Leading the Way In Pain-Free Family Dental Care

Dental Crowns, Inlays, and Onlays

in Gurnee, IL

At Heather Ridge Laser Dentistry, we are committed to offering the most conservative treatment options to repair damaged teeth and restore their form and function. We’re pleased to offer dental crowns, inlays, and onlays, three aesthetic restorative dentistry solutions that will have you smiling your best once again!

Dental Crowns - An Overview

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps we place on natural teeth to restore their health, function, and appearance. At Heather Ridge Laser Dentistry, we offer crowns in various aesthetic materials, including zirconia and e-max. Once in place, your restoration will look and function just like any of the surrounding teeth.

There are many reasons Dr. Nallasamy may recommend a dental crown, including the following:

  • To repair a tooth with extensive decay and not enough structure remaining to support a large filling
  • To strengthen and protect a weak or damaged tooth
  • To preserve a tooth after root canal therapy
  • To replace one or more missing teeth by supporting a dental implant or bridge

To serve a cosmetic purpose by improving the size, shape, color, or overall appearance of a not-so-perfect tooth

Inlays and Onlays - An Overview

In the past, when teeth were too damaged to be successfully repaired with dental fillings, crowns were the go-to solution. However, today’s incredible advances in dental technology offer intermediary partial crown options known as inlays and onlays. Dr. Nallasamy may recommend a porcelain inlay or onlay if there isn’t enough tooth structure remaining to support a traditional dental filling, but the damage is not extensive enough to warrant the use of a dental crown.

Dental inlays are tooth-colored restorations that repair teeth with decay or damage between their cusps. If, however, one or more cusps are damaged, you’ll require a dental onlay. Inlays and onlays are bonded directly into or onto the affected tooth structure, ensuring a perfect fit.

Cutting-Edge Dental Technology

At Heather Ridge Laser Dentistry, we continue to lead the way in providing comfortable, state-of-the-art dental care. We’re pleased to utilize cutting-edge technology, including our Primescan intraoral scanner and Solea Dental Laser.

Primescan Intraoral Scanner: Our intraoral scanner quickly, safely, and comfortably captures 3D images and videos of your oral structures, including the hardest-to-reach areas. The precise and high-quality images produce accurate 3D impressions of your mouth without dealing with gooey putty, gagging, or discomfort. The digital models are then used to create quality, well-fitting dental restorations, including dental crowns, inlays, and onlays.

Solea Dental Laser: We’re pleased to use the Solea Dental Laser in the dental crown creation process. The innovative technology helps ensure your restoration comes with incredibly clean and precise margins while keeping the margin of error to an absolute minimum.

 

What Is the Crown Placement Procedure?

The procedure will vary depending on the crown material. However, the typical crown placement process requires two visits. First, Dr. Nallasamy will numb the area and prepare the tooth by removing some of its structure. Next, she’ll take digital scans of the area to send to our dental laboratory using our Primescan intraoral scanner, with unmatched speed, comfort, and precision. The last step is placing a temporary crown for protection.

During an upcoming appointment, Dr. Nallasamy will ensure that the permanent crown provides a perfect fit and match to the surrounding teeth. She’ll make any needed adjustments and then cement it in place.

What Is the Inlay and Onlay Placement Procedure?

The inlay and onlay placement procedure is similar to the dental crown process. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, Dr. Nallasamy will remove the damaged tooth structure and then clean and shape the space. She’ll create digital models of the area using our intraoral scanner to send to our dental lab for fabrication. She’ll place a temporary restoration for protection as you wait.

When your inlay or onlay is ready, you’ll return for a placement appointment. Dr. Nallasamy will ensure the restoration fits perfectly over the tooth’s biting surfaces and then cement it in place. A curing light will help harden the bond. Inlays and onlays can last 30 years or even longer with proper care!

Dental Crowns, Inlays, and Onlays Near Me in Gurnee, IL

If you have painful or damaged teeth, we invite you to visit Heather Ridge Laser Dentistry. Dr. Nallasamy will evaluate your smile’s unique needs and recommend the most conservative solution to restore your oral health and your beautiful, functional smile. We invite you to call us at 847-356-2336 to schedule your consultation or request an appointment online today.