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All About Implants

My teeth were starting to deteriorate, and I was running out of options to repair them. The dentist gave me a choice. I could wait until the bone loss was so bad that I would have to have my teeth removed and get dentures, or I could have them removed now and get dental implants. I opted for the implants. If you’re thinking of getting dental implants, you probably have a lot of questions. I love mine, but they took some getting used to. In this blog, I’m sharing my experience and all the information that I picked up throughout my implant experience. You can find out what the procedure entails, how to prepare for your implants, and how to care for them once they’re in.

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All About Implants

How Inlays, Onlays, Veneers, and Crowns Are Used for Tooth Restoration

by Alfredo Moore

When one of your teeth is damaged in some way and cannot be repaired with a regular filling, your dentist might recommend fixing the tooth with inlays and onlays, a dental crown, or a dental veneer. The option the dentist recommends will often depend on the tooth that is damaged as well as the severity of the damage. Here are the differences in these three common cosmetic dental products.

Inlays and onlays

Inlays and onlays are categorized together because they are the same thing, except that they are used for different parts of a tooth. When a tooth is damaged to the point where a regular filling will not be sufficient but not damaged enough to need a crown or veneer, a dentist may recommend using an inlay or onlay to fix the tooth. An inlay is used to fix an area of the tooth on the surface only, where an onlay is used when the damage is more severe.

Inlays and onlays are very similar to fillings and are made of composite resin, but they are typically made in advance to fit a tooth and are then cemented to the tooth. These are great for teeth that need large fillings, as long as the decay has not gotten deep into the tooth.

Crowns and veneers

Crowns and veneers are often made of porcelain and serve a similar purpose, but they are used for different teeth. Front teeth usually require veneers, while molar teeth will usually require crowns. Both options are designed to cover teeth that are really damaged, and both options are made in advance to fit a tooth.

Veneers are only used for front teeth, though, primarily because they are thin. When a veneer is made, it is designed to fit right over a tooth to restore its shape, color, or size. Crowns are designed for the same purpose, but they are larger in nature, because they are designed for molar teeth.

To get either of these options, a dentist will have to remove some of the structure of the tooth. This is necessary for the crown or veneer to fit over the tooth. Both options are then cemented in place and should last for many years.

If you have a tooth that is full of decay or is chipped, one of these options might offer a good way to restore the tooth. For more information, contact a business such as John P Poovey DMD PC.

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