Repair Tooth Damage with Conservative and Aesthetically Appealing Dental Inlays and Onlays

When moderate decay or damage forms on your teeth, a tooth filling may not be sufficient to restore your tooth. Similarly, placing a dental crown may seem like an overkill. So, what’s next? Stein Family Dentistry recommends dental inlays or onlays as a middle ground between fillings and crowns. Also called indirect fillings, dental onlays and inlays in Spokane, Washington, are a conservative treatment for restoring your tooth’s function and appearance.

What exactly are dental inlays or inlays?

Dental inlays and onlays are superior to traditional fillings but aren’t as aggressive as dental crowns. Unlike dental crowns that cover the entire tooth, indirect fillings only cover the damaged part, making them a conservative procedure.

Dental inlays are smaller than onlays. These restorations fit within the grooves or indented areas on a tooth’s chewing surface. We use inlays when the damage is confined to the tooth’s center without extending to the tooth’s outer edges or cusps.

Dental onlays cover a larger area. Like inlays, they repair damage within the grooves but extend to one or more of the tooth’s cusps. Dental onlays are often referred to as “partial crowns” because they repair the surface of a tooth without requiring the full coverage that crowns provide.

How are dental inlays and onlays made?

Unlike tooth fillings, inlays/onlays are lab-made. The procedure starts with a consultation to determine the extent of tooth damage. Next, the dentist will numb your mouth with anesthetics and gently prepare your tooth by removing the decayed/damaged portions. The dentist will thoroughly clean the area to ensure no harmful bacteria are trapped beneath the restoration.

Next, we’ll take digital scans of your tooth and create a design of your tooth with computer-aided design (CAD) technology. Once the design is approved, the dentist will use the in-house milling machine to fabricate your restoration, which takes a few minutes. When the restoration is out, we’ll bond it to your tooth with permanent adhesives, restoring your function and aesthetics.

What are the benefits of dental onlays or inlays?

Our dental inlays or onlays are created from high-quality materials to integrate seamlessly with your smile. Here are the undeniable benefits of indirect fillings.

  • Conservative: Unlike dental crowns, dental inlays and onlays preserve more of your healthy tooth structure, providing strength and stability.
  • Durability: Indirect fillings can last over 20 years with proper maintenance.
  • Aesthetics: We customize your restorations to match your tooth’s exact color and shape to restore your smile without compromising its aesthetics.
  • Simple maintenance: Dental onlays and inlays don’t need any special maintenance. Brush and floss them as you do for your natural teeth.

Do I need an inlay or an onlay?

Tooth decay or damage will only worsen if you don’t seek prompt treatment. If you suspect your tooth damage is too significant for a typical filling, visit our office to establish whether you are a candidate for an inlay or onlay. Call (509) 463-1770 to reserve an appointment today!