A dental inlay is a restoration that’s used to fill a cavity instead of a traditional composite filling. A dental onlay is a restoration that covers more surface area of a tooth that’s been damaged due to trauma or decay. One of the reasons we recommend restorative inlays and onlays in Whittier is because of their strength and long-term durability.
Dental onlays are a way to restore a tooth that’s sustained a lot of damage in the form of:
The onlay covers the biting portion of a back tooth, as well as a few millimeters of the front, back, and sides. It looks somewhat like a crown except that it doesn’t cover the entire tooth.
Onlays in Whittier are made of either gold or porcelain. The onlay is securely bonded/cemented onto the tooth.
Inlays in Whittier are permanent fillings. Once we remove the decay in your tooth, we will take a 3D image of the preparation and use a CAD/CAM device to create a custom filling from porcelain. Inlays can be made out of gold, too, though those are typically made by an out-of-office dental laboratory technician. The inlay is permanently bonded/cemented into the tooth.
The main benefit of these types of restorations is permanence. The bonding/cementation material used, as well as the strength of the gold or porcelain, make these restorations extremely durable. They typically last between five and 20 years. A composite filling, on the other hand, will last approximately five to 10 years. Of course, depending on the health of your teeth, both types of restorations can last longer or shorter periods of time.
Other benefits of restorative inlays and onlays in Whittier are:
An inlay or onlay procedure is more like a crown preparation appointment than a filling appointment, which is typically shorter because there aren’t as many steps involved. The time you’re in the chair is definitely worth it, though!
Your Whittier dentist will start by numbing the tooth. Then, they’ll remove any decay, or an existing filling and decay if the decay is recurrent. Once the decay is removed, they’ll prepare the tooth for the restoration, ensuring clean lines at the margins of the preparation for a snug fit.
The next step is to take a 3D image of the preparation. We do this with an intraoral camera. Our CAD/CAM machine will then create a model of your tooth, as well as a custom porcelain preparation to fill it or fit over it. Finally, when the inlay or onlay is complete, we’ll disinfect your tooth, prime it, place a bonding agent, as well as the cement/adhesive, and light cure the adhesive so that it hardens.
The cost of restorative inlays and onlays in Whittier depends on the amount of tooth structure that needs to be restored, as well as the materials used.
Your Whittier dentist and their team will discuss the cost, as well as how much you can expect your insurance to cover (if any) of the procedure. They’ll also discuss payment plans and outside financing if you’re interested in those options.
Now is the ideal time to invest in restorative dental treatments. The technology makes appointments shorter and more comfortable. They also allow us to take a less invasive approach to preserve the health, structure, and stability of your tooth.
The latest technology and materials are also more biocompatible, ensuring the long-term success of the procedure. If you’re ready to get started, contact us to learn more.
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