When Is a Partial Crown Appropriate?

When a tooth becomes damaged or its structure is compromised in some way, a dental crown can often be the best way to restore its health and integrity. However, to place a crown, your dentist has to first prepare the tooth to receive it, which means sculpting the tooth’s structure until it can accommodate the crown. Fortunately, these days, modern dental crowns don’t always have to cover the entire tooth. With a partial crown instead of a full one, you can restore a damaged tooth’s compromised structure without having to modify most of its structure.

An Inlay or an Onlay?
Partial crowns are designed to address mild to moderate cases of tooth damage, and are designed to cover just the damaged part of your tooth. For instance, an inlay can be made to rest within the crevices on a tooth’s chewing surfaces, restoring that part of the tooth without affecting any more of its structure. In some cases, an onlay may be more appropriate, which can be placed to cover one or more sides of the tooth, as well.

The Advantages of Partial Crowns
With an inlay or onlay, your dentist can effectively restore the strength and integrity of a compromised tooth while still preserving a maximum amount of tooth structure. This means the underlying tooth can enjoy a reduced risk of experiencing decay or suffering more damage. In addition to tooth preservation, partial crowns are also typically crafted from lifelike dental porcelain, which means they create a highly lifelike and esthetically pleasing finish for your smile.

Find Out if an Inlay or Onlay Is Right for You
When you need to restore or improve your tooth but don’t require a full dental crown, find out if an inlay or onlay may be the answer. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Oxnard Dentistry in Oxnard, CA, today at (805) 604-9999. We also proudly serve patients from in and around Camarillo, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Moore Park, and all surrounding communities.