Inlays & Onlays
What are Inlays and Onlays?
An inlay is a restoration that sits inside the cusps of a tooth. An onlay is a restoration that lays on the very top of the tooth. You can think of either of these restorations as a medium between needing a filling and a full crown. They’re not as big as dental crowns, but they offer more durability and longevity than a filling.
Why would Inlays and Onlays be necessary?
These restorations may be necessary if you have a large filling that needs replacement or if you have a deep area of decay in one of your teeth. Likewise, an onlay may be needed if a small portion of your teeth has cracked or broken, but not enough to warrant an entire dental crown. Both onlays and inlays can last for many years and even a few decades because of their durability.
Who's a good candidate for Inlays and Onlays?
If you want a more stable option for your teeth or if you have a large area that needs to be restored, inlays and onlays are right for you. We will perform an examination to help in determining if either of these restorations is right for you. Patients with deep cavities, large fillings or those with slightly damaged teeth can all benefit from the procedure. The process of placing an inlay or onlay is simple, quick and incredibly beneficial to the structural integrity of the tooth.
What happens during the Inlay and Onlay procedure?
We begin by administering an anesthetic to help make the process more comfortable for you. We then remove any filling or decay from the tooth and file down any jagged edges and points. Impressions are then taken and used so that we can create a brand new inlay or onlay just for that tooth. You’ll come back for a second appointment and have the permanent restoration placed. The process leaves you with a high-quality restoration that fits well and feels comfortable.
If you think you might need an onlay or an inlay, call us now and we’ll be happy to further assist you.