Crowns & Onlays at Heathwood Dental Practice

What are Crowns & Onlays?

A crown is a type of dental restoration that fits over a tooth, much like a thimble does over a finger. In doing so, it recreates the natural shape of the tooth as well as helping to reinforce and strengthen the underlying tooth structure.

An onlay is similar to a crown in that it fits over the tooth. However, whilst a crown usually covers all the tooth structure visible above the gum, an onlay can be used to overlay the missing tips of a tooth without necessarily extending all the way to the gum, often making it preferable through less destruction of tooth structure.

Types of Crown

Gold (precious metal): This is a very useful material for onlays and some crowns, as it is strong and long-lasting. Aesthetically, they are more visible due to their colour, although this is balanced by the fact that they can be made very thin; thus, less tooth needs to be cut away during the preparation stage, meaning that more tooth is preserved. In addition, the alloy used is ‘biomimetic’. This means that they mimic natural tooth structure as they are quite inert, as well as being of similar hardness to natural teeth. As a result, the restoration is quite sympathetic to the tooth biting against it.

Porcelain bonded to precious metal: Most crowns are made of an underlying thimble of gold alloy overlaid with porcelain to produce a strong, long-lasting, natural-looking restoration. Due to their superior aesthetics, they are a good choice for most people. However, in order to produce this, more teeth need to be cut away than with gold. Porcelain is harder than natural tooth, which means it is less sympathetic to the tooth biting against it.

Porcelain: This is a modern technology used to create crowns and onlays made entirely of porcelain. The resulting teeth look extremely natural, as the natural translucency of a tooth can also be reproduced. Crowns made on the front teeth, where aesthetics are vitally important, are frequently made from pure porcelain.

What are the benefits of Crowns & Onlays?

There are a number of reasons why a crown or onlay would be needed:

• To restore teeth which have been weakened by decay, large fillings and root canal treatments. As they are very strong, they usually last much longer than fillings
• Since they sit over a tooth, they can also be used to improve the appearance of the tooth.
• To restore the shape, appearance, and function of a damaged tooth.
• To help hold a bridge or denture in place.

What Can I expect during my Crowns & Onlays Procedure?

At Heathwood Dental Practice, we aim to make your crowns and onlays procedure as comfortable and efficient as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

• Initial Consultation & Assessment
  We start by assessing the condition of your tooth and discussing the best treatment option for your needs. If an onlay or crown is the right choice, we’ll take digital scans or impressions of your tooth to create a custom restoration.
• Preparation
  During the preparation appointment, the affected tooth is gently reshaped to ensure a precise fit for the crown or onlay. Local anesthesia is used to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the process. For onlays, only the damaged portion of the tooth is removed, preserving healthy tooth structure.
• Temporary Restoration
  While your custom crown or onlay is being made, a temporary restoration will be placed to protect your tooth and maintain function.
• Fitting & Final Adjustments
  Once your permanent crown or onlay is ready, we’ll place it on your tooth, ensuring the fit and appearance are perfect. Any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure comfort and a natural look.
• Bonding
  After confirming the final fit, the restoration is securely bonded to your tooth, and any final polishing is done for a smooth, natural finish.

Our team at Heathwood Dental Practice ensures that you receive top-quality care, guiding you through each step of the procedure for a seamless, stress-free experience.

Am I a Candidate for Crowns & Onlays?

Crowns and onlays are excellent options for patients with teeth that are damaged or weakened due to decay, large fillings, or fractures. You may be a good candidate for these treatments if:

• You have a tooth that is structurally compromised but still has enough healthy tooth structure remaining to support a restoration.
• You need to protect a tooth after a root canal treatment or extensive decay removal.
• You want to improve the appearance of a damaged or discoloured tooth.

During your consultation at Heathwood Dental Practice, our experienced team will assess your oral health and discuss your goals to determine if crowns or onlays are the right solution for you. We’ll help you explore all your options for restoring your smile and maintaining long-term dental health.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Crowns & Onlays?

While crowns and onlays are highly effective and durable restorations, it’s important to be aware of potential risks:

• Tooth Sensitivity – After the procedure, some patients may experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. This usually resolves within a few weeks.
• Discomfort or Pain – It’s possible to feel mild discomfort or soreness in the treated tooth or surrounding gums, especially in the first few days after placement.
• Damage or Wear – Though crowns and onlays are designed to be long-lasting, they can chip, crack, or wear down over time, especially if subjected to excessive force (such as grinding teeth).
• Improper Fit – In rare cases, the crown or onlay may not fit correctly, leading to discomfort or issues with bite alignment. If this occurs, it can typically be adjusted or replaced.

At Heathwood Dental Practice, we use the latest techniques and materials to minimise these risks and ensure a comfortable, successful outcome. Our team will provide guidance on how to care for your new restoration to ensure its longevity and prevent complications.