Crowns, Inlays & Onlays
Crowns, Inlays & Onlays in Grove, OK
If you have a large cavity or a broken, damaged, weakened, or cracked tooth, you may need a custom-made restoration such as a dental crown, inlay, or onlay. The best choice for you depends on your needs, desires, and unique situation. At Grand Lake Dental, Dr. Karl Jobst and his compassionate team will discuss your options and use your input to build the treatment plan that's right for you — and if you suffer from fear or anxiety over dental visits, sedation can offer a comfortable, relaxed experience.
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Crowns, Inlays, and Onlays: The Similarities
While these restorations can each be made of composite resin, metal, stainless steel, or porcelain, the most commonly requested material is porcelain because it can be color-matched to mimic natural teeth in color, translucence, and feel, and it's the most durable option. Each restoration is custom-made: we prepare the tooth, take an impression, and send it to a trusted lab for fabrication before you return for Dr. Jobst to cement the permanent restoration in place. These restorations treat a fractured or broken tooth, a cavity, or a fractured or broken filling.
The Differences Between Crowns, Inlays, and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are most commonly used for large cavities that are too big for a filling — inlays and onlays strengthen a tooth rather than weakening it the way a filling can, and they're more durable and custom-fit. An inlay is used when the cavity does not affect the cusps of the tooth; an onlay is used when the damage or decay affects one or more of the chewing cusps, which is why some people call onlays “partial crowns.”
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover the entire visible part of a natural tooth, returning a severely damaged, broken, or weakened tooth to normal size, shape, strength, and function. A crown is the necessary restoration after root canal therapy, and it's also used when a tooth is missing, such as with a dental bridge or implant. Crowns are also used in cosmetic dentistry to cover severe discoloration, chips, or oddly shaped teeth.
The Process for Crowns, Inlays, and Onlays
The process begins with a consultation, medical history review, and a comprehensive oral exam that includes digital X-rays. Dr. Jobst numbs the area, cleans out decay and any old filling material, and prepares the tooth for the chosen restoration — inlays require the least preparation, while crowns require the most. We take an impression and send it to our lab for fabrication, placing a temporary restoration in the meantime. Once your permanent crown, inlay, or onlay arrives, you'll return for a comfortable, precisely fitted placement.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you have a broken, damaged, or decayed tooth, don't delay treatment. Call Grand Lake Dental today to speak with one of our friendly team members about restorative options.