Most people will have to undergo a dental procedure at some point in their life. Many times, these procedures are required in order to maintain your oral and overall health. That said, your smile, as well as your health, is important; before undergoing any procedure, you should know exactly why you need it and if there are any alternatives. Although this applies to all dental procedures, one of the most common procedures are dental crowns. If you’ve recently received news that you need dental crowns, you should fully understand what they are and what options are available to you.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns, also referred to as dental caps, are placed on top of damaged teeth to keep them protected. They also cover and restore the shape of the tooth so that you can continue using it without any issues. They can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, and ceramic, among others.
The dental crown procedure is a fairly common procedure because it’s normal for teeth to get damaged over time, whether from tooth decay, injuries, or just everyday use. Aside from protecting and restoring teeth, they can also help hold dental bridges in place, cover a dental implant, support a tooth that has a large filling, and even restore your smile.
Although dental crowns promote good oral health, you should always know your options. Not only because this procedure can be expensive, but because you want to feel confident that the procedure you choose is right for you.
Alternatives to Dental Crowns
Onlays & Inlays
Onlays and inlays are fillings that usually consist of porcelain, gold, or resin. This procedure is typically used for patients that have extensive decay or fractures. The difference between an onlay and an inlay is the amount of surface area that they cover. While onlays can cover up to three-fourths of the tooth, inlays are the smaller alternative. Inlays can be compared to filling, as they restore the inside of a damaged tooth. Onlays, on the other hand, are more similar to dental crowns, as they help preserve the structure of the tooth and offer a natural appearance. Both are a good option for those that have too much tooth decay for a filling, but not enough damage to require a crown. You can see the difference between onlays, inlays, and dental crowns in the image below.
Temporary Crowns
As the name suggests, temporary crowns are a temporary solution, and are made of composite resin or acrylic material. Since this won’t fix the actual problem, it’s a good solution while you and your dentist decide on a permanent restoration plan.
Phasing Treatment
A phasing treatment means you start with a small treatment plan and work up to the desired treatment. This is useful for those who require more time before getting your crown; for instance, maybe you’re not ready to pay for the dental crown and need more time. For some, this could mean getting a filling and then later upgrading to a permanent crown.
Tooth Extraction
If your tooth has undergone enough damage, then you may consider extracting the tooth and getting a dental implant. Of course, you don’t need to get an implant just because you remove your tooth, but many people want to replace their missing teeth due to functional and aesthetic purposes.
How to Know Which Option Is Right for You
Now that you know that there are alternatives to dental crowns, you should explore your options with your healthcare provider. To ensure you’re choosing the best option, you should get a second opinion from a certified dentist online. By getting a second opinion, you can confirm the treatment options that your dentist offered you, or even consider new options that your dentist may not have considered.
What’s important is that you feel comfortable with the procedure and that you’re well informed on your options. The advantage of getting a second opinion online is that you don’t need to go through the trouble of booking another appointment and sitting through long waiting lines. All you have to do is submit your x-rays and answer a few questions; a board certified dentist will then review the information and offer you their professional opinion.
