If your dental decay is too big for fillings but not big enough for crowns, you may consider porcelain inlays and onlays, a conservative approach to treating tooth decay and damage. We offer natural-looking porcelain inlays and onlays to improve oral health, appearance, and functionality.
Natural-Looking Dental Restoration
If you have a cavity, you can probably get fillings. But if the cavity is too large, you may need root canal therapy and a dental crown. But sometimes, dental decay or damage is too large for fillings but not large enough for a dental crown — that’s where inlays and onlays come into the picture. We offer natural-looking porcelain inlays and onlays that blend perfectly with your natural teeth and restore optimal oral health and appearance.
What are Inlays & Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are dental restorations to repair dental decay and damage. They are made from porcelain or composite resin, matched to the color of your natural tooth. Inlays are used when the damage to the tooth is limited to the chewing surface of the tooth. Onlays are used when the damage to the tooth extends to one or more of the cusps, or pointed edges, of the tooth. They are less invasive than dental crowns and can restore front and back teeth.
Inlays & Onlays Treat:
- Fractured teeth
- Broken teeth
- Severely cracked teeth
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Large fillings
- Deep cavities
The Porcelain Inlays & Onlays Process
Your dentist may recommend a porcelain inlay or onlay if you have a tooth that is decayed, cracked, or otherwise damaged. Your inlays and onlays process starts with a thorough initial consultation, during which your dentist will carefully examine your teeth, discuss your symptoms and goals, and administer x-rays. If you’re a good candidate for inlays/onlays, the dentist will curate a personalized treatment plan and initiate the treatment.
Your dentist will numb your tooth and the surrounding area. They will remove any decay or damage from your tooth, following which the tooth will be prepped. Your dentist will take an impression of your tooth and use it to create a porcelain inlay or onlay using the 3D printer. Once the inlay or onlay is ready, your dentist will place it on your tooth, check to make sure it fits, and bond it using a special dental cement.
You may experience some sensitivity after your procedure, but this should go away within a few days. In the meantime, please brush and floss carefully and avoid chewing on hard foods. With proper care, your porcelain inlay or onlay can last for many years.
Benefits of Porcelain Inlays & Onlays:
- Made to closely match the color of your tooth enamel
- Extremely durable and can last for many years with proper care
- Less likely than composite (plastic) fillings to stain or discolor
- Less invasive than dental crowns
- Suitable for patients who need to replace large fillings
- Can treat various dental problems, including teeth with large fillings, decay, and damage
- Look indistinguishable from natural teeth
Why Choose Advanced Dentistry & Implant Center?
Advanced Dentistry & Implant Center is a cosmetic, periodontal, and dental implant specialty practice. Our dental clinic is led by Dr. Roya Mirkhan, a highly-skilled and compassionate dentist with 20+ years of experience in transforming smiles. We go above and beyond in our commitment to helping you achieve and maintain the perfect smile. Please schedule an appointment to explore your inlay/onlay, teeth straightening, or other dental cosmetic options in San Diego.
