What are fillings, crowns and onlays?
Three of the most popular dental restorations are fillings, crowns and onlays. While these words are used interchangeably by many people, they are actually three distinct things:
Fillings
A type of restoration used to address mild tooth decay is fillings. They are made of resin or metal composite and “fill” holes or fissures created by cavities in your tooth. Fillings are strong, as are crowns, and they can last for 10 years or more with proper oral hygiene.
Crowns
Crowns are tooth-shaped covers that are used to shield a tooth that is broken, chipped, or badly rotting. A crown protects the entire tooth when bonded in place, restoring its form, scale, and cosmetic appearance. Crowns are robust and long-lasting; they can last for more than a decade with appropriate care.
Onlays
Onlays are porcelain inserts that protect the structure of the tooth. Onlays are done when a hole is too big for a filling but the tooth structure can be preserved and not filed down.
What issues can fillings, crowns and onlays address?
A variety of common issues may be solved by fillings and crowns. Usually, Dr. Zhitnitsky uses fillings to treat mild tooth decay or to restore damage to the tooth enamel caused by grinding teeth or clenching of the jaw. Dr. Zhitnitsky can use a filling to restore its appearance if a tiny piece of a molar or premolar chips off.
More serious damage is typically handled by crowns. To protect a weak tooth from splitting, to cover and help a tooth with a large filling, or to repair a tooth that has undergone several dental procedures, Dr. Zhitnitsky may prescribe a crown.
Is a filling, crown or onlay right for me?
The form of dental restoration that’s right for you can only be decided by a trained dentist, like Dr. Zhitnitsky. He will create a treatment plan that aligns with your needs after a thorough oral assessment, a review of your oral health history, and a discussion of your lifestyle and expectations for treatment.
How do I care for fillings, crowns and onlays?
It’s important to practice good oral hygiene if you want the filling or crown to remain in good shape. For a competent cleaning and oral test, Dr. Zhitnitsky suggests brushing and flossing everyday and visiting Encino Dream Smile every six months.
Try avoiding bad habits such as chewing on ice cubes, nail-biting, or opening things with your teeth, if possible. While these actions can seem innocuous, they increase the risk of more damage significantly.
Schedule an appointment at Encino Dream Smile in order to receive fillings and crowns in a welcoming setting. Book an appointment online or call the office today to speak with a member of the administrative team.