Inlays/Onlays
An Inlay is a porcelain/gold alternative to a composite filling. Inlays are custom laboratory fabricated restorations and can last longer than composite fillings. They do not replace as much tooth structure as an onlay. An inlay is the premier standard of restorations for smaller cavities.
An Onlay is a durable porcelain/gold restoration that fits onto the tooth, protecting it from further decay and fracture. Dental onlays are used as an alternative to dental crowns to restore large cavities where there may be not be enough of the existing tooth surface to support a composite filling.
Crowns
“Our robust high quality crowns and customized fillings are designed to blend in seamlessly with your existing teeth”. What is a dental crown?
A dental crown or sometimes referred to as a cap, is a restoration that encases the tooth in order to:
a) provide strength to a severely decayed tooth
b) repair a broken or cracked tooth
c) improve the cosmetic appearance of the tooth.
What are Dental Crowns Made of?
Many materials are used in crowns.
These include:
1. Gold alloy
2. Porcelain fused to gold alloy
3. Porcelain fused to non-precious metal
4. All porcelain
5. Composite resin.
6. Titanium
7. Zirconium
Different materials are used for different parts of the mouth. You should discuss the alternatives with your dentist.
What does the dental crown procedure consist of?
The dentist will shave off a minimum thickness of your tooth and then take an impression of your tooth. This impression is sent to the laboratory to make your permanent dental crown. In the meantime, your dentist will place a temporary dental crown over your tooth. The dentist will also determine what shade your dental crown will be in order to best match the shade of your remaining teeth or what you desire.
In 1-2 weeks your dental crown should be ready, you will return back to our office for your second visit. Your dentist will remove the temporary dental crown, clean the tooth, and then permanently cement the crown onto your tooth.
WILL I BE SORE AFTER TREATMENT ?
There is generally soreness around the gum line. Pressure and temperature sensitivity is occasionally felt for a few days and in rare cases few weeks. Do call for an appointment soon if the bite feels high or “off” once the anesthesia wears off. It is much better to polish a high spot before the tooth develops a pain or a bruised feeling.
DO I NEED A ROOT CANAL BEFORE A CROWN?
Normally, root canals are not required prior to placing crowns; However, if the tooth has had problems and needs a root canal it can be done at any stage of the crown even after the crown has been cemented.
Why is a Dental Crown so Expensive?
The fabrication of a crown is highly labor intensive and customized.It takes time, material, and labor costs in the dental office. Then, it is usually sent to a dental lab which will charge the dentist for time and materials. Gold and porcelain fused to gold crowns are made like jewelry, carved in wax, cast and polished. In fact, it is jewelry that is custom made for one tooth. If porcelain is used, the lab tech creates that out of powder and water at a tiny oven. The work is exact and intricate.
Is There an Alternative to a Crown?
In our office, if a patient really cannot afford a crown, we will do a large composite filling if possible, so the tooth can be preserved until a crown is financially possible. Dentists in some countries place stainless steel crowns. This may work for a while. However the fit is poor and frequently the gum is irritated by these stock crowns that have really bad leaking margins which result in recurrent deep and extensive decay underneath.
How long Does a Crown Last?
Studies show that the life of a crown is very variable – it can range from 5 to 18 years! Key factors that will ensure the longevity of your crown are quality workmanship, quality materials, and good oral hygiene.
Many insurance companies have an arbitrary “five year rule.” They will not pay for a second crown on a tooth unless the first crown is at least five years old and, of course, necessary.
Bridges
A dental bridge is a custom-made, new artificial tooth made of porcelain that replaces one or more missing teeth, and is supported by adjacent teeth or by a dental implant. A dental bridge or artificial tooth looks completely natural, as it is tinted to match the colour of your existing teeth and is attached from the gumline to look like a real tooth.