These dental treatments are used to combat tooth decay and prevent future tooth loss.

dentist showing x-ray to patient

Bacteria build-up on tooth enamel and cause decay that can end in a tooth cavity, or serious damage to a tooth. Ideally, you head off decay by maintaining oral health with good hygiene, including brushing and flossing. But once decay has set in, it can accelerate as cavities provide places for food to accumulate and bacteria to shelter themselves. Once this happens, your greatest weapon of defense against further tooth decay is a strong, durable tooth restoration placed by a skilled dentist. Dr. Raymond Sheridan has a variety of protective measures to prevent tooth decay available, including:

  • composite filling
  • inlays/onlays
  • porcelain crowns
  • dentals sealants

Dental Fillings

A composite dental filling is a tooth colored filling material used to fill holes in teeth created by decay. Composite fillings are only used for small surface fillings where structural damage is insignificant. Many older adults may have gold fillings or an amalgam type of filling.  These fillings may contain metals such as mercury and modern dental care is way more effective in hiding dental work to blend with the natural tooth color.    

Dr. Sheridan prefers porcelain inlays and onlays for any large filling of cavities on the biting surface of a tooth. Inlays/onlays are restorations that are created in our lab and bonded to teeth.  The filling procedure is effective in removing decay and sealing the surface of a tooth to last much longer. 

Porcelain Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a restoration that is placed over the visible portion of a tooth. Unlike fillings and inlays/onlays,a crown covers the entire tooth down to the gum line. A temporary crown may be placed until the perfect shape can be milled in a lab.  Dr. Sheridan prefers to use all-porcelain crowns on most patients but occasionally may recommend PFM (porcelain-fused-to metal). 

Crowns are recommended when decay or injury has compromised the function and durability of a tooth, and are also placed as part of a dental bridge to fill in missing teeth. Depending on the location and severity, you may need a crown after a root canal. If there are neuromuscular issues that would prevent installation of an all-porcelain crown, Dr. Sheridan prefers to address them before placing the restoration.

Why Porcelain Is Best

We choose to use high-quality dental porcelain in order to create beautiful, enduring restorations for every patient. We feel that porcelain is superior in color and texture compared to other dental materials. If we are going to place permanent additions to your smile, they should look very natural and be built to last.

With metal, you are telling the world you have had dental work done. Also, we are not comfortable with the controversy surrounding the use of mercury in the mouth. With porcelain, no one has to know you were not born with your smile and you get the peace of mind that comes with a safe, biocompatible dental choice.

Schedule Your Appointment

Please contact Sheridan Dental today to talk to Dr. Sheridan about our restoration options and the benefits of porcelain dental crowns and fillings. We offer our Grove City and Columbus patients free consultations and a comfortable dental experience centered around personal service.