Inlays and Onlays

Oct 15, 2023
Sunflower

Inlays and onlays are often referred to as partial crowns. They use the existing tooth as a base and fit the inlay or onlay onto the tooth. This is done to strengthen the tooth, restore its shape, and prevent further damage. An inlay is done when there is no damage to the cusps of the tooth, and the inlay can be placed right on the tooth. An onlay is used when the damage is a little more extensive.


The decayed area of the tooth is first removed during the procedure. A mold of the tooth is then taken and sent to a dental lab. They create a restoration made from porcelain, gold, or a composite resin. The restoration takes about 2-3 weeks to make, so a temporary inlay or onlay will be placed on the tooth for that time. During your next visit, the inlay or onlay will be placed into your mouth and set with cement. Your tooth will look natural, and you or anyone else won't be able to tell the difference.


Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations used to repair molars and premolars damaged by decay or trauma. Inlays and onlays fit more securely and last longer than fillings, strengthen compromised teeth, and preserve more natural tooth structure than crowns.


An inlay is used to restore the center of the tooth inside the cusps. Cavities, small cracks and fractures, and other damage are treated with an inlay when a large filling would weaken the structure of the tooth.


An onlay typically covers the center of the tooth and one or more cusps. An onlay prevents further cusp and tooth damage when a cusp is cracked, broken, or decayed. Because an onlay is placed only on the damaged part of the tooth, it is a less extensive procedure than a crown and preserves more of the natural tooth.


Direct restorations like dental fillings can be completed in a single appointment. Indirect restorations require at least two appointments because the inlay or onlay is fabricated outside the office.


At the first appointment, the area is numbed, and the tooth is treated for decay or injury. The tooth is then cleaned and shaped for the restoration.


An impression is taken of the tooth.


The tooth is given a temporary inlay or onlay to seal and protect it.


The impression is sent to a lab. Using this model, a restoration is carefully fabricated to fit the exact dimensions of the tooth.


Once the fabrication is complete, the temporary filling is removed, the permanent inlay or onlay is positioned for an ideal fit, and the restoration is bonded to the tooth surface.


In the past, gold was used for both inlays and onlays. Today, there are several options available to suit different aesthetic concerns and price points.


Gold restorations are fabricated from gold alloyed with other metals. While they are the most durable option, they are more expensive, and they can be conspicuous.


Ceramic and porcelain restorations are tinted to blend with tooth enamel and are both durable and stain-resistant. They are roughly similar in cost to gold restorations.


Composite restorations are the most cost-effective option and are also tinted to match the tooth’s natural color. They aren’t as stain-resistant as ceramic and porcelain and are slightly less malleable than other options.


When a tooth is too damaged for a filling but doesn’t need the complete coverage a crown provides, an inlay or an onlay can be the ideal restoration. Talk to your dentist to discover the best option to restore both the appearance and function of your injured tooth.


Experience exceptional dental care at Ripon Dental, home to the best dentist and the finest dental services in town. Conveniently located at 1222 W Colony Rd, Suite 140, Ripon, CA 95366, US, we invite you to contact us today at (209) 924-4089 to discover our comprehensive range of services.

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We encourage you to call us at (209) 924-4089. For directions to the office, please click the map below. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to get in touch.

Ripon Dental

1222 W Colony Rd, Suite 140, Ripon, CA 95366 US

Proudly Serving: Ripon, Manteca, Salida, Modesto, Riverbank, Del Rio and other surrounding communities.

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Ripon Dental
LOCATION

1222 W Colony Rd, Suite 140

Ripon,

CA 95366 US

Sunflower
CONTACT
(209) 924-4089

ripondental@gmail.com

Sunflower
HOURS
Monday to Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday & Sunday : Closed