Dental crowns among options available in Rochester Hills to restore the appearance, health of teeth

Traditionally restoring a decayed, broken, or otherwise damaged tooth meant getting a dental crown. While a dental crown may be suitable for you or a family member, John L. Aurelia, DDS, PLLC takes the approach that treatments that are more conservative may be a better solution.

Minimally invasive dental procedures equate to more the preservation of more natural tooth structure for an aesthetically pleasing result, which also costs less than more extensive procedures. More tooth structure also means more material for the prosthetic to hold onto for durability and strength.

Alternatives to dental crowns do not jeopardize the existing healthy structure of the tooth. They may be considered a middle ground option for those patients whose tooth can’t be preserved with a simple filling alone, but the damage is not severe enough to necessitate a dental crown.

A conservative alternative: Inlays and onlays

If a small amount of natural tooth structure needs to be replaced, a filling material may be applied directly to the hole or cavity. However, if there is not enough tooth remaining for a filling, an inlay or onlay can restore your tooth to function and a pleasing appearance without the need for a crown.

Whereas fillings are materials molded to your problem tooth during the dental visit, their alternative must be fabricated separately as is the case with other types of restorations including crowns and porcelain veneers. The restored tooth material is then securely fitted and bonded to the damaged area.

The inlay is applied to the center of the tooth, while the onlay is bonded over at least one of the cusps or points of the tooth on the biting surface. These options are quite durable, whereas large fillings can fail and become a risk for decay. In the end, those with a large filling may have no other choice than to get a dental crown and potentially a root canal should the decay be extensive.

When you may need a crown instead

You or a member of your family may have gone through the common cycle of larger and larger fillings to bring teeth back to function and health. Eventually, the crown will become a preferred option to protect the remaining tooth structure.

If your teeth are heavily broken down as the result of advanced gum disease or other trauma, a crown can last 10 to 20 or more years. Crowns are versatile; they can also be used to replace missing teeth. Crowns support a pontic (or new tooth) in a bridge. They are also the last step in the dental implant procedure, which starts by rebuilding a missing tooth with an artificial root or implant made from medical-grade titanium.

Your Rochester Hills dentist, John L. Aurelia, DDS, PLLC, won’t know for sure if a dental crown is the best option for you until after an examination is completed. Call (248) 243-6044 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. John Aurelia
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Dr. John Aurelia, DDS, brings over two decades of expertise in dentistry, having earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2003. An active member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American and Michigan Dental Associations, Dr. Aurelia has also completed advanced studies at the Dawson Academy and Pankey Institute. His dedication extends beyond practice, with a history of humanitarian work in the Dominican Republic and a focus on integrating cutting-edge techniques in implants and cosmetic dentistry. Known for personalized care, Dr. Aurelia is committed to enhancing patients' smiles and confidence.

Dr. Dina Khoury

Dr. Dina Khoury, a dedicated dentist with over 20 years of experience, graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1995. Following her education, she served veterans during her residency at the VA Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Khoury has spent most of her career in private practice, focusing on patients of all ages and specializing in cosmetic dentistry. As an active member of the Rochester community, she combines professional expertise with a personal commitment to patient care and local engagement.