Inlays & Onlays Fill Cracks & Cavities

What are Inlays & Onlays?

Inlays and onlays stand as dental restorations, bridging the gap between fillings and crowns. Expertly crafted in dental labs, they're fashioned from gold, porcelain, or resin, tailored to individual needs and aesthetics.

Inlays

Inlays nestle at a tooth's core, while onlays cover one or more cusps. Both adhere to damaged teeth, seamlessly blending with their surroundings. Inlays become necessary when a tooth's cavity is extensive and deep. Unlike fillings, which involve composite material and a single visit, inlays involve a solid piece (like porcelain, ceramic, or gold) created in a lab. This custom-fit piece snugly occupies the space, offering superior longevity, avoiding shrinkage, staining, and minimizing the need for future replacements. Beyond their durability, inlays also excel aesthetically, ensuring a seamless and pleasing integration with your natural teeth. The meticulous craftsmanship involved in inlays ensures their precision and durability. The indirect process, though requiring multiple appointments, delivers an enduring solution that aligns with both functional and aesthetic dental needs.

Onlays

In contrast to both fillings and inlays, onlays are employed for more extensive tooth restoration. Covering a larger portion, an onlay extends to include one or more cusps of the tooth, diverging from inlays and fillings that focus on the space between cusps. Just like inlays, onlays are meticulously crafted in dental laboratories, necessitating multiple patient visits to ensure precision. Onlays offer enhanced durability, surpassing the longevity and resilience of composite fillings. This durability is coupled with superior aesthetic harmony, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth. Remarkably, onlays also exhibit a significant advantage over crowns – they don't necessitate the removal of extensive tooth structure during the restoration process. The distinction between inlays, onlays, and fillings lies in the extent of tooth coverage. Inlays and onlays embrace a more intricate approach, catering to various degrees of tooth damage and restoration needs. Dr. Hadaegh’s expertise ensures a tailored approach that safeguards both the functionality and visual appeal of your teeth.

Composite Fillings

A composite is a tooth-colored filling material that is used to repair a tooth affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth is removed and then filled with the composite filling. There are many types of filling materials available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. You and Dr. Hadaegh can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.

Fillings are Used For

Chipped teeth.
Closing space between two teeth.
Cracked or broken teeth.
Decayed teeth.
Worn teeth.

What to Expect:

Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, Dr. Hadaegh will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function. It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however, this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling. You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings. As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. They are very durable and will last many years,giving you a long-lasting, beautiful smile.

Fill in the Beauty of Your Smile

What are the benefits of Inlays & Onlays?

Inlays and onlays offer a compelling alternative to composite fillings and dental crowns for fractured or decayed teeth. When fillings fall short, these custom-crafted restorations snugly fit the tooth's surface. They mimic natural teeth in appearance and function, ensuring durability. Boasting exceptional success rates and individualized fabrication, they often outlast conventional fillings, providing lasting dental integrity.

Inlays & Onlays present a host of advantages for individuals seeking a balanced blend of functionality and aesthetics. These restorations are custom-crafted to fit your unique dental needs, offering long-lasting durability and seamless integration with your natural teeth. Unlike traditional fillings, they are highly resistant to wear, staining, and shrinkage, ensuring a more enduring and pleasing result. Inlays & Onlays conserve a significant amount of healthy tooth structure, minimizing the need for extensive alterations.

Shield, Restore, Shine

Inlays & Onlays Recovery and Aftercare

After your Inlays & Onlays procedure, minimal downtime is expected. You can resume your regular activities, taking care to follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by our skilled team. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and attending routine dental check-ups, will contribute to the longevity of your Inlays & Onlays and your overall dental health. At NH Dentistry, we're committed to delivering excellence in dental care, ensuring your smile not only functions optimally but also radiates confidence. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and explore how Inlays & Onlays can enhance your dental well-being.

Inlays and Onlays Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for an inlay or onlay?

You could be a candidate for an inlay or onlay if you have moderate tooth damage or decay and are in search of an alternative restoration option to a composite filling, crown or cap. Schedule a dental consultation for a complete examination and to find out if an inlay or onlay is right for you.

What should I expect when I get my inlay or onlay restoration?

Your inlay or onlay restoration will be completed over multiple dental treatments. First, your tooth will be prepared for treatment, and a scan will be taken for your new restoration. You may be fitted with a temporary restoration while your permanent inlay or onlay is fabricated. Once completed, you will return to have the temporary restoration removed and the permanent one bonded to the surface of the teeth.

Do I need to follow any post-treatment care guidelines?

Special care needs to be given to your teeth while temporary restorations are in place. It is important to avoid sticky or hard foods that could cause significant damage to temporaries. Once you receive your permanent inlay or onlay, you can resume normal eating, brushing, and flossing habits

Dental Inlays and Onlays

Beverly Hills Inlays & Onlays at NH Dentistry