Crowns

Crowns

Crowns (caps) are the outer shell of a tooth, made in a dental laboratory.  They can be made of metal, porcelain or both.

When a filling is very large or the tooth has been endodontically “root canal” treated, a crown is usually recommended to help prevent the tooth or filling from breaking. Heavy biting forces are exerted on teeth while eating or while grinding/clenching. These forces are dissipated over the stronger crown instead of the weaker tooth/filling and help to prevent breakage. Heavy bruxers may actually need nightguards to help protect teeth during nocturnal grinding.

The tooth is prepared, and an impression is taken which is sent to the lab.  A temporary crown is then cemented over the tooth with temporary cement. In a few weeks the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is fitted and cemented with a permanent cement.

INLAYS

An inlay is a prosthesis, made in a lab, made of metal or porcelain that replaces lost tooth structure. It does not involve the cusps of the tooth so it stays below and within these peaks. A tooth preparation is made, an impression taken and a temporary material placed in the tooth. A few weeks later, the temporary is removed and the inlay is fitted and cemented with a permanent cement.

ONLAYS

Onlays are similar to inlays but they may encompass 1 or more cusps of the tooth and are placed over the tooth. They help to prevent breakage of the tooth and can be more conservative than full coverage crowns, in certain instances.