How to Repair Damaged Teeth Using Inlays and Onlays?

Tooth damage can be so severe that it requires extensive treatment, such as dental crowns. However, if your tooth is damaged or decayed but still intact, you might want to consider using inlays or onlays in All Smile Dental instead. An inlay or onlay is a more conservative type of restoration than a full crown, meaning less of the tooth is removed to prepare it for the restoration.

Inlays and onlays are placed within the cusps of your teeth and are used to restore teeth that have mild to moderate decay or damage. They are made of porcelain which closely mimics the look of a natural tooth. After your inlay or onlay is placed, it will blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth, ensuring that your smile remains intact and functional for years to come!

Inlay vs. Onlay

Both inlays and onlays are restorations that are created in a lab and are designed to fit into the tooth cavity. The difference between them is that an inlay is generally smaller and will fit within the cusp tips of the teeth, whereas an onlay is larger and will span over the cusps of the teeth and cover both the incisal and the cervical portions of the cavity. These restorations can be fabricated out of a variety of materials, including composite resin, porcelain, and gold alloy.

Dental inlays and onlays are ideal for repairing moderate to moderately severe tooth decay. They are often used on back teeth that bear a lot of bite pressure since they are much stronger than fillings but are still less invasive than dental crowns. In most cases, these restorations can be placed in just one visit to All Smile Dental. Dr. Singh will remove the damaged portion of the tooth and then shape the tooth to receive the new restoration. After this, an impression will be taken and sent to the lab, where the final restoration will be crafted to the exact specifications of the dentist’s instructions. The patient will then return to the office for a second visit once the inlay or onlay is ready to be cemented into place.

Are Inlays and Onlays Right For Me?

Dental inlays and onlays are custom-crafted natural-looking tooth restorations that offer natural-looking results. They can be used to restore structural integrity to a tooth affected by minor to moderate decay or damage or to replace old metal fillings. Dr. Singh may recommend an inlay or onlay if you are experiencing any of the following problems:

• Moderate tooth decay
• Minor tooth fractures
• Wear and tear from teeth grinding
• Worn-out metal fillings
• Damage due to large fillings
• Discoloration on the chewing surfaces of your teeth caused by various foods and beverages like coffee, tea, wine, and berries
• Gaps between the teeth
• Misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth
• A stronger alternative to composite resin fillings

After all the damaged portions of your tooth have been removed, an impression will be made and sent to one of our trusted labs to have your inlay or onlay created. It usually takes two to three weeks for your custom-made restoration to be completed. Once your new inlay or onlay is ready, you’ll return to the office to have it placed. During your procedure, Dr. Singh will numb the tooth and remove any residual bacteria, then gently bond your ceramic restoration in place. Your dentist may provide you with a temporary filling to wear while your new inlay or onlay is being prepared.

The procedure for placing inlays or onlays is very similar to the process for dental crowns. After removing all damaged or decayed tissue from the affected tooth, the dentist will take impressions of your tooth and create a temporary restoration to wear while the permanent one is created. Once the inlays or onlays are made, you will return to have them bonded to the tooth. 

All Smile Dental is here to give you the best oral tips and help you restore your smile. You can book an appointment with our dentist in Turlock, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 668-3736 or our dentist in Modesto, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 409-8839.