Dental Crowns vs. Inlays & Onlays Plano, TX Do you have a cavity? Don’t worry. As soon as your dentist identifies a cavity in your tooth, they first assess the location and size of the damage and only then do they recommend methods for restoring your teeth so they can serve you for a long time. Today, we have several options that one can choose from to restore the tooth, its function and your confident smile. Dental crowns, inlays and onlays are some of the restoration methods that your dentist will recommend in case of tooth damage. Understanding how each method of tooth restoration works will give you a better idea of what you should consider as part of your treatment plan. At McDonald & Luck DDS, we love to address all of your concerns before you undertake any of our restorative dentistry procedures.Dental Crowns vs. Inlays and OnlaysIn case of tooth damage due to cavities, your dentist will usually drill it out and rely on filling with a composite or amalgam material. However, there are always exceptions. In case the damage is too extensive, you will need a lot more than the normal dental filling. That’s when inlays, onlays and dental crowns come into play as means of providing more support for your tooth. An inlay is a special type of tooth restoration where a solid piece of material is used to fill in space in your tooth once the cavity is drilled out. This method of tooth restoration is most suitable to fill in cavities that occur between the cusps of your tooth. On the other hand, onlays are more like an outer covering over the cusp of your tooth. However, they are different from dental crowns as they don’t cover the entire tooth. Both inlays and onlays can be made from materials such as composite resin or porcelain. You can also find metal inlays and onlays that are not always visible as you smile. Lastly, dental crowns are a restorative treatment for teeth where a larger part of the structure needs protection and support. Dental crowns are permanent caps that are placed over the damaged and chipped teeth. Dental crowns can be made using materials such as metal, porcelain and resin. Porcelain crowns are often the best choice for individuals with metal allergies. What to Expect During Each Restorative ProcedureEach of these restorative procedures is customized where the end product is designed to fit in the shape of your teeth. Hence you will have to visit your dental clinic more than once as you plan to get an inlay, onlay, or a dental crown for your teeth. During your initial visit, your dentist will prepare your oral cavity for the procedure, which usually starts with identifying the decaying or damaged teeth. Next, your dentist will prepare the damaged tooth by drilling out the cavity or performing a root canal. Moreover, your dentist will also take the precise measurement of your teeth by making a mold that is then sent to the dental laboratory to create the exact restoration for your teeth. Meanwhile, your dentist might do a temporary filling to prevent any infections. Once your restorations are ready, your dentist will remove the temporary restoration and replace it with an inlay, onlay or a dental crown depending upon the type of restoration you need for your damaged or chipped teeth. For any restorative procedure, only your dentist can give you the best advice. Whether you need an inlay, onlay, or a dental crown, always make sure you ask your dentist all the questions you might have about the procedure. Only with all of the relevant information you can make a more informed decision about your oral health. Call our office today at (469) 649-0699 and schedule your appointment now. |
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