Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that mimic your tooth and help to enhance your natural smile. This makes them ideal for areas where a crown isn’t necessarily needed. Sometimes using an inlay or onlay in place of a filling can create a more long-wearing restorative option viable.
An Inlay is recommended if you have decay on the biting surfaces. Inlays sit inside of the cusps of a tooth, so they are more appropriate for fillings, and deep grooves that may become a problem with decay. An onlay covers the top portion of a tooth, so it may be needed if a tooth has broken or fractured. Another use for an onlay is to replace a large filling or decay that has occurred in that area. Most inlays and onlays can last for decades with proper care, similar to a crown or bridge.
As you come in you’re greeted by the friendliest staff you can imagine. The actual place is clean and very well decorated. In my first visit the wait was literally 15 minutes (including filing out the paperwork). The actual medical staff, also super friendly and they explain the process you’re coming in for very detailed. They make you feel comfortable and at ease. My dentist, Dr. Kamodia, super friendly and she made sure I understood everything that was happening and made me feel as at ease as you can feel about a root canal.
Juan Thomas
An exam is done so that we can determine if an inlay or an onlay are the right restoration option for you. The procedure is quick and easy, so you don’t need to worry about having to wait weeks for high-quality results. Your inlay or onlay will replace existing restorations that might have begun to show signs of wear. The inlay is matched to the rest of your teeth, so it will not stand out from your other teeth when you smile or open your mouth. An inlay can withstand a lot of force and pressure, so it is a wonderful restoration option for when you are looking for a more long-term solution.
After receiving a local anesthetic, we will start by removing any old fillings or restorations before the new one is placed. If there is decay in the tooth, it will be fully removed before the inlay or onlay is placed. Next, we take digital impressions with our Itero Scan to send to the lab. We then place the permanent inlay or onlay so that it is comfortable and fits well.
If you would like to learn more about inlays and onlays, call our office today and we will be happy to answer all of your questions regarding this procedure.