Dental Crowns

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a tooth. It fits over the whole visible part of the tooth above the gumline and restores its strength, shape, size, and appearance. Crowns are often used when a tooth is too damaged for a filling to hold up on its own.

At Harmony Dental Care at 148 N Grand Ave in West Covina, our dentists place crowns made from several materials. We also offer CEREC same-day crowns for patients who want the work finished in one visit.

Who needs a dental crown?

Your dentist may recommend a crown in several situations. Most patients are referred for one of these reasons:

• Severe decay that has taken away a large part of the tooth
• A cracked or fractured tooth that could break further
• Protection for a tooth after a root canal
• Replacing a large filling that is failing
• Restoring a dental implant with a tooth-shaped crown
• Improving the look of a misshapen or badly discolored tooth

If you are not sure whether a crown is needed, a new patient exam is the best place to start. Your dentist will examine the tooth, take X-rays, and explain your options.

What types of dental crowns do we offer?

We offer a full range of crown materials. The right choice depends on the tooth’s location, how it bites against other teeth, and how you want it to look.

All-porcelain crowns

Porcelain is the most natural-looking option. It copies the translucency and color of natural enamel, which makes it a common choice for front teeth where appearance matters most.

Zirconia crowns

Zirconia is very strong and durable. It is often a good fit for back teeth that carry heavy chewing forces. Modern zirconia also offers improved appearance compared with older materials.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns

PFM crowns have a metal base with a porcelain outer layer. They balance strength and appearance and have a long history of use in dentistry.

CEREC same-day crowns

CEREC uses CAD/CAM technology. Our team designs and mills the crown in our office during one appointment. There is no temporary crown and no second visit.

For all materials, we prioritize mercury-free materials and BPA-free resins. Your dentist will explain which materials are used and why before your treatment begins.

What to expect: the crown procedure

The steps depend on whether you choose a traditional crown or a CEREC same-day crown.

Traditional crown: two visits

At your first visit, Dr. Khaef prepares the tooth by removing a thin layer of enamel so the crown has room to fit. A digital impression is then taken and sent to our dental lab. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is made.

At your second visit, which is typically one to two weeks later, the temporary crown is removed. Your custom permanent crown is checked for fit and color and then bonded in place.

CEREC same-day crown: one visit

With CEREC, the process happens in a single appointment. Our team takes a digital impression with our iTero scanner, designs the crown on screen, mills it in our office, and places it. You do not need a temporary crown or a return visit.

Comfort during treatment

Preparing a tooth for a crown is a standard procedure. Our office offers local anesthetic, numbing gel, warm blankets, and noise-canceling headphones to help you stay comfortable during your visit. Tell your dentist if you feel anything during treatment so it can be adjusted.

How much does a dental crown cost in West Covina?

The cost of a dental crown depends on several factors. These include the material you choose, such as porcelain or zirconia, the tooth being treated, whether you need a same-day CEREC crown, and whether you have insurance. We cannot give a single price for every patient, because each treatment plan is different.

To learn your estimate before you come in, you can:

• Call (626) 858-3305 to ask about a complimentary insurance eligibility check before your visit

• Book a new patient visit and ask your dentist for a written treatment plan

For new patients without insurance, our $59 New Patient Special includes a comprehensive exam, digital X-rays, and a professional cleaning. This special covers the exam and cleaning visit, not the cost of a crown.

Does dental insurance cover a dental crown?

Many dental plans cover part of the cost of a crown, because crowns are often considered necessary to protect a damaged tooth. How much your plan pays depends on your specific benefits, deductible, and annual maximum. We cannot promise what your plan covers, so we recommend checking with us before treatment.

Our office accepts PPO and Indemnity plans, Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, Smile California, CalOptima, and most major dental insurance plans. Some plans require prior authorization for crowns. Our team handles the authorization and claims paperwork for you.

Call us with your plan name and we will review how your benefits apply to a crown.

Payment and financing options

If your insurance does not cover the full cost, Harmony Dental Care offers ways to make payment manageable:

• Flexible financing with affordable monthly payment plans for elective and major procedures

Ask about these options during your visit. Your treatment coordinator can explain what each option would cost you before you decide.

Caring for your crown

Most patients notice some sensitivity in the treated tooth for a few days after a crown is placed, and this usually settles. Your dentist can tell you what to expect for your specific situation.

To help your crown last:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily, including around the crown line
• Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, and other very hard foods on the crowned tooth
• Keep your regular checkups and cleanings so your dentist can watch the crown and the tooth beneath it
• Call the office if your bite feels uneven, the crown feels loose, or you have pain that does not go away

If a crown is chipped or comes off, handle it carefully, keep it moist in milk or saliva, and call us right away.

Why patients choose Harmony Dental Care for crowns

Harmony Dental Care has been treating patients in West Covina for 20 years. Dr. Nguyen, a DMD, and Dr. Khaef lead the team. Both are committed to continuing education and to staying current with dental technology and techniques.

Our crown care includes several features that patients ask about:

• Same-day CEREC crowns. Our in-office milling lets you leave with a permanent crown after one visit.
• Multiple material choices. We offer porcelain, zirconia, and porcelain-fused-to-metal, and we help you choose based on the tooth’s location and bite.
• Digital impressions. Our iTero scanner captures detailed 3D images of your teeth, so you do not need traditional impression trays.
• Advanced imaging. 3D CBCT imaging and digital X-rays help us plan treatment.
• Insurance help. Our team handles claims and authorizations for the plans we accept.

We have earned 4.8 out of 5 stars from 148 Google reviews. Patients often mention how carefully the team explains each step and how comfortable they feel during treatment.

Our office is at 148 N Grand Ave, West Covina, CA 91791. We are a short drive from Covina, Charter Oak, and Baldwin Park.

How to book your crown visit

We are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. We are closed Saturday and Sunday.

To schedule, call (626) 858-3305 or book online. New patients of all ages are welcome. If you have a tooth that needs a crown, tell us when you call so we can schedule the right visit. You can also ask about the $59 New Patient Special for your first exam, X-rays, and cleaning.