Inlays and onlays replace the decayed portions of the chewing surface of molar. Our doctors aim to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible to help you achieve optimal oral health. Inlays and onlays placed at Fort Bend Dental in Missouri City, Aliana, Sugar Land, Richmond, or Rosenberg, TX, can repair decayed teeth without the need for a full dental crown. If you are suffering from a sore tooth, you may have tooth decay. You can depend on our team to provide a conservative solution providing relief, restored function, and beautiful aesthetics.
Are You in Need of an Inlay or Onlay?
If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity in a particular tooth, you may have a cavity. You may also feel pain in that tooth if you consume food or drinks that are hot or cold, or simply when biting down. To preserve as much of your tooth structure as possible, you should seek treatment right away if you are experiencing a toothache that does not subside within a day or so. Inlays and onlays are designed specifically to repair molars. To qualify for an inlay or onlay, you must have enough healthy tooth structure to support the restoration. Teeth that are too decayed will likely require a dental crown. Inlays are used to replace decayed tissue on the chewing surface of the molar, whereas onlays are used to replace the chewing surface as well as one or more cusps.
Inlays and onlays are a conservative solution that can allow us to restore your tooth by preserving the maximum amount of healthy tissue.
How are Inlays and Onlays Created and Placed?
After your doctor determines an inlay or onlay is appropriate to repair your tooth, he will begin by removing the decayed tissue. Once the decay is eliminated, he will take impressions of your teeth. Then he will determine the appropriate shade for your restoration so that it blends in with the tooth. The shade specifications and the impression are sent to a dental lab to guide technicians as they craft your inlay or onlay. We will place a temporary filling to protect your tooth in the meantime.
It can take up to two weeks for the lab to create restorations. Once your inlay or onlay is complete, you will return for your second appointment. At this time, your doctor will remove the temporary filling and then cement the final, custom restoration in place.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays vs. Dental Crowns
The sooner you seek treatment for tooth decay, the better. Tooth decay can lead to an infection and eventual tooth loss. Cavities can also present problems for your physical health. Additionally, early intervention of tooth decay can help preserve more of the healthy structure of a tooth. Inlays and onlays only require the removal of the decayed portion of the teeth. Dental crowns, however, require both the removal of the decay as well as healthy tissue to accommodate the crown. Inlays and onlays are a conservative solution that can allow us to restore your tooth by preserving the maximum amount of healthy tissue.
Restore Health and Comfort
If you are suffering from a toothache or other tooth pain, contact our dental office right away to schedule your next appointment. Our dentists can perform a thorough exam to determine which type of restoration is necessary to restore strength and health to your tooth.
