A crown is the proper restoration if you have a tooth that is heavily decayed, damaged, or broken. Smaller indirect restorations consist of inlays or overlays. While an inlay is the smallest indirect restoration and fits within the contour of the chewing surface, an overlay covers most or the entire upper tooth. Crowns, popularly called “caps,” cover and protect the entire tooth. Like fillings, crowns are now available in a variety of materials through your Sacramento dentists, Dr. Steele and Dr. Alizadeh. The choice of materials is based on the restoration of your dental health, cost and patient preference.
Universal Procedures for Inlays, Overlays and Crowns
Installing an indirect restoration takes at least two visits to Dr. Steele’s office. During the first visit, we assess the situation of the tooth and take highly specific measurements of the tooth while making a mold of the tooth to be restored. The tooth may need to be shaped in order to accept the restoration. This mold is then used both to create a temporary crown and to fabricate your indirect restoration in a dental laboratory. Once your restoration is finished, you return for its placement.
Materials for Indirect Restorations
Porcelain or ceramic crowns, inlays and overlays are now the most commonly used indirect restorations. The color of the porcelain can be closely matched to your own teeth. Dental porcelain is also very durable. It can even be reinforced internally with metal for placement in high-pressure chewing areas. While porcelain restorations last a long time, they may eventually become rough and wear the enamel of opposing natural teeth.
Gold alloys are famous the world over for their use as crowns. Although the color obviously does not match your teeth, dental gold is highly resistant to tarnishing and wear. The material is thus unlikely to damage opposing teeth, even in the long term.
Base metal alloys are silver colored and work much like indirect restorations made from gold. They are less expensive, yet still provide the necessary durability. Some patients may experience allergic reactions to this dental material.
Composite restorations are made from the same materials used for fillings. While they are unlikely to damage opposing teeth at any time, they are also more likely to wear with long-term use. As a benefit, their color is similar to that of a patient’s teeth, although they may discolor and stain, like natural teeth.
Care for Your Restoration
Regular check-ups and proper dental hygiene help ensure your continued health and the permanence of your restoration. Your smile returns with the help of the best in Sacramento dentistry, the offices of Dr. Steele and Dr. Alizadeh.