When a tooth restoration only needs to fill a small hole, a filling is placed by applying the composite material directly in the cleaned-out cavity, then sculpting and polishing it in place.
In some cases, however, the cavity is too big for a filling, which might not remain secure. In those cases, we utilize the services of a dental lab to custom-make a crown, inlay, or onlay.
All three restorations are generally made of ceramic and are tooth-colored. Each is appropriate for a different type of repair.
Inlays and Onlays
A somewhat large custom-made restoration, usually of ceramic, is called an inlay if it sits down in a tooth. It is called an onlay if it involves one or more tooth cusp. Sometimes an onlay is called a “mini-crown,” to differentiate it from an inlay. From the patient’s point of view, they are fairly similar.
During your first appointment, Dr. Alexandrunas will prepare your tooth, then take an impression to send to the lab. He will give you a temporary filling to wear until the finished restoration is delivered by the lab. During your second appointment, he will bond the custom inlay or onlay to your prepared tooth.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a complete covering for a tooth that has been reduced in size, either to clean away decay, repair a fracture, or form an end-post for a bridge. Crowns are also sometimes used for implants, orthodontics, or cosmetic dentistry.
At Granville Dental, we use a Cerec off-premises lab to make our custom ceramic crowns. Dr. Alexandrunas has placed over 1800 crowns!
Materials for Crowns, Inlays and Onlays
- Cast Gold – Durable and moldable, gold for dental restorations has been around for a very long time and may be the best option when maximum strength is required and appearance is not a factor.
- IPS e.max is a single solid block of ceramic that gets milled by the lab into the exact custom shape for your crown, inlay or onlay.
- Bruxzir is a homogeneous zirconia ceramic material formed into a block for custom milling by a dental lab. Zirconia is sometimes referred to as “ceramic steel,” since it is very strong without being brittle.
Call Granville Dental in Ohio at (740) 587-4891 or fill out our online contact form.