Preserve your healthy smile with dental inlays and onlays

Teeth seldom break or crack predictably. Sometimes, the breakage is immense for a filling and diminutive for a crown. Porcelain inlays and onlays (indirect fillings/partial crowns) provide a perfect solution to restore your damaged or decayed tooth without covering it entirely. If you want to see what indirect fillings can do for your dental health in Riverside, California, please schedule an appointment with Neal Edwards, DDS.

The difference between an inlay and onlay

In theory, these two dental restorations are often used interchangeably with typical fillings, although partial crowns are reserved for extensive tooth damage. Inlays and onlays do the same job, but the extent of treatment differs. Inlays only fill the chewing area between cusps, while onlays cover the biting surface and the cusps. Simply said, an onlay covers a larger area than an inlay. 

Modern inlays and onlays can be made from porcelain or ceramic materials. Whatever the material used, patients can be assured of a natural-looking outcome. 

The placement process

Like a dental crown, indirect fillings need at least two dental appointments. The process starts with examining your oral health to establish your suitability for an inlay or onlay. The next step is preparing your tooth. We drill out the decayed part and sanitize the area to remove harmful bacteria. For maximum comfort, this procedure is done after administering local anesthesia in the treatment area. 

Next, we take the bite impressions of your prepped and the opposing teeth to ensure the lab technicians fabricate natural-looking restorations. Since the fabrication process may take a few days, Dr. Neal Edwards places a temporary restoration to protect your prepped tooth.

During your second appointment, we remove the temporary filling or crown and clean and disinfect your tooth. Then, we install your permanent inlay or onlay using dental cement and curing light. Finally, we check your occlusion to ensure it feels natural. Your bite should feel even throughout your mouth.

Repair your tooth damage with dental inlays and onlays

Is your tooth damage too small for a crown but too big for a filling? Dental inlays and onlays are perfect for these in-between situations. If you want to benefit from these dental restorations, please dial (951) 614-0033 to book an appointment with Neal Edwards, DDS.