Does Your Tooth Need a Dental Crown? Ask Dr. Edvin Agadzhanov Before You Book

October 4, 2026 | By Olive Family Dentistry | Read Time : 5 min

The pain began small. The tooth is now cracked, or the filling is too big, and now you are asking whether it needs to be capped. A dental crown in Burbank can be one solution, but there are others as well.

At Olive Family Dentistry, this question is answered by Dr. Edvin Agadzhanov every other week. There are some teeth that require crowns, while others may require a filling or a night guard. Let's see what problem crowns solve and where they may be unnecessary.

When a Tooth Actually Needs a Crown

Crowns on teeth are applied for structural purposes and not for aesthetics. As stated by the American Dental Association, crowns are applied in case of fractures, very large fillings, or root canals. Crowns are repairs and not preferred options.

• The tooth is either cracked or fractured, and the crack goes beyond the gums.
• The filling is very large and therefore cannot support the structure of the tooth.
• A root canal procedure has been carried out and requires protection against fracture.
• A dental implant requires a crown to perform as a tooth.
• There is severe wear or erosion affecting how the tooth bites.
• The tooth is very discolored or misshaped and needs a crown.
• Small cavities require no crowns. A filling handles that.

The Dental Crown Procedure, Step by Step

Most crowns take two visits, about two to three weeks apart. Visit one is the prep and the impression. Visit two is the fitting and cementing.

You become numb, the tooth gets recontoured, and the digital scan gets sent to the lab. Then a temporary crown goes over it. You can expect sensitivity to persist for a few days after that procedure.

Different materials mean different equations. Metal and PFM are less expensive and durable, but they show. Zirconia is both durable and tooth-colored. All-ceramic porcelain veneers is the best-looking but chips easily when placed on molars. Resin is the least expensive one and wears down quickly.

The Cost and Lifespan of a Crown

All-ceramic and zirconia crowns cost between $1,000 and $2,500 per tooth based on cost information provided by Authority Dental. Most insurance plans cover half of the cost once your deductible is met.

Most crowns last five to 15 years but can last even up to 30 years depending on proper maintenance. Grinding and skipped cleanings shorten that clock fast. So does an uncorrected bite.

Watch for these:

• Visible crack or chip in the porcelain.
• Dark line at the junction between crown and gums, indicating possible decay.
• Pain, swelling, or bad taste when biting.
• Loosened crown, shifting position, or persistent food trapping.
• Tender or bleeding gums around the crowned tooth.
• A break bad enough that you need an emergency dentist in Burbank.

Questions to Ask Before You Book

Before scheduling a dental crown procedure in Burbank, ask these questions aloud. A reputable dentist in Burbank gives an answer without hesitation and in writing. If you have to push for answers or feel they are not fully formed, consider getting another opinion.

• What material are you going to use and why this one for my tooth?
• Is a filling, inlay, onlay, or veneer a feasible option?
• How much is the total price, including the laboratory fee and any buildup required?
• For how long is this crown supposed to last?
• What kind of redelivery or warranty do you provide?
• Is this crown insured, or what will I have to pay today?
• Would you show me an X-ray and explain it to me?

Why a Cosmetic Dentist in Burbank Might Say No

Not every patient leaves with a crown. Whether it is bonding, veneers, or whitening that will help you reach your goals, we will tell you so. Ask which one lasts the longest, not which one looks quick.

Dentists at Olive Family Dentistry

Dr. Edvin Agadzhanov received his degree from UCLA in 2008 and has been practicing since 2010, specializing in restorative, cosmetic, and implants dentistry. Dr. Dmitriy Aminov graduated from Temple University and did a residency program in esthetic dentistry.

• Two professional dentists under one roof, meaning that you see the same familiar faces.
• Implants, bridges, root canals, Invisalign, veneers, and dentures too.
• Emergency visits for cracked, broken, or painful teeth.
• IV sedation for anxious patients and longer visits.
• Most PPO insurance plans accepted, plus flexible payment options.
• Free, easy parking right at the building.

If you found us by typing “family dentist near me” at midnight, that's fine. Pain does that. Bring your questions and any old X-rays, and we'll sort it out together.

What Patients Say

“I've been going to Olive Family Dentistry for years. They're fantastic. In all these years, I've never had to sit around waiting - they are ready for me at the scheduled appointment time. They do a great job and are thorough and thoughtful.”

Get a Consultation With Olive Family Dentistry

A crown is a commitment. It's permanent, it costs money, and it needs care. When a tooth is cracked or rebuilt after a root canal, a dental crown in Burbank often means keeping it instead of losing it.

At Olive Family Dentistry, we'll show you the X-rays, explain what the dental crown procedure involves, and quote the full price before we start. If a crown isn't needed, we'll say so. Get a consultation and hire the best.

FAQs

How do I know if I really need a dental crown in Burbank?

At Olive Family Dentistry, Dr. Edvin Agadzhanov will look at the structure of your tooth, your X-rays, and how it bites. Teeth that are cracked, have large fillings, or have been root canaled will generally require a crown. Minor decay and wear will not necessarily require a crown. Please call us at (818) 846-2266 to schedule an examination.

What is the life span of a dental crown?

The average is five to 15 years, with some lasting 30 years or more. Material, bite force, grinding habits, and home care all matter. Crowns that get flossed and checked twice a year tend to outlast the rest.

Does getting a crown hurt?

This procedure is performed under local anesthetic, and therefore you should not feel any drilling or shaping. Crowns will seem bulky at first for about three days. Generally, there is mild sensitivity rather than pain, and it lasts for two weeks. In case it persists, contact your dental office.

Could a filling or a veneer do the job instead of the crown?

Not always. Fillings can be used when sufficient tooth structure is left to support it. Veneers can only be used to improve the look of the front side surface and do not contribute to increasing the tooth's strength in case of a crack on the back side of the tooth.

Why do crown prices differ so much?

Material, lab quality, and chair time drive the number. Zirconia and all-ceramic crowns cost more than metal. Some offices quote the crown only and bill the buildup or X-rays separately. Always ask for the full itemized total in writing before you schedule.