Teeth with large silver fillings sometimes expand and put extra forces on certain areas of a tooth. These forces put the teeth at a high risk for fracture. Here is an example of a tooth with an obvious fracture line across one of the outer cusp. The treatment of choice for this tooth is an onlay. An onlay is a porcelain restoration that includes one or more cusps of a tooth.  This treatment is a much less invasive than a traditional crown preparation. In the series of pictures below, you can see:

1. The initial tooth presentation
2. The tooth after the amalgam was removed and evidence of a continual fracture line.
3. The minimally invasive preparation that includes the outer cusp, and keeps the majority of the tooth untouched, (as opposed to a traditional crown)
4. The day of insertion of the onlay.

Dr. Jessica Cismas gave a speech at the Annual Senior Healthcare Event that took place in Aventura. She expressed the importance of a good oral hygiene and the importance of getting regular dental check ups and routine dental cleanings. It was a great event and we can't wait untill next year to participate again.