
Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that restore structural integrity and an attractive appearance to your tooth after a decayed portion or an old, weakened filling is removed. If your tooth is not strong enough to support a new filling, but a full crown is not required, inlays or onlays may work for you.
Both inlays and onlays are custom-made. Inlays fill the space where decay was removed, while onlays are bonded to the exterior of the tooth to build up its shape. Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or tooth-colored composite material. Depending on your needs and preferences, Dr. Wong may use the CEREC® in-office system to prepare your inlay or onlay for bonding to your tooth in one appointment, or he may send an impression of your tooth to a laboratory where the restoration will be made. If your inlay or onlay is sent out to the lab, Dr. Wong will fit you with a temporary cap to protect your tooth until your next appointment, when the permanent restoration will be cemented in place.
Crowns are the treatment of choice when damage from decay or injury requires that a significant portion of a tooth be removed, and a filling is not enough to fix the damage. The crown restores the structural integrity of the tooth, helping to keep it from cracking, breaking, or falling out. With a crown, you will be able to eat and speak normally. Each crown is custom-made to fit the damaged tooth, and can be made of metal or tooth-colored porcelain tinted to perfectly match the rest of your teeth.
If you have a gap in your mouth due to a missing tooth, or a severely damaged tooth that must be removed, a bridge may be needed to restore health and beauty to your smile. Gaps can lead to long-term dental problems and should be corrected as soon as possible. A bridge is a prosthetic tooth used to replace one or more missing teeth. It is anchored in place with crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges are custom-made to fit your mouth and are a strong and attractive way to maintain your smile after tooth loss.
Teeth can wear down, weaken, become injured, or be affected by periodontal disease after a lifetime of use. You may notice your teeth starting to ache, or you may start to have difficulty with speaking or chewing. Many times, dentures are the best option to help keep your smile attractive, healthy, and functioning properly. Full dentures replace the entire set of natural teeth, while partial dentures replace only a few teeth. Dr. Wong has fitted many patients with dentures and can help you determine if dentures are the best option for your dental health. With the advanced materials now available, dentures are stronger and more natural-looking than ever, helping you to maintain the function and appearance of your smile.
Decay of the tooth's soft inner tissue, called pulp, can be very painful. Without treatment, it can cause your tooth to become dark gray. Eventually, the tooth may even fall out. To prevent this from happening, a root canal is necessary to remove the decay and prevent further damage. A root canal will alleviate the pain and can save your tooth by removing the damaged pulp. This is a common procedure that can usually be completed quickly, with minimal discomfort.
Implant dentistry provides a wonderful solution for those who are replacing one tooth or have multiple missing teeth. In the past, crowns, bridges, or dentures were the only ways to correct this problem. Dental implants, however, are extremely lifelike, looking and performing just like your own natural teeth. During the implant procedure, a small titanium cylinder is placed into the appropriate location in the jawbone. The implant "bonds" to the bone and acts as your new root. After a few months, when your gum and jawbone have completely healed, Dr. Wong fabricates a prosthetic tooth that has been custom-made and perfectly matched to you natural tooth color.
Dr. Wong is an experienced and accredited implantologist, personally performing all phases of your implant procedure. With an implant, you can eat, drink, and speak normally. It needs no special cleaning procedures, just regular brushing and flossing with the rest of your teeth. It is a long-lasting, predictable tooth replacement alternative that will provide comfort, security, and function. Advantages of implant dentistry include:
Les M. Wong, DDS
827 Blossom Hill Rd. Ste W3
San Jose, CA 95123
Ph: 408-414-7022
Fx: 408-224-4111