Inlays and Onlays at Linworth Family Dental

Sometimes, damage caused by tooth decay is too extensive for a dental filling to fix. In cases like this, a dentist may turn to inlays and onlays to solve the problem and restore the tooth. When we use a tooth colored material for these restorations, they blend in with the natural teeth for a beautiful smile.

Our dentists offer inlays and onlays among our many cosmetic dentistry services at Linworth Family Dental. Our team adapts to each situation, so they can discuss inlays, onlays and other restoration options with you.

When Are Inlays and Onlays Used?

When you have a small amount of decay within a tooth, our dentists can remove it, clean out the tooth and use a dental filling to restore the cavity. Sometimes, the damaged area is too large for a filling, which is when our team relies on inlays and onlays. They provide a simpler solution compared to crowns that cover the entire tooth.

Inlays and onlays are similar to each other in that they both fill the hollowed out interior of the tooth. Beyond that, inlays extend to the center of the chewing surface of the tooth. Onlays also extend to at least one cusp on that surface. Basically, onlays cover a larger surface area than inlays. Overall, the goals are to stop the damage from progressing, strengthen the tooth and improve oral health.

These restorations are also referred to as partial crowns. They cover part of the visible surface area of the tooth without covering the entire tooth like a full crown. Another difference is that a natural tooth needs preparation before adding a full crown, whereas it does not for inlays and onlays.

Using porcelain or a composite resin helps our team of dentists provide these services with the best look possible. We are able to prioritize both the tooth structure and appearance at the same time for a tooth that blends in seamlessly. This is much more discreet than a gold inlay or other metal amalgam piece that stands out whenever a person opens their mouth.

What Is the Process?

The process varies slightly by the specific dental treatment you undergo. Nonetheless, it is similar for inlays and onlays. These processes are not much different from a dental filling, which is a quick, simple and common procedure that involves removing the damage, cleaning out the tooth and filling it.

These treatments vary slightly because you need a custom restoration piece to fit your natural tooth. We use advanced technology to inform the specifications of the space that needs to be restored. This information is used to create an accurate custom-fitted inlay or onlay that Dr. Whittaker, Dr. Glasgow or Dr. Soungpradith attaches. They place the restoration, adjust it as needed and bond it permanently to the natural tooth.