Inlays and onlays benefit the smiles of our patients

Some of the treatments that Dr. Rea provides are both cosmetic and restorative. Tooth-colored fillings are a prime example, as are inlays and onlays. The latter have been great advances in dentistry, giving patients more options for the repair of teeth damaged by injury or decay. Inlays and onlays, used regularly with our patients, are restorative treatments that are between a dental filling and a dental crown. These extra options allow precise repair of a tooth or teeth, avoiding the need to remove more tooth structure than is necessary.

An inlay or an onlay may be referred to as an indirect filling because they are not placed in the same way as a standard filling. An inlay or onlay is not immediately placed, it is custom made in a dental lab and bonded to the prepared tooth during a second visit to our office. Why two names for the same basic restoration? Inlays and onlays differ, based on how much tooth structure requires repair.

When decay or injury has affected an area that lies inside the points, or cusps, of teeth, Dr. Frazer will use an inlay to repair the tooth. An inlay fills a smaller surface area of a tooth, whereas an onlay treats larger surface areas that lie both inside and outside of the cusps. An onlay can restore function when most of the chewing surface has been damaged.

Inlays and onlays have their own specific benefits when compared to fillings or dental crowns. These benefits include:

• Natural-looking restoration where all teeth look the same
• Preservation of natural tooth structure
• Excellent fit, greatly reducing the instance of recurrent decay
• Long-lasting stability and strength

During the first visit for an inlay or onlay, Dr. Rea numbs the affected area and removes all damage, preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible. An impression of the tooth is taken and sent to the dental lab. Before leaving our office, the patient is fitted with a temporary restoration that will remain in place until the permanent restoration is ready. In about two weeks, the patient returns to our office and the inlay or onlay is bonded to the tooth.

Both cosmetic and restorative in nature, inlays and onlays provide a new level of function for damaged teeth. Contact us to schedule your next visit with Dr. Rea. Back to Cosmetic Dentistry Home Page