Dental Crowns in Long Beach, CA: Strong, Natural-Looking, Metal-Free
When a tooth is cracked, badly decayed, or weakened by a large old filling, a dental crown can make it strong again. A crown is a custom-made cap that covers the whole tooth, protecting it and restoring its natural look. At Salem Dentistry in Long Beach, Dr. Roxana Salem, DDS, designs each crown to match your smile, so it looks and feels like your own tooth.
Call 562-435-8339 or book online
Why patients choose Salem Dentistry for crowns
- One dentist from start to finish. You see Dr. Salem at every visit, from planning to final placement.
- Advanced training. Dr. Salem completed the Comprehensive Esthetic & Restorative Residency at the Esthetic Professionals Dental Educational Center (2016–17).
- Metal-free crowns. We use zirconia and E.max, matched carefully to your natural teeth.
- Digital scans, no messy impressions. A scanner takes a precise 3D picture of your tooth.
- Only when you need one. If a smaller repair will do the job, Dr. Salem will tell you.
- Comfort comes first. We numb the tooth completely, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available if you’re anxious.
- Same-day appointments are often available for broken teeth.
- All PPO plans and Medi-Cal Dental accepted.
- Care in three languages: English, German, and Farsi.
When do you need a crown?
Dr. Salem may recommend a crown if you have:
- A cracked or broken tooth
- A large cavity that’s too big for a filling
- A tooth with a large old filling that’s weakening or breaking down
- A tooth that has had a root canal
- A missing tooth being replaced with a bridge or dental implant
- A tooth that is badly stained or misshapen
Back teeth with large fillings often develop small cracks that cause pain when chewing. A crown holds the tooth together and stops that pain.
Benefits of dental crowns
- Strengthens and protects a weak or damaged tooth
- Relieves pain from cracked teeth
- Restores normal chewing and biting
- Looks natural, matched to the color of your other teeth
- Lasts for many years with good care
Crown materials
Dr. Salem uses two high-quality, metal-free materials:
- Zirconia is very strong and long-lasting, ideal for back teeth that do the heavy chewing.
- E.max is a beautiful, natural-looking ceramic, ideal for front teeth where appearance matters most.
Because both are metal-free, there is no dark line at the gumline.
What to expect
Getting a crown usually takes two visits.
First visit
- Numbing. Dr. Salem numbs the tooth so you stay comfortable.
- Preparing the tooth. She removes any decay and gently shapes the tooth so the crown fits.
- Digital scan. She scans the tooth to create a precise 3D model, with no impression putty.
- Temporary crown. A temporary crown protects your tooth while your permanent crown is made in the dental lab.
Second visit
- Checking the fit. Dr. Salem removes the temporary crown and checks the fit, bite, and color of your new crown.
- Placing the crown. She cements it firmly in place.
Caring for your temporary crown
Your temporary crown protects your tooth and keeps it from shifting until your permanent crown is ready. It’s not as strong as the final crown, so for a week or two:
- Avoid sticky foods like gum, caramel, and taffy
- Avoid hard or very chewy foods
- Chew on the other side when you can
- Be gentle when flossing, and slide the floss out sideways instead of pulling it up
If your temporary crown comes loose, call us and we’ll fix it quickly.
After your permanent crown
Your new crown should feel comfortable right away. If your bite feels “off” or the tooth feels high when you chew, call us. A quick adjustment usually fixes it.
The tooth under your crown can still get a cavity at the edges, so keep brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and coming in for regular exams.
Questions patients ask
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is completely numb during the procedure, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Some sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal.
How long does a crown last?
With good care, a crown often lasts 10 to 15 years or longer. Brushing, flossing, and regular checkups make the biggest difference.
How long does it take to get a crown?
Two visits, usually a week or two apart, while the dental lab makes your permanent crown.
Will my crown look natural?
Yes. Dr. Salem matches the shade and shape to your other teeth, and our metal-free materials reflect light the way natural enamel does.
Do I really need a crown, or would a filling work?
It depends on how much healthy tooth is left. Small areas of damage can be repaired with a filling, inlay, or onlay. A crown is for teeth that need full coverage to keep from breaking. Dr. Salem will show you photos of your tooth and explain her recommendation.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
In most cases, yes. A tooth that has had a root canal is more fragile, and a crown protects it from cracking.
What should I do if I broke a tooth?
Call us at 562-435-8339. We can often see you the same day. Until then, avoid chewing on that side.
Do you take my insurance?
We accept all PPO dental plans and Medi-Cal Dental. We do not accept HMO plans. Call us and we’ll check your benefits for you.
Protect your tooth today
Call Salem Dentistry at 562-435-8339 or book online to schedule your crown appointment.