Partial Crowns to Repair Tooth Decay

Do you have a tooth that is badly chipped or decayed? We at Bernstein Dental Care in Bay Ridge can fix it. When a tooth is damaged, its natural crown can be reduced in size and be covered in a prosthetic cap that looks identical to any other tooth. But in some cases, only a partial crown is necessary.


Partial crowns are also known as inlays or onlays. The difference is their size. When a large portion of enamel is decayed, we’ll remove it using a high-tech drill that emits water to prevent heat damage. We’ll also determine through imaging tests whether the patient’s pulp is infected and needs a root canal. When all the infected material is removed, we can make an impression of the patient’s mouth that will be used as the basis for milling a partial crown. The patient walks out of the office wearing a temporary crown on the affected tooth. A few weeks later, they will return to have the permanent artificial crown cemented in.


We differentiate between an inlay, which nestles between the cusps of a molar or premolar, and an onlay, which is used to replace the cusps themselves. But regardless of which a patient has, they will need to maintain their oral hygiene to prevent further infections. Partial crowns can last for over ten years and modern versions are white in color and metal-free.


Dr. Paul Bernstein runs Bernstein Dental Care at 350 91st St, Suite 1C, Brooklyn, New York, 11209. To schedule an appointment, visit Bernstein Dental Care or call 718-833-9191.

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