Dental crowns are able to restore a tooth that has experienced severe decay above the gum line. In preparation for a crown, your natural tooth is prepared and once the crown is fabricated it is cemented over the tooth to regain strength and appear healthy.
However, there are times when dental crowns aren’t necessary depending on the amount of healthy enamel present on a tooth. The philosophy of conservative dentistry practiced at our Shoreline dental office means only removing and treating as much tooth structure as needed. You may not need a dental crown in the following circumstances:
Small Spots of Decay
Patients know this dental problem as a cavity. Very small spots of decayed dental enamel can be treated with tooth-colored composite resin.
Decayed Walls of Teeth
Tooth decay starts out small and spreads, causing increasing damage to enamel as it goes. But it can be stopped in it tracks without the need for preparing the entire tooth. If decay has damaged the outer sides of teeth an onlay can be used to replace this portion of dental enamel and strengthen the teeth.
Dental Decay on the Center of Tooth Enamel
When decay is localized on the top center of your natural tooth and hasn’t affected outer walls of your tooth an inlay can be used. Inlays, like onlays, are made from tooth-colored porcelain and allow Dr. Stanley to only remove and restore the affected areas of dental enamel.
Deciding Which Restoration is Best
Our cosmetic and restorative dental office helps find the right restoration to meet your needs and ensure that decay does not further damage healthy tooth structure. We provide porcelain inlays, onlays, and dental crowns to help restore damaged teeth. If you have questions about getting a dental crown or any other restoration, please contact our Shoreline, WA dental office for your consultation.
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