DENTAL CROWNS
When a tooth becomes cracked, the repairs can be as simple as bonding it back together or as complex as having the tooth crowned. Only a thorough exam will reveal the best method for repairing the tooth. Scheduling an examination right away is critical in order to prevent further damage and compromising your oral health.
Early diagnosis of a damaged tooth is important. Neglecting a damaged tooth can lead to more problems, even loss of the tooth. Even with an early diagnosis, there is no guarantee that a cracked tooth can be saved. Dr. Lane will do a thorough exam and suggest a course of action to restore your smile.
Bonding a tooth is one of the simplest repairs. All that is required is applying bonding material to fuse the pieces together again. If more extensive work is required, you will be advised of all the options.
A damaged tooth may or may not cause you discomfort. Symptoms can be a mild annoyance when you bite down or let up, to severe pain or throbbing when you ingest hot or cold beverages or food. Not all cracks are visible to the eye. If you are experiencing symptoms or believe that you may have a cracked tooth, contact Lane Family Dental today. Ignoring a cracked tooth will only lead to greater problems.
The Dental Crown Procedure
If he finds that you need a crown, Dr. Lane will suggest that you schedule an appointment as soon as possible. The longer you wait for treatment, the worse your situation may become. At the first appointment, we will prepare your tooth for the crown and take impressions for our dental lab. Dr. Lane will secure a temporary crown to your tooth for your comfort.
By the time you arrive for the second phase of treatment, your new dental crown will have been fabricated and delivered to our office. Dr. Lane will replace your temporary with the permanent crown and ask you to bite down, so he can assess the fit of the new restoration against opposing teeth. He’ll make adjustments, if necessary before you leave.
The Inlay and Onlay Procedure
Essentially, inlays and onlays are larger, more solid fillings than traditional composite resin fillings. They are made in the lab from solid material, rather than starting out as a liquid. As with a crown, inlays and onlays require two appointments. You’ll also wear a temporary between visits.
Inlays fit into a cavity between the cusps of a tooth (bumps on the top of a tooth), and onlays fit over one or more cusps, then extend down one side of a tooth. These partial crowns require less invasive tooth preparation than what is required for a full crown, therefore they offer patients a conservative alternative. Inlays and onlays generally provide the same durability and longevity of a full crown, as well.
Restoration Materials
Crowns, inlays, and onlays may be crafted from ceramic (porcelain), ceramic fused over metal, complete metal (gold, silver, or stainless steel), or zirconia. Metal is the least desirable option, esthetically, while ceramic and zirconia crowns look like natural teeth. For this reason, Dr. Lane prefers to use ceramic restorations, so patients can maintain an all-white, natural-looking smile. However, in some cases, metal is the best option. For children’s primary teeth, stainless steel is usually the material of choice.
Schedule Your Appointment
Don’t let a toothache or problematic dental crown steal your comfort and productivity. Call Lane Family Dental in Wasilla, AK at 907-373-2200 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lane. He can resolve your dental health concerns, then help you maintain an attractive and healthy smile.
PRACTICE AREAS
Office Hours
Monday
8:00AM – 5:00PM
TUESDAY
8:00AM – 5:00PM
WEDNESDAY
8:00AM – 5:00PM
THURSDAY
8:00AM – 5:00PM
FRIDAY
8:00AM – 5:00PM
SATURDAY
CLOSED
SUNDAY
CLOSED