Crowns and onlays
A crown covers a whole tooth that is cracked, worn down or heavily filled. An onlay covers part of it and leaves the rest alone. Both are for a tooth that can still be repaired.
What happens
A crown or an onlay is one visit when the tooth and the day allow it, and two when they don't.
- 01
Step 1: Exam and estimate
Dr. Sorensen shows you the tooth and gives you the fee in writing before she starts.
- 02
Step 2: Numbing and shaping
She numbs the tooth and the gum around it, removes what is damaged and shapes what is left to hold the crown.
- 03
Step 3: Scan, design and milling
A camera scans the tooth, she designs the crown on the screen and the machine cuts it.
- 04
Step 4: Fitting
She tries it in, checks your bite with you, adjusts it by hand and cements it. If it can't be finished in the visit, you leave with a temporary one.
How many visits depends on the tooth. She will tell you what to expect for yours.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
We use a local anesthetic so the tooth is numb while she works. You may feel pressure and hear the handpiece. You can raise a hand for a break at any time.
If you wait
A cracked tooth can break further, and a large filling can fail. Some people choose to watch a tooth for a while; she will say what to look for and when to call.
Risks and after-care
Your lip and cheek stay numb for a few hours, so don't chew until the feeling returns. A tooth can be sensitive for a few days. Call us if your bite feels high or a crown comes loose.
How it's billed
The fee is in your written estimate before we start. Insurance, paying yourself and receipts are on the fees page.
How fees work
Questions about crowns and onlays
What is a crown made of?
This office mills crowns from ceramic blocks. Dr. Sorensen explains the material she suggests for your tooth, and why, before she starts.
What is the difference between a crown and an onlay?
A crown goes over the whole tooth. An onlay covers only the damaged part, so more of your own tooth stays.
Can a crown come off?
It can, though not often. If one does, keep it and call us.
Provided by a general dentist
Dr. Gail Sorensen, DDS, general dentist, licensed in Utah.