Dental Crown
“Quality is pride of workmanship.”
—W. Edwards Deming
What is a Crown & Onlay and why do I need it?
A dental crown is a ‘cap’ that is placed over a reduced tooth to replace missing tooth structure and prevent further structural breakdown of the tooth. An onlay is a conservative form of crown that covers mainly the biting surface of the tooth rather than wrapping around the entire tooth like a full contoured crown. With advanced bonding technology, an onlay is preferred design as it allows more tooth structure to be preserved and it lasts as long as a full crown would.
This treatment is recommended where a tooth has suffered significant loss of structure or cracked due to fractures, trauma, root canal treatment or decay. Amalgam fillings in particular can cause a lot of structural damage due to their poor load distribution, expansion and large cavity sizes. The purpose of the treatment is to restore a tooth and protect it from further chips or fractures so that the tooth can be functional and look good for a long time.
What is the process like?
First we will have to assess the condition of the tooth to see if it is adequate for the treatment. This includes things like gum conditions and root canal conditions. Sometimes the tooth may require replacement of existing filling, in order to maximise the bonding strength of a new prosthesis as bond strength to old filling is poor.
Once we are ready to go, the tooth will have to be shaped precisely to allow sufficient thickness of the ceramic material. Then the record of the tooth is taken for dental technicians and a temporary prosthesis is placed. These procedures are done pain-free with local anaesthetics.
With the record taken, the dental technician will fabricate a custom-made ceramic crown & onlay to exactly fit the tooth. As the quality of the product is very important, our work is sent only to the best technicians in Auckland.
Once we receive the product, it will be inspected and tried in the mouth to confirm its fit and then it will be bonded on the tooth using advanced bonding agents. This process is done with care and precision as it is critical for its long-term success.
Crowns & Onlays are more expensive than fillings because they involve many steps of high technical sensitivity and require the use of costly materials. However, they are expected to outlast fillings by far when they are indicated.
What options do I have?
Most of dental crowns and onlays in modern days are done with ceramic materials for their tooth-like properties and beauty. These materials are very friendly to body and have excellent long term prognosis especially with regular hygiene care and good home care practices. We can also do gold restorations mostly for back teeth as they also have excellent track record.
Dental Crown
How Do You Know If You Need a Dental Crown?
At Prestige Dental, we use a dental crown to repair a broken, chipped, or cracked tooth when the tooth requires a more extensive filling than the tooth can support. If there is too much tooth decay, the tooth is worn down, discoloured or crooked; a crown can solve the issue. We also sometimes use a crown to hold a bridge in place or cover an implant. Pain is not always a deciding factor, and you may need a tooth crown even if you are not experiencing pain.
Teeth are an essential part of your body, and they play an integral role in our lives. They help give your face its shape, help you chew and digest food, and influence your speech. Don't compromise with dental care and make the right choices when you need a tooth repair.
A ceramic crown is a popular choice for aesthetic reasons. These crowns reflect light, look almost identical to natural teeth, and can match the colour and appearance of your other teeth. As a result, it is difficult to see a damaged tooth is covered and protected. Ceramic crowns are the perfect solution for a front tooth crown because they are natural-looking.
If the gum line recedes, the ceramic crown is not noticeable. A crown made of porcelain fused to metal can show some dark metal at its receding gum line, but a ceramic crown will always appear natural.
Ceramic crowns are strong and resistant to breakage. They are created from exact specifications and will fit comfortably, and unlike metal crowns, they are not temperature sensitive.
The Advantages of a Ceramic Dental Crown
Prepare for Your Visit to Prestige Dental
It is not uncommon for people to be afraid of going to the dentist. Because of this fear, many put off making appointments for check-ups and end up needing emergency care. At Prestige Dental, we strive to offer a pain-free and comfortable treatment experience.
If you feel anxious or tense about your visit, let us know. Expressing your concerns will help us adjust your treatment needs. We are transparent and believe in open communication to let you precisely know what we will do and why. Additionally, think about what you eat and drink before your appointment. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages or eating sugary foods as they may make you jittery.
Avoid excessive brushing and flossing. You should brush and floss regularly, but do not overdo it, especially if you haven't been flossing between visits. Ideally, you should floss once and brush twice a day, but suddenly overdoing it before your dentist's appointment can do more harm than good.
If you are a new patient, arrive early to give yourself enough time to fill out the paperwork and relax before the appointment. Bring along your medical history and any oral health questions you may have.
Why Trust Prestige Dental
The emphasis at Prestige Dental is on early detection and minimally invasive dentistry. Combined with individually tailored preventative care, we aim to restore and safeguard your long-term dental health. Contact us today.