasing the entire visible portion above the gum line. Once cemented in place, it restores the tooth's original shape, size, and strength while protecting it from further damage. Crowns are custom-made to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth in both color and contour.
Modern crowns made from porcelain or zirconia are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. They are strong enough to withstand the forces of normal chewing and biting, and with proper care they can last well over a decade.
At Aldaya Dental & Implants, every crown is crafted from high-quality materials at a trusted dental laboratory. Dr. Aldaya prepares each tooth with precision, takes accurate impressions, and ensures the final crown fits your bite perfectly before cementing it permanently.
6 Reasons You May Need a Dental Crown
Crowns are one of the most versatile restorations in dentistry. Here are the most common situations where Dr. Aldaya recommends one.
Cracked or Fractured Tooth
A crown holds a cracked tooth together, prevents the crack from spreading, and protects it from painful pressure when chewing.
After a Root Canal
A tooth that has had a root canal becomes more brittle over time. A crown seals and protects it from fracturing under normal bite forces.
Severely Decayed Tooth
When decay is too extensive for a filling to reliably restore the tooth, a crown covers and protects the remaining structure.
Large or Failed Filling
When a large old filling breaks down or a new cavity is too big for a filling, a crown provides a stronger, longer-lasting restoration.
Worn Down Tooth
Teeth that have been worn from grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion can be restored to full height and function with a crown.
Cosmetic Improvement
Severely discolored, misshapen, or undersized teeth can be transformed with a natural-looking porcelain or zirconia crown.
Types of Dental Crowns
The best crown material depends on the tooth's location, your bite strength, and your aesthetic goals.
| Material | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| All-Porcelain | Most natural appearance, metal-free, excellent for front teeth | Slightly less strong than zirconia under heavy bite forces |
| Zirconia | Extremely strong, tooth-colored, metal-free, ideal for back teeth | Can be more opaque — excellent for back teeth, may be less translucent on front teeth |
| Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) | Strong metal substructure, porcelain outer layer | Dark metal line may show at gum line over time as gums recede |
The Crown Process: Two Simple Visits
Exam & Tooth Preparation
Dr. Aldaya examines the tooth, takes digital X-rays, and numbs the area with local anesthesia. He then removes any decay or damaged structure and reshapes the tooth to create a solid foundation for the crown. Precise impressions are taken and sent to our dental lab.
Temporary Crown
A custom temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it and maintain your bite while the permanent crown is being fabricated at the lab — typically 2 to 3 weeks.
Permanent Crown Placement
When your permanent crown is ready, you return for the second appointment. Dr. Aldaya removes the temporary, checks the fit and color of the permanent crown, makes any minor adjustments to your bite, and cements it permanently in place.
Long-Term Care
Care for your crown exactly like a natural tooth — brush twice daily, floss daily, and attend regular check-ups. Avoid chewing ice or hard candy, and ask about a night guard if you grind your teeth.
Questions
Dental Crowns FAQ — San Diego
How much does a dental crown cost in San Diego?
The cost of a dental crown in San Diego typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,500 per tooth depending on the material (porcelain, zirconia, or PFM) and the complexity of the case. Most dental insurance plans cover 50% of crown costs after your deductible. Schedule a $99 new patient exam at Aldaya Dental & Implants for an accurate quote and insurance breakdown.
How long do dental crowns last?
A well-made, properly cared-for dental crown typically lasts 10 to 15 years, and many last 20 years or more. Zirconia crowns are particularly durable. Lifespan depends on your bite forces, oral hygiene habits, and whether you grind your teeth. Wearing a night guard if you have bruxism significantly extends crown life.
Is getting a dental crown painful?
No — the crown procedure is performed under local anesthesia so you will not feel pain during treatment. You may experience mild sensitivity or soreness after the anesthesia wears off, typically for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers manage this comfortably. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in comfort once the permanent crown is placed.
Can I get a same-day dental crown?
At Aldaya Dental & Implants, dental crowns are typically completed in two visits: one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and a second appointment two to three weeks later to cement the permanent crown. A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth in the interim. Contact us to ask about current same-day options.
Does insurance cover dental crowns?
Most dental insurance plans cover dental crowns under major restorative benefits, typically paying 50% of the allowed fee after your deductible and within your annual maximum. Coverage is generally approved when medically necessary — such as after a root canal, for a cracked tooth, or for severe decay. We verify your benefits and provide a pre-treatment estimate before any work begins.
Crown Consultation — $99 New Patient Exam
Includes a full exam and X-rays. We'll tell you exactly what your tooth needs and what your insurance covers.
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