If you need dental restoration, it can feel a little overwhelming to look at your options. There are many different types of dental restorations available, and it may seem like they all offer the same benefits. However, partnering with a knowledgeable dentist is the first step in determining the best possible option. During an appointment with Dr. Inna Chern, you can learn more about the best way to restore your smile. In the meantime, here are some of the most appropriate restorative options if you’ve experienced a damaged or decayed tooth.
Fillings
Fillings are the most common type of restoration – and the most basic. When a cavity forms in a tooth, a filling can be placed after the decayed enamel is removed. The filling simply fills the hole and seals it from outside bacteria. Fillings are most commonly made with a tooth-colored resin that is placed and hardened all in the same appointment, making them fast, affordable, and effective.
Fillings may be your best option if you have:
- Minor decay
- Small holes or cavities
Inlays
Inlays restore more area than a filling – they’re a solid piece of porcelain or ceramic material that fits entirely inside an empty space in the tooth. They are essentially restorations that fit within the chewing surface of the tooth and fill in the grooves, making them undetectable from the tooth around them. Although they may require more than one appointment to fit, they are an extremely long-lasting and reliable way to restore a tooth.
Inlays are best for:
- Areas of decay or injury too large for a filling
- Instances where fillings might shrink
Onlays
Onlays restore yet a bigger portion of a tooth. An onlay covers the cusp of your tooth like a cap and is made with fabricated porcelain or ceramic materials. Whereas inlays and fillings restore the inner part of the chewing surface, or the “dip” within the four cusps, an onlay is typically needed for decay or injury that impacts the outer part of the tooth. As with inlays, onlays require multiple appointments – but they are long-lasting and extremely durable.
Onlays are recommended for:
- Decay or injury that extends to one or more cusp of the tooth
- Patients who don’t want significant removal of tooth structure
Crowns
Crowns are one of the most supportive types of restoration. They cover the entire tooth above the gum line and are made from porcelain or ceramic matched to your natural teeth. A crown may take multiple appointments since it involves preparing the natural tooth, taking virtual scans or impressions, creating the restoration, and cementing the crown in place. However, once complete, crowns can last a lifetime and significantly improve your ability to eat and function.
Crowns are best for:
- Significant decay or injury that affects most of the tooth or natural structure
- Misshapen or discolored teeth
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about your restorative options and how Dr. Inna Chern can help, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at New York General Dentistry today. Contact us by calling or filling out our online form to get started.
For over 20 years, Inna Chern, DDS has been offering personalized, high-tech dental care to Manhattan and NYC residents. With a focus on individualized attention and the latest technology, her modern Midtown East office aims to reshape dental care perceptions in New York by prioritizing patient well-being and innovative services.
