A crown provides restoration for both minor and severe damage and oral health issues. We can address cavities, infections, and more. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist looks at how we create and place them, and what benefits they offer for our patients.
Dental Crowns
A crown covers the visible portion of a tooth, everything above the gum line in fact. To ensure a more lifelike appearance, we often elect to create them from porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused to-metal. Not only is porcelain a strong material that absorbs bite forces and pressure, but the material is translucent like tooth enamel and can even be shaded to match the color of surrounding teeth. Once in place, your restoration will look completely natural. To create them, we remove structure from the tooth and then take detailed impressions and images. Using this information, we design and craft the restoration from a material we feel best corrects the concerns. We then place the completed one in a follow-up visit, using a powerful bonding agent. Proper care and attention, which mean routine oral hygiene habits, could ensure they last for decades.
Inlays and Onlays
Also known as partial crowns, inlay and onlays addresses concerns that are too substantial to be addressed with a filling or dental bonding, but not severe enough to require a full restoration. Again, we remove structure and take detailed impressions to design and craft them. We craft them from the same materials we create a full restoration with. An inlay fits in between the cusps on top of the tooth, while an onlay fits over the cusps of the tooth. Both could last for many years to come with proper care and attention, such a daily brushing and flossing and routine visits for checkups and cleanings every six months.
When Should I Contact The Dentist?
Let us know if a tooth becomes cracked, chipped, or broken, as damage could lead to decay and infection unless addressed quickly. We can also address aching or sensitive teeth, which could mean the presence of a severe cavity or possibly a dental infection. Placement could also lengthen worn down teeth, correct issues with a tooth’s shape and color, and even aid in tooth replacement, anchoring a bridge in place or completing a single tooth dental implant. If you encounter discomfort or other concerns, then let us know right away. We would love to help you obtain a healthier smile and avoid the onset of serious oral health complications.
Does Your Smile Need Repair?
If you have damaged teeth, or a cavity or infection, then your smile could benefit from a custom-made dental crown. For more information on our restorative treatments, or to schedule a consultation, call the office of James Stewart, DDS in Livonia, MI, today at (734) 425-4400.