If your tooth has suffered damage from decay or other issues, the issue may be too extensive to treat with a simple filling. If the damage does not warrant a full dental crown, the best treatment for restoring the tooth may be a dental inlay or onlay. Unlike fillings, which directly fill the hole left from dental decay with filling material, inlays and onlays are indirect fillings. They are fabricated in a lab and bonded to the tooth’s damaged area.
With cutting-edge dental technology and state-of-the-art equipment, AZ Family Dental serves your entire family with a full array of dental services. If your tooth has experienced damage, we will work to find a durable and natural-looking solution, which may include a dental inlay or onlay.
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Dental inlays and onlays share many similarities. These custom-made fillings generally consist of composite material, gold, or tooth-colored porcelain. We often use porcelain inlays and onlays at our practices in the greater Phoenix, AZ area, as they are highly durable and resemble your natural tooth. Both restoration options are made by a professional dental laboratory and permanently bonded onto the tooth by the dentists at AZ Family Dental. Once placed, inlays and onlays invisibly blend with your natural tooth.
While both restoration options effectively fill larger areas of decay, the major difference between dental inlays and onlays is their placement. Inlays only fill the area between the cusps — the elevated features on your back teeth. Onlays repair inside the cusp and extend over one or more sides of the tooth.
Both inlays and onlays can repair various dental issues, such as:
You can book your dental inlays and onlays in one of our offices:
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One main advantage of both dental inlays and onlays is that they allow your dentist to save much more of the healthy tooth than a dental crown. Although the placement procedure is similar to crown placement, less of your natural tooth structure will need removal, making it a more conservative treatment. The dentists at AZ Family Dental can help you decide which restoration option is best for your unique situation.
Both inlay and onlay procedures usually require two visits to our dental office. Your first appointment will involve cleaning out all tooth decay and taking accurate impressions of your tooth. These molds will be sent to a dental lab and used to make your custom inlay or onlay. Before leaving our office, your dentist will place a temporary filling to protect your tooth until your permanent restoration is ready.
At your second visit, your permanent inlay or onlay will be carefully bonded into place. Your dentist will also ensure a proper fit and comfortable bite. Inlays and onlays are long-lasting and highly durable, requiring no greater care than your natural teeth. The AZ Family Dental team will review proper hygiene instructions to ensure your new restoration lasts for years to come.
If you would like to learn about long-lasting restorations that can preserve more of your healthy tooth material, it’s time to schedule your appointment at AZ Family Dental. We provide a wide array of expert dental services in a friendly, family-oriented environment. Contact us today to request your consultation.
