John Romano DDS is now South Fork Family Dentistry. Dr. Romano and Dr. Shack are now Accepting New Patients.

South Fork Family Dentistry

INLAYS and ONLAYS

Exploring Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that are used to repair damaged or decayed teeth, providing a more conservative alternative to full crowns. They are custom-made restorations that are created in a dental laboratory and then bonded to the affected tooth. Inlays and onlays are often used when the damage or decay is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to warrant a full crown.

Inlay and Onlays - South Fork Family Dentistry

Restoring Teeth with Inlays and Onlays

The decayed area of the tooth is first removed during the procedure. A mold of the tooth is then taken and sent to a dental lab. They create a restoration made from porcelain, gold, or a composite resin. The restoration takes about 2-3 weeks to make, so a temporary inlay or onlay will be placed on the tooth for that time. During your next visit the inlay or onlay will be placed into your mouth and set with cement. Your tooth will look natural and you or anyone else won’t be able to tell the difference.

Inlays and onlays are more conservative than crowns for repairing damaged or decaying teeth. Custom restorations are built in a dental facility and bonded to the tooth. When damage or decay is too severe for a filling but not enough for a crown, inlays and onlays are employed.

Inlay is a restorative put within a tooth’s chewing surface grooves or cusps (raised points). It usually repairs core tooth injury or decay. Porcelain, composite resin, and gold are used to make inlays. They fit the prepared area perfectly and match the tooth color.

Onlays, often called partial crowns, cover a larger area of the tooth than inlays. They cover one or more tooth cusps more. When injury or decay affects the chewing surface and one or more cusps, onlays are employed. Onlays, like inlays, are custom-made from diverse materials to fit the tooth’s natural appearance.

The Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Conservation of Tooth Structure: As opposed to complete crowns, inlays and onlays preserve tooth structure. This tooth structure maintenance helps tooth health over time.

Strength and Durability: Inlays and onlays are made of strong materials that can endure biting and chewing. Their strength and functioning restore the broken teeth.

Aesthetic Appeal: Inlays and onlays can be color-matched to your natural teeth for a seamless look.

Custom Fit: Inlays and onlays are custom-made to fit the prepared tooth, preventing bacteria invasion and delivering a solid repair.

Less Sensitivity: Inlays and onlays shield teeth from temperature changes and irritants, reducing sensitivity.

Inlays and onlays can restore damaged or decayed teeth while keeping as much tooth structure as feasible. Your dentist will assess the damage and your oral health needs to determine the best therapy.