Dental Inlays and Onlays vs. Crowns
Serious tooth decay and tooth fractures can lead to major dental health concerns. Thankfully there are many restorations available to prevent the spread of tooth decay and serious dental infections. Dr. John P. Goodman can determine the ideal restoration for you when you stop by his Kansas City, MO dental practice.
For major decay and fractures, a dental billing will not cut it. In these cases, the use of inlays and onlays or dental crowns is most ideal. Let’s take a moment to consider how each of these restorations work and when one may be better for you than another.
About Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are the dental restorations used when a traditional filling is not sufficient to address the fracture or decay a person has experienced. An inlays is designed to fill in a large part of the compromised cusp of a tooth, which is the flat portion of a molar or premolar. Onlays, by contrast, replace the cusp itself.
The Procedure for Placing Inlays and Onlays
The procedure for creating an inlay or onlay is rather straightforward. A dentist removes the compromised tooth material. An impression is then taken of the remaining, healthy tooth structure. From this impression, an off-site dental lab creates a custom restoration. This usually takes about 10 days to two weeks.
When the final inlay/only shows up, it is checked for fit and then adhered in place. The custom inlay/onlay will look totally natural and is color matched to your existing tooth structure.
About Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are also available at our Kansas City restorative dentistry center. These are caps that are intended to fit over a seriously damaged tooth. Crowns are recommended when inlays and inlays are not sufficient to restore the overall strength and integrity of a tooth.
It’s also possible to create a single crown in to replace a missing tooth. In these cases, the crown is supported by a single dental implant that is surgically placed into the tooth gap.
The Procedure for Placing Dental Crowns
Placing a dental crown is similar to the process for placing inlays and onlays. Compromised tooth structure is removed, leaving only strong and healthy tooth structure behind. Impressions are taken so a custom crown can be created in a lab. When the crown is completed, the dentist adheres the crown in place so it fully protects the healthy tooth structure underneath.
Creating a Custom Treatment Plan for You
Inlays, onlays, and crowns are all effective means of addressing serious dental health problems. The ideal treatment for you will depend on the extent of tooth structure damage you’ve experienced.
During the consultation process, we can assess your situation and determine what kind of restoration is most ideal for you and your needs. Our goal is to help you maintain as much natural tooth structure as possible while improving your overall dental wellness in the process.
Learn More About Dental Restorations
If you live in the Kansas City area and would like to learn more about your dental care options, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. You can reach our practice by phone at (816) 842-8585.
