Crowns, onlays, inlays or restorations may be recommended for a variety of reasons:
What are my options?
Advantages: no treatment or cost
Disadvantages: underlying problem such as decay may get worse leading to the tooth needing a root canal treatment or extraction or the tooth may break further and may not be restorable in the future again needing an extraction or root canal treatment, post, and core crown.
Advantages: Treating underlying problem such as decay Treatment often finished in one sitting cheaper than a laboratory made indirect restoration (i.e. crown, onlay, inlay)
Disadvantages: Not as strong and durable as a laboratory made indirect restoration (i.e. crown, onlay, inlay) May not offer teeth any cuspal protection If large and placed within a tooth, increases flexing forces on the enamel walls, causing them to flex and weaken and possibly fracture. Do not generally last as long as indirect restorations If deep and/or lager may need a root canal treatment on the tooth at some stage
Advantages: Treating underlying problem such as decay, fracture Stronger, more durable, longer lasting outcome than that of a filling offers cuspal protection (not inlays) thus preventing tooth fracture in teeth with undermined enamel walls. Often a more aesthetic outcome
Disadvantages: Cost, more expensive than a direct restoration (filling) 2 sittings required, Risk of needing a root canal treatment on that tooth, as with large fillings (if it has not already been root treated)Cost, more expensive than a direct restoration (filling) 2 sittings required, Risk of needing a root canal treatment on that tooth, as with large fillings (if it has not already been root treated)
I UNDERSTAND that treatment of dental conditions requiring a crown, onlay or inlay includes certain risks and possible unsuccessful results but not limited to the following:
I am a competent consenting adult of at least 18 years of age (or my parent or legal guardian is giving consent on my behalf), and further:
My signature below constitutes my acknowledgment and understanding of all this information.
I hereby authorize and direct the doctors to perform the treatment on me.