At our dentistry, we value our community. This is why we have made it our top priority to provide you and your family with high-quality dental care. If you are experiencing dental issues, you may be interested in seeing if dental inlays and onlays may be the right dental service for you.

What Are Inlays And Onlays?

Originally, inlays and onlays were pure gold fillings. Fortunately, now inlays and onlays are now available in much more affordable materials. Now made from porcelain or ceramic, inlays and onlays are designed to match the shade of your surrounding teeth. Inlays and onlays work to fill small amounts of the tooth’s structure, where decaying has taken place.

The Benefits

As opposed to the dental crowns, which cover the whole top and sides of a tooth, the dental inlays onlays will only cover the parts of the tooth that are damaged. This means that as much of your natural tooth that is possible will be visible. Inlays and onlays can also be designed to fit the tooth so precisely that there is no space between the prosthetic and the natural tooth. This means that you will be at a much lower risk of developing an infection in that tooth because there is no entry point for harmful bacteria.

The Process

The process of getting an inlay or an onlay begins with first cleaning the tooth. While cleaning, your dentist will look for any odd-looking or unstable areas. At this point, the area for the prosthetic will be sculpted to allow for the inlay or onlay to fit precisely. Then a mold is taken of that tooth. Inlays are made when there is just damage to the tip of the tooth. Onlays are used when this damage extends to the sides.

We want you to have a smile that you are proud of and we understand that it can be difficult to feel confident when you have dental issues in need of repair. For more information about whether inlays and onlays are right for you, schedule an appointment with one of our dentists today.