Restore Strength and Function with Custom Dental Crowns at Tina Le, DDS

Your teeth are remarkably strong, but they are not indestructible. A tooth can become weakened by extensive decay, a fracture, or a large filling, compromising its ability to function and increasing its risk of further damage. At the dental practice of Tina Le, DDS, we offer custom dental crowns as a premier restorative solution to protect and strengthen compromised teeth. A dental crown acts as a durable, custom-fitted cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth, restoring its original shape, size, and strength.

With over 18 years of experience in restorative dentistry, Dr. Tina Le combines meticulous craftsmanship with a gentle, patient-focused approach. She is dedicated to creating dental crowns that not only look and feel completely natural but also provide lasting protection and function. If you have a damaged or weakened tooth, let us help you restore your oral health and comfort.

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What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a versatile and reliable dental restoration. Think of it as a protective helmet for your tooth. When a tooth's structure is too damaged for a filling but not so damaged that it requires extraction, a crown is often the ideal solution. It encases the entire tooth from the gumline up, effectively becoming the tooth's new outer surface. Custom-crafted from high-quality materials like porcelain or zirconia, a crown is designed to withstand the forces of biting and chewing while blending seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.

Beyond protecting a single tooth, crowns are also essential components in other restorative treatments, such as anchoring a dental bridge or completing a dental implant.

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When Is a Dental Crown Necessary?

Dr. Le may recommend a dental crown in various situations to restore the health and integrity of a tooth. Common reasons for needing a crown include:

1. Weakened Tooth: A tooth with a large crack or fracture is at risk of breaking. A crown helps hold the tooth together, providing the necessary strength to prevent further damage and decay.
2. Severely Worn or Broken Tooth: Significant wear from grinding (bruxism) or an injury can greatly reduce a tooth's size and function. A crown rebuilds the tooth to its proper height and shape.
3. Tooth with a Large Filling: When a cavity is so large that there is more filling than natural tooth structure left, the tooth can become unstable. A crown provides comprehensive support.
4. After Root Canal Therapy: A tooth that has undergone a root canal can become brittle and more prone to fracture over time. Placing a crown after the procedure is crucial to protect the restored tooth.
5. Anchor a Dental Bridge: Crowns are placed on the teeth adjacent to a gap, serving as stable anchors (abutments) for a dental bridge.
6. Cover a Dental Implant: A dental crown is the final component of a dental implant, acting as the functional and aesthetic replacement tooth that attaches to the implant post.
7. Cosmetic Enhancement: A crown can be used to cover a severely discolored or misshapen tooth, significantly improving its appearance.

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Types of Dental Crown Materials

We offer a range of advanced materials for durable and lifelike dental crowns. Dr. Le will help you choose the best option based on the tooth's location, your aesthetic preferences, and functional needs.

1. All-Porcelain or All-Ceramic Crowns: These crowns provide a natural appearance that mimics tooth enamel, making them ideal for front teeth.
2. Zirconia Crowns: Known for their exceptional strength and durability, zirconia crowns resist chipping and fractures, making them suitable for both front and back teeth.
3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: Featuring a metal substructure covered with tooth-colored porcelain, PFM crowns are very durable and have been trusted in dentistry for decades.

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The Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect

Dr. Le and her team prioritize your comfort and ensure you are informed throughout the entire process. Getting a dental crown typically requires two appointments.

1. Consultation and Tooth Preparation: At your first visit, Dr. Le will conduct a thorough examination and take digital X-rays to assess the health of the tooth and surrounding bone. After administering a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort, she will carefully remove any decay and reshape the tooth to create the precise dimensions needed for the crown to fit perfectly.
2. Impressions and Temporary Crown: Once the tooth is prepared, we will take a highly accurate digital impression. This impression serves as the blueprint for our dental laboratory to craft your custom crown. Before you leave, a temporary crown will be placed over the prepared tooth to protect it while your permanent restoration is being made.
3. Final Placement: When you return for your second appointment, the temporary crown will be removed. Dr. Le will then place your new, permanent crown, meticulously checking its fit, color, and alignment with your bite. After any necessary adjustments are made, the crown will be permanently bonded to your tooth.

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Meet Dr. Tina Le: An Accomplished Los Altos Dentist

Dr. Tina Le is an accomplished dentist with over 18 years of experience, providing family-centered care to patients across Los Altos and the South Bay. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of California, Davis, and her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the UCLA School of Dentistry. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and local dental societies. Guided by a philosophy centered on education, prevention, and individualized treatment, Dr. Le ensures that every patient feels comfortable, informed, and cared for throughout their dental journey.

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Insurance & Financial Options

Our practice accepts all major PPO insurance plans, and our knowledgeable team will work with you to maximize your benefits. For out-of-pocket expenses, we accept checks, credit cards, and CareCredit, which offers flexible, interest-free financing plans for qualified applicants.

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Contact Us
Tina Le, DDS
827 Altos Oaks Dr Suite #3
Los Altos, CA 94024
Phone: (650) 948-6273