Dental Crowns

Next to fillings, dental crowns are our most commonly performed procedure. A crown is necessary when a dental filling will not sufficiently treat a cavity, or when a tooth is cracked. Dr. Lane also offers partial crowns, called inlays and onlays, which provide the most minimally invasive option in some cases. As indirect restorations, crowns, inlays, and onlays are made in a dental lab, so they require two appointments in our office.

Have you been told that you need a crown? Would an inlay or onlay suffice? Perhaps you have a troublesome crown that’s causing toothaches. Call Lane Family Dental in Wasilla, AK at 907-373-2200 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lane. He’ll take x-rays, assess your situation, and present treatment options so that you can make an informed decision regarding your dental care.

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.