Dental Crowns, Inlays, and Onlays

Dental Crowns, Inlays, and Onlays

At Power Road Dental Care, we understand the importance of a healthy, functional and beautiful smile. We offer a comprehensive range of restorative dental services, including dental crowns, 3/4 crowns, and inlays and onlays, designed to restore damaged or decayed teeth to their natural state.

If you are in the East Valley and are searching for ‘dental crown near me’ or ‘dental restoration near me’, we can help. To book an appointment, call (480) 664-1438 or complete the online booking form.

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Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to improve its appearance, restore its shape and size, and provide protection against further damage. 

Crowns can be made from various materials, including ceramic, porcelain, metal, composite resin, zirconia, or a combination of these. The choice of material depends on your preferences and your specific dental needs.

When Is a Dental Crown Needed?

Dental crowns are used to treat a variety of dental problems, such as:

  • To protect a weak tooth from fracture or decay
  • To restore a broken tooth or one that is severely worn down
  • To protect and reinforce a tooth with a big dental filling when there is minimal natural tooth structure remaining
  • To hold a dental bridge in place
  • To restore a dental implant
  • To improve the cosmetic appearance of a severely discolored or misshapen tooth
  • To protect a tooth after a root canal

What Are 3/4 Crowns?

A 3/4 crown, or a partial crown, is a porcelain or ceramic tooth restoration that covers the biting surface of a tooth and three of its sides, leaving the front visible. 

This type of crown can be used if only part of the original tooth structure is still there, but enough remains to provide an anchor for the crown.

Dental Crown Procedure

The process of placing a dental crown typically involves two appointments. 

First appointment:

  • Your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. 
  • An impression of your tooth will be taken so that the dental crown can be custom-made to fit your tooth precisely. 
  • The impression will be sent to the lab and a temporary crown may be placed to protect the tooth while waiting for the permanent crown to be made.

Second appointment:

  • The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is placed on the tooth. 
  • Your dentist will ensure that the fit and bite are perfect before the crown is permanently cemented in place.

Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays are an alternative to dental crowns when there is enough healthy, natural tooth structure remaining. They are made from porcelain, composite, material and bonded directly to the surface of your tooth.

An inlay is used when the damage to the tooth is confined to within the cusps, or points, of the tooth. An onlay covers one or more cusps and can even cover an entire chewing surface of a damaged molar.

These restorations are also custom-made in a dental lab and typically take two appointments – one for preparation and taking impressions, and one to fit the inlay or onlay.

Inlay and Onlay Procedure

The process is much the same as for crowns. The damaged or decayed areas of your tooth will be removed and an impression taken so that a custom inlay or onlay can be made to fit your tooth precisely. 

We will place a temporary, light-cured material on the tooth. This will stay on the tooth for approximately two weeks, the time it takes for the lab to fabricate the final restoration. 

During the second appointment, the final restoration is placed on the tooth and checked for accuracy before being permanently cemented in place.

Dental Crowns in Mesa, AZ

Our expert dental team at Power Road Dental Care is dedicated to providing personalized and high-quality restorative dental services. We strive to make your dental experience as painless and stress-free as possible.

If you are in the East Valley and are searching for ‘dental crown near me’ or ‘dental restoration near me’, we can help. To book an appointment, call (480) 664-1438 or complete the online booking form.

Book an Appointment
Summary
  • Power Road Dental Care offers a comprehensive range of restorative dental services, including dental crowns, 3/4 crowns, inlays, and onlays.
  • Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed over damaged or weakened teeth to restore appearance, shape, size, and to protect against further damage.
  • 3/4 crowns are tooth restorations that cover three sides of the tooth and its biting surface, leaving the front visible.
  • Inlays and onlays are alternatives to dental crowns that bond directly to the surface of your tooth.
  • Both crowns and inlay/onlay procedures generally require two appointments: one for tooth preparation and impressions, and another to fit and cement the permanent restoration.

FAQs About Dental Crowns and Inlays and Onlays

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns can last for many years, depending on your oral hygiene, alignment of the bite and the materials used, and how well you take care of them.

What Is the Difference Between Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays are used when the damage is confined within the cusps of the tooth, while onlays cover one or more cusps and can even cover an entire chewing surface.

How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?

The cost of a dental crown depends on several factors, such as your geographic location, type of material used for the crown, and whether you have a dental benefit plan that helps to pay for the cost.

What Is the Difference Between a Dental Crown and a Dental Bridge?

A dental crown covers an individual tooth while a dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by attaching connecting crowns to nearby healthy ones.

Does It Hurt To Get Dental Crowns?

Placing a dental crown is usually not a painful procedure. Most patients experience soreness in the gum tissue around the tooth, but it should subside after a few days. Local anesthesia may be used to make the procedure more comfortable.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Dental Crown?

The process typically takes two appointments – one for preparation and taking impressions, and a second to fit the crown. Depending on your specific situation, it may take several weeks for the final restoration to be made in a lab.

Can You Eat Hard Food With a Dental Crown?

Yes, you can eat hard food with a dental crown; however, you should be mindful of biting down too hard and putting excessive pressure on the tooth. If your crown feels loose or is causing pain when chewing, contact your dentist as soon as possible.

How Do I Clean My Dental Crown?

You can care for your dental crown just as you would for a natural tooth – brush twice a day, floss once daily and visit your dentist for regular checkups. If you notice any changes or pain in the area surrounding your restoration, contact your dentist right away.

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