Los Angeles patients discover the benefits of dental crowns

The use of crowns in dentistry dates back to 166-201 AD, when the Etruscans, and early Italian culture, created gold crowns. Since then, crown techniques have evolved tremendously. Today, Dr. Don Mungcal’s patients in Los Angeles benefit from modern technologies and materials for beautiful, healthy smiles.

Stunning ceramics

Gold and noble (non-corrosive) metals remained go-to materials for dental crown for many years. In 1889 Charles Land patented the first ceramic cap. Known as a “jacket crown,” it blended much better with existing teeth, but was prone to cracking. Nevertheless, it was used extensively into the 1950s.

PFM (porcelain fused to metal) crowns were developed in the late 1950s to solve the durability issue. While PFMs are strong, the metal core lacks natural translucency, and a dark area shows at the gum line.

Dental ceramics continued to evolve into materials such as zirconia and porcelain (a refined white clay fired at a high temperature to a glass-like consistency). These materials are strong enough for solid ceramic crowns in any area of the mouth, and they look completely natural.

Same-day convenience

Dr. Mungcal takes contemporary crown technology a step further with CEREC. With computer design and an in-house milling machine (CAD/CAM), he creates remarkable crowns while you wait:

• Tooth is prepped.
• Digital impressions are taken.
• Crown is fabricated “chairside.”
• Porcelain is stained – shaded to a perfect match to your smile.
• Crown is cemented into place and polished.
• You leave with a restored smile . . . in one visit!

Dental crown are extremely versatile. A crown can be used for cosmetic improvement, to protect a tooth with a large area of decay or damage, to strengthen tooth structure following root canal therapy, as part of a dental bridge, or to top a dental implant.

For more information on dental crown, call Downtown Dental in Los Angeles at 213-863-9464

Share this Article