Dental Crowns

Crown Process

• Numbing the damaged tooth to remove the decay in or around it.
• Re-Sculpting the tooth to provide an ideal fit for the crown.

• The laboratory creates a stone replica of the tooth to fabricate the crown that properly fits the tooth (may take up to two weeks).
• A temporary crown will be provided during this time, usually made of acrylic, to protect the tooth and keep it positioned properly during this period.
• Removal of the temporary crown and fitting the permanent crown to your tooth and bite and confirming  that the appearance of the crown matches the adjacent teeth.

• Cementing the new crown into position after ensuring your comfort and satisfaction and the doctors’ clinical approval.

Crowns and bridgework  are a very reliable solution for major dental problems caused through accidents, diseases, or wear and tear. The material used in these repairs is either high-grade porcelain, or porcelain bonded to gold. There are newer high strength ceramic materials that are more esthetic that can be used when both esthetics and strength are required. Where accidental damage has occurred, or teeth have broken from severe wear or very large fillings failing, crowns and/or bridges can be used as a reliable long-term solution.

Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Many people have unexplained pain from filled back teeth, which is usually due to hairline cracks in the chewing part of the tooth. This is called cracked tooth syndrome (CTS). Sometimes diagnosing the problem is complex because the pain may not be constant. However, we have excellent experience in treating this problem.  Placing a crown over teeth having cracks relieves the pain and allows a return to full dental function.  In front teeth, older fillings can both weaken the teeth and cause “appearance” problems due to staining or chipping. All porcelain crowns and veneers are suitable in this area of the mouth for great esthetics and restoring function.

Crowns are an excellent choice for teeth that have had root canal treatment and have suffered a lot of structural damage. They are made to surround the tooth and prevent future fracture.

Onlays

When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged a dentist will often use an onlay.

What are onlays?

Onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth.  An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.

Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which can potentially match the natural color of your teeth.

How are onlays applied?

Onlays require two appointments to complete the procedure. During the first visit, the filling being replaced or the damaged or decaying area of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, an impression of the tooth is made by the dentist, and sent to a lab for fabrication. The dentist will then apply a temporary restoration on the tooth and schedule the next appointment.

At the second appointment, the temporary restoration is removed. Mogelof Dental will then make sure that the onlay fits correctly, your bite is comfortable, and if it is satisfactory, the onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.

Considerations for onlays

Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. As an alternative, onlays, which are bonded directly onto the tooth using special high-strength resins, can actually increase the strength of a damaged tooth by up to 75 percent. As a result, they can last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire crown , onlays can provide a very good alternative.

What about inlays?

Inlays are different than onlays and are not appropriate for teeth having large fillings, thin walls of enamel, or for patients who clench or grind their teeth. As good as the cement system used to cement them may be, the best protection for teeth with these issues, is an onlay.

Dental Bridges

All of your teeth play an important role in speaking clearly, chewing and swallowing, and in maintaining proper esthetics. Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth they must be replaced to maintain these important daily functions. With missing teeth, it is difficult to perform these functions. Fortunately, there are many options for correcting tooth loss.

Dental Bridge Options

Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable.

• A permanent or fixed bridge is a device used to replace missing teeth by attaching artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth.
• Usually, fixed bridges are more comfortable because they stay in place and patients do not remove them. You can clean them just like your own teeth and they look and feel like them as well.
• Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with clasps (arms)  or by other designs and materials.
• Removable bridges are able to be taken out of the mouth, cleaned, and then placed back into position.

Why do I need a bridge?

Oral functionality, appearance and clarity of speech are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks. Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other by working as a group. Without a full complement of teeth, unusual stresses are placed on the gums when teeth are missing, causing a number of potentially harmful oral conditions.

Shifting of teeth and decreased ability to properly chew foods are additional reasons to fabricate a properly fitting bridge.

What materials are used?

Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to precious  metal.

How do I take care of my bridge?

A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.

What are bridges made from?

Permanent and removable bridges can be constructed from precious (gold) alloys and semi-precious (silver-palladium-gold), titanium, and a type of surgical stainless steel.  All with and without porcelain.