Yesterday, we discussed how dental crowns can restore your smile. These caps may be placed over your pearly whites after having a root canal, breaking a tooth, or before having a dental bridge placed. They can protect the area from further damage and prevent infections. Depending on the damage that has occurred, you may not need a cap to cover the entire structure. Instead, an inlay or onlay may be used to cover a smaller area. Today, your Riverside Dental Group in California is here to explain the differences between these restorations.
Crowns Cover An Entire Tooth
As mentioned above, a dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that goes over the entire structure. These are useful for patients who have chipped or broken teeth. They may be made of porcelain or zirconia depending on the location of the injury. For instance, back molars need more support, so porcelain-fused-to-metal will be used. Porcelain will be used for more visible teeth. At your appointment, your dentist will take an impression of your smile to create a permanent crown. In the meantime, a temporary one will be placed. When the permanent one comes in, the area will be prepped, and the cap will be cemented in place.
Inlays And Onlays Prevent Further Damage
If you have only partially damaged a tooth, you may not need the restoration to cover the entire area. Instead, an inlay or onlay can be used for partial coverage. With this, porcelain is used to fill a space left from an injury or cavity. An inlay can be comparable to a filling. Fillings are different because they are usually done with composite resin. With an inlay, a piece of porcelain is crafted to fit the area. Your dentist will give impressions of the area to craft the restoration.
Onlays, on the other hand, cover the biting surface of your tooth. This may be used if you have damage to the area or a large cavity. In some cases, a previous filling may cause the cusp of your tooth to fracture. Instead of covering the entire structure, the onlay can be placed instead. The area will be protected and restrengthened without the need to remove healthy parts of the tooth.
Do You Need A Restoration?
If one of your pearly whites has been harmed, these restorations may be able to help. To schedule an appointment, contact your nearest Riverside Dental Group location in California.
Riverside Dental Group at Magnolia in Riverside, CA at (951) 689-5031.
Dental Associates of Moreno Valley in Moreno Valley, CA at (951) 697-6800.
Riverside Dental Group at Woodcrest in Riverside, CA at (951) 776-9001.
Oasis Family Dental in Temecula, CA at (951) 695-2290
Dental Associates of Riverside in Riverside, CA at (951) 369-1001.
Dental Associates of Corona in Corona, CA at (951) 273-9580.
Recent Comments