Inlays and Onlays

We provide a number of cosmetic and functional tooth restorations at Greenville Family Dentistry. Among the most important of these are inlays and onlays. While artificial crows can be used to save a tooth, using one also requires the underlying tooth to be significantly reshaped. If only the grinding surface of a molar or premolar is damaged, it may be possible to use an even less invasive restoration in the form of a partial crown.

Partial crowns are classified as inlays or onlays depending on how much of the tooth they are meant to replace. An inlay only replaces the indentations of a chewing tooth in between its raised, pointy cusps. It is similar to the sealants used on children, but a permanent piece of porcelain. An onlay also replaces at least one of the cusps. Before either can be placed, Dr. Emuedue will have to determine the reason for the tooth’s condition, and remove the decayed material, if any. He will then make an impression of the patient’s mouth and send it to a laboratory where the restoration will be manufactured. Once it is complete, it can be cemented in during a return visit, and the patient will once again chew without agitation.

Dr. Christopher Emuedue operates Greenville Family Dentistry at 7215 I-30, Suite B, Greenville, Texas, 75402. To schedule an appointment, call 903-455-6701 or visit GreenvilleFamilyDentistryTX.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Signs of Implant Failure

Dental implants are highly useful both for restoring teeth and stabilizing a jaw, but they need to be cared for just like normal teeth. Sometimes, if they are compromised by periodontal disease, or if there was a problem with their installation, they may fail. Considering how much trouble a patient went through to get an implant, this is always extremely unfortunate. That is why patients should be aware if something is going wrong with their implant as soon as possible.

Sometimes a problem will immediately be evident if the surgical wound fails to heal for several days after an implant is placed, or if the patient is in severe pain which does not dissipate over time. There are a few people who are allergic to the metal most implants are made of. An inexperienced dentist might also place an implant too close to a nerve, which would be the cause of severe pain. Patients can self-monitor for signs of infection, while doctors are responsible for monitoring changes in jaw bone size. If a patient loses too much jaw bone material, it is a sign that the implant is failing to integrate and stabilize the surrounding structure, and further investigation is necessary.

Dr. Christopher Emuedue operates Greenville Family Dentistry at 7215 I-30, Suite B, Greenville, Texas, 75402. To schedule an appointment, call 903-455-6701 or visit GreenvilleFamilyDentistryTX.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Dental Crown to Restore Your Teeth and Restore Your Smile

A fractured tooth or a tooth weakened by decay can diminish the look of your smile. For a tooth that needs some extra strength, but still has a strong tooth root, Greenville Family Dentistry offers dental crowns here in our Greenville, TX dental practice.

A cracked or weakened tooth can leave dark spots or discoloration on the tooth. It can also leave the tooth misshapen and susceptible to infection. Dental crowns are like a cap that goes over the whole tooth to strengthen it, repair the look of it, and protect it from infection and further damage. The crown can be made of gold, porcelain-covered metal, or all porcelain. The options with porcelain are great for repairing the look of your smile. The crown is custom made to look and feel just like a normal tooth, so it will blend right in with your smile. We will first reshape the tooth and take impressions of the tooth and the area surrounding it so that the newly created crown will fit just right.

Restore your weakened tooth with a dental crown and return your smile to its former glory. To schedule a consultation here at our Greenville, TX dental practice, call (903) 455-6701 or visit the Greenville Family Dentistry website, www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com.