Inlays and Onlays

For teeth with mild to moderate decay and damage, inlays and onlays offer a middle ground between fillings and dental crowns. The treatment can repair cavities, fractures, and wear with a durable, aesthetically pleasing solution designed to strengthen the tooth, extend its lifespan, and blend seamlessly with natural teeth. Inlays and onlays can help prevent further tooth decay or damage, making them a preferred choice for preserving dental health and appearance.

At our Los Algodones practice, cosmetic dentist Isaías Íñiguez, DDS and his professional team are committed to providing patients with a high level of care and producing quality results. Dr. Íñiguez is highly experienced in a variety of treatment options, including inlays and onlays, to help patients achieve the smile of their dreams.

• What Are Inlays and Onlays?
• Inlays and Onlays Benefits
• Inlays and Onlays Procedure
• Inlays and Onlays Recovery

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are types of dental restorations used to repair rear teeth that have mild to moderate tooth decay, or fractured teeth where the damage is not severe enough to require a crown. They are typically custom-made in a dental lab before being fitted and bonded to the damaged tooth. The primary difference between the two relates to the extent of the tooth’s coverage and the area of damage they are designed to repair.

Inlays are used when the damage or decay is within the rounded edges of the tooth. They fit into the space left after the decay has been removed. Inlays often require less of the tooth’s structure to be removed compared to traditional fillings or crowns. They can be strong, long-lasting, and help to strengthen a tooth’s structure, preventing further decay or damage.

Onlays are similar to inlays but are used when the damage extends to one or more of the tooth’s cusps. Sometimes referred to as “partial crowns,” onlays cover a larger area of the tooth than inlays. They are also made from durable porcelain material that can be matched to the natural color of your teeth. Onlays can be an excellent option for conservatively repairing teeth since they preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible while restoring its shape and function.

What Are the Benefits of Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays offer several benefits for repairing teeth with mild to moderate decay or damage. Some top benefits include:

• Crafted from durable materials that closely match natural tooth color
• Custom-made to ensure a precise fit that enhances tooth strength and prevents further decay
• Requires less tooth structure removal compared to crowns
• Preserves more of the natural tooth
• Supports tooth’s structural integrity
• Stain-resistant
• Improves oral hygiene because there are fewer spaces for bacteria to accumulate

How is the Inlays and Onlays Procedure Performed?

The procedure for inlays and onlays usually requires two dental visits. During the first visit, our dentist removes the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth, cleaning the area thoroughly. An impression of the tooth is then taken to create a precise model for the inlay or onlay. This model is sent to a dental lab, where the restoration is custom-made and matched to the natural color of the patient’s teeth. A temporary filling may be placed to protect the tooth while the inlay or onlay is being fabricated.

On the second visit, our dentist removes the temporary filling and checks the fit of the inlay or onlay. Adjustments are made as necessary to ensure the ideal fit and bite alignment. Once satisfied, our doctor bonds the inlay or onlay to the tooth with a strong resin adhesive. Finally, it is polished to blend seamlessly with the natural tooth structure. This process restores the tooth’s appearance and function while preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible, offering a durable and aesthetic solution to tooth decay or damage.

What Does the Inlay and Onlay Recovery Process Entail?

The recovery process following inlays and onlays typically involves minimal discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Patients may experience mild sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures or slight soreness in the treated area, but these symptoms usually subside within a few days. Unlike more invasive dental procedures, there is often no significant downtime and most individuals can resume their normal activities immediately. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours to allow the inlay or onlay to bond properly to the tooth. Patients should also continue with regular dental check-ups and cleanings to ensure the longevity of their inlay or onlay and overall dental health.

For more information about inlays and onlays or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today.