If you have a larger filling, or perhaps a broken cusp on a tooth, we may want to consider a porcelain crown, inlay, or onlay! These restorations are a simple and effective treatment, and in some cases are an excellent alternative. Let’s talk about what crowns, inlays, and onlays are about, and whether it’s right for you!

At German Dental Clinic in Bitexco Financial Tower, HCMC, we offer crowns, inlays, and onlays if you have damage or tooth decay within the cusp of a tooth. An inlay is used similarly to a traditional filling, but looks much more genuine. An onlay is necessary for a significant reconstruction, where it extends out over one or more cusps of the tooth. Often, inlays may replace traditional fillings that failed or fell out, since they are more durable. Perhaps you have a large cavity filling or maybe a tooth that had a root canal. Maybe your tooth is discolored and you want to improve the appearance, but a Veneer wasn’t the right choice for you. Maybe you took a bite on an olive pit a few months ago and the tooth has never felt the same. I think it’s time to consider a crown!

WHAT ARE PORCELAIN CROWNS?

Advances in the strength and appearance of porcelain crowns have made them the leading choice in restoring damaged teeth to their former splendor. A tooth that has been damaged by root canal, grinding, decay or fracture is likely to break from the stress of daily use. But a doctor-prescribed porcelain crown strengthens your tooth by providing 360 degrees of coverage.

WHAT DOES A PORCELAIN CROWN DO?

Crowns are full-coverage restorations that are used to cover a tooth that is likely to break or is too damaged to be corrected with a traditional filling. When you receive a crown, you will notice it effectively improves your tooth condition by:

–  Helping strengthen a heavily-restored tooth to prevent future fracture
–  Restoring loss of tooth structure from heavy grinding
–  Improving tooth aesthetics
–  Relieving pain from any damage or fractures

WHAT TO EXPECT IN CROWN PROCEDURE

2 appointments

FIRST APPOINTMENT

At your first appointment at German Dental Clinic in Bitexco Financial Tower, we will administer full local anesthesia for the tooth being treated. Doctors will then prepare the tooth conservatively (1.5 to 2mm to be exact!) to create room for the porcelain crown.

After careful assessment of the shape and contour, a 3d scan or impression of the affected tooth will be taken. This putty will allow the lab ceramist to create and calibrate a porcelain crown that looks and feels like your natural tooth.

A temporary crown is created, polished and cemented. During the next two weeks, you’ll want to avoid sticky foods near the treated tooth, so the temporary crown stays put. If the temporary crown dislodges, try to replace it as fast as possible, and come visit us at our office in Bitexco Financial Tower, District 1 if you can’t get it back in. The purpose of temporary crowns is to protect you from sensitivity and keep the gums from rolling over the prepared margins of the tooth.

SECOND APPOINTMENT

During your second visit, the temporary crown will be removed and the final porcelain crown will be tried in and examined for perfection. We will take a dental X-ray to ensure quality fit and aesthetic approval. An adhesive is then applied to the tooth and a cement will be luted onto the interior of the porcelain crown. Any excess cement will be removed. You’ll be provided with all the necessary instruction to take proper care of your new crown!

All hail to the queen…or KING!

WHAT TO EXPECT IN INLAYS & ONLAYS PROCEDURE

FIRST APPOINTMENT

During your first visit, the damaged tooth is cleaned and prepared for the 3D digital scan. Within seconds your teeth are rendered into a digital model and sent to our lab technician to uniquely create an inlay or onlay for your tooth. Doctors will fabricate a temporary filling for your tooth to for protection before your final visit.

SECOND APPOINTMENT

At your second appointment, your custom inlay or onlay is ready to be placed on the damaged tooth. Doctors will make sure that the fit and esthetics is approved and will cement it permanently. It’s that simple!

Our team at German Dental Clinic will be happy to help answer any questions or concerns you may have about inlays, onlays, or dental concerns. Don’t hesitate us to contact us today to schedule your appointment in our Bitexco Financial Tower, HCMC office.