Inlays & Onlays Dublin, CA

If one of your teeth is fractured or has a cavity, then an inlay or an onlay can be a good option for full restoration. Dr. Huang can tell you whether a tooth needs an inlay/onlay rather than a crown or a filling. If you have structural damage or pain, contact All in One Dental Innovations to determine which procedure would work best for your needs.

What are inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays are used to restore broken and decayed teeth and can be made of materials such as composite, porcelain, or plastic. Both inlays and onlays are used when a filling won’t be sufficient to fix the damage. So you may be wondering what the difference is between an inlay and an onlay. They are the same procedure but are differentiated by location. For example, inlays are used to fill spaces between your cusps (or the rising portions of the tooth), and onlays tend to cover one or more of a tooth’s cusps. Onlays are colloquially known as “partial crowns.”

What are the benefits of inlays & onlays?

If you are a good candidate for inlays and onlays, they may be a better fit than both fillings and crowns. Here are a few benefits:

• Can fix decay and severe fractures
• Returns functionality to a tooth
• Won’t weaken a tooth’s durability as much as fillings do
• Inlays and onlays are fitted, so they don’t need to be shaved down for a crown placement
• They come in a wide variety of materials to fit your aesthetic needs and budget

Learn About Our Cosmetic Dental Treatments.

What kinds of materials are available to me?

Each material comes with its own pros and cons–take a look:

Composite

• Creates a seal that keeps out bacteria
• Can be set in one or two visits
• Can be matched to natural tooth shades

Unfortunately, composite inlays/onlays don’t last as long and can be worn down quickly. If you enjoy staining foods/beverages, this material can also be discolored. Also, while this material can usually be placed in a couple of visits, some people may experience soreness or sensitivity after the procedure.

Gold

• Is incredibly durable and won’t corrode
• Can last for many years

Those who are considering gold should also remember that they don’t always work well if you have silver amalgam in your mouth. Sometimes people experience “galvanic shock,” in which metallic elements produce a current that causes discomfort and sensitivity.

Porcelain

• Can preserve more of the tooth’s natural structure
• Can look very similar to a tooth’s natural color

Porcelain can be more difficult to work with than other materials, so your dentist needs to have plenty of experience placing it. Also, while porcelain can be great for aesthetics, it can be expensive and break more easily over time.

What happens during the procedure?

First, Dr. Huang will consult with you and help you weigh the pros and cons to determine which material works best for your situation. When you go in for your appointment, the dentist will inject some local anesthetic. Once you are numb, the decayed or damaged portion of your tooth will be drilled away.

The dentist will shave the tooth and take an impression. After the impression is sent to the lab, you’ll come back for another appointment, and the customized inlay/onlay will be bonded to your tooth.

Are you considering an inlay or an onlay? Contact All In One Dental today!

Call All In One Dental Innovations today at (925) 828-9811 to schedule a consultation to determine whether an inlay or onlay is a good option for you. You can also contact us by requesting an appointment online.

All In One Dental is located at 7046 Dublin Blvd, Dublin, CA 94568