Teeth are resilient, but they also do a lot of work that can wear them down over time. A crown is a way to restore damaged teeth to their former strength. With over 2 million made every year, dental crowns are the most common restorative dental procedure. There are many reasons you may need a dental crown, but it’s not always the best option. The ultimate decision comes down to whether the tooth is strong enough on its own to withstand chewing. Pearl Dental specializes in implant and cosmetic dentistry. For more insight into dental crowns in Pomona, contact us today!
Reasons you may need a dental crown
The root is the part of the tooth covered by the gums. The crown is the visible, top part of the tooth. A dental crown is one of the most common dental procedures because teeth are constantly being used and worn down. Even with proper care and maintenance, unforeseen circumstances can create a need for a dental crown. The reasoning behind the majority of dental crowns is to strengthen a tooth that has been compromised. Some of the reasons that may weaken the tooth to the point of needing a crown are:
- Fillings that are 50% or more of the tooth.
- Broken cusps, which is the top part of the tooth. This section of the tooth takes more trauma than any other part from chewing, talking, and possible grinding.
- Cracks in the tooth that weakens the overall structure.
- Root canals leave the tooth hollow and weak. This may require a crown to add stability.
- Cosmetic needs for uneven teeth and missing teeth.
Alternative options for dental crowns
One of the best alternatives to dental crowns that Dental Care of Pomona offers is dental inlays and onlays. These are a great alternative because they are able to strengthen teeth as well as dental crown implants while allowing more of the natural tooth to stay in place. In some extreme cases, a dental crown is required, but many of the scenarios where a dental crown can be used, inlays and onlays can be used as well. An inlay is used for the top surface of the tooth, and an onlay is meant to repair the cusp. The difference is that inlays are used in place of fillings, and onlays are used as a replacement for part of the tooth. This alternative gives you the custom fit that a dental crown does while allowing you to keep more of your natural tooth.
Dental inlay and onlay procedure
It usually takes two visits to complete this procedure. The first to make a dental impression and the second to place the inlay or onlay. During the first visit, your dentist in Pomona will mold an impression of the tooth that needs repair. Since there is a waiting period while the impression is sent to a lab and the inlay or onlay is fabricated, you will receive a temporary implant. Once the new inlay or onlay is made, it will be replacing the temporary implant during your second visit. Much like a filling procedure or dental crown procedure, anesthesia is used to numb the mouth to mitigate any discomfort. Because of the impression and multiple materials to pick from, this procedure allows you to get the most natural fit, feel, and look. Because of the advancements with inlays and onlays, they are long-term solutions and rarely fail.
Dentist in Pomona
The most important step in any dental procedure is to find the best dentist for the job. For a quality dentist in Pomona, get in touch with Pearl Dental. We have the experience and knowledge to strengthen your teeth and keep them strong for a long time.
