Protecting Your Teeth From Harm
If you’re looking for a dental restoration that can repair a damaged tooth without the need for a dental crown, inlays and onlays may be the perfect solution for you. At Lasting Smiles of Highland Park, Dr. Ruma Anand provides inlays and onlays to repair damaged teeth. Learn why our patients trust their smiles with Dr. Anand using this effective treatment below.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays, usually called partial crowns, are dental restorations used to repair teeth damaged by decay or trauma. They’re made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin and are custom-made to fit your tooth precisely. Inlays and onlays differ from traditional dental fillings in that they’re created outside of the mouth and then bonded to the tooth rather than placed directly into the cavity.
When Are Inlays and Onlays Used?
Inlays and onlays are ideal for repairing teeth with moderate to severe damage that’s too large for a filling but not severe enough to require a crown. These high-quality restorations can repair damaged chewing surfaces as well as the sides of the tooth. We also use an inlay when there’s no damage to the tooth’s cusps to stabilize it.
Our Highland Park dentist uses your natural tooth as a base and fits the inlay or onlay onto the tooth. This strengthens the tooth, restores its shape, and prevents further damage.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
There are several benefits to choosing inlays and onlays over other types of dental restorations:
- Custom-made to fit your tooth precisely, they can provide a better fit and seal than traditional fillings.
- Made of durable materials that can last for many years, these restorations provide a long-lasting solution for repairing a damaged tooth.
- Inlays and onlays can repair teeth with moderate to severe damage, allowing you to keep your natural tooth rather than replace it with a crown or dental implant.
- Less invasive than other dental restorations, they can help preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
The Process of Getting Inlays and Onlays
The process of getting an inlay or onlay involves the following steps:
- Examination and Preparation: Dr. Anand will examine your tooth and determine if an inlay or onlay is the right solution for you. If so, she’ll prepare your tooth by removing any decay or damage and shaping the tooth.
- Impressions: Your Highland Park dentist will take impressions of your tooth and send them to a dental lab, where your inlay or onlay will be custom-made to fit your tooth precisely. Creating your restoration takes about two to three weeks, so we’ll place a temporary inlay or onlay on the tooth for that time.
- Placement: Once we receive your restoration, we’ll call you back at our office. Dr. Anand will bond it to your tooth using a special adhesive. She’ll finish it off by polishing the restoration to ensure a natural look and feel.
Aftercare for Inlays and Onlays
To care for your inlay or onlay, we recommend following Dr. Anand’s post-op aftercare. It’s important to:
- Practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
- You should also avoid chewing on hard foods or objects, as this can damage the restoration.
- Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure your inlay or onlay is functioning properly and doesn’t require further treatment.
Potential Complications and Risks
Inlays and onlays are generally safe and effective dental restorations but can pose some risks and complications. These can include sensitivity, damage to the restoration, or the need for further treatment in the future. If you experience any, call our office at (732) 777-9077 so Dr. Anand can assess your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Inlays and onlays are known for their durability and can last many years with proper care. The lifespan of these restorations can vary depending on the material used and how well they’re maintained. Generally, inlays and onlays made from porcelain or ceramic can last up to 15 years or more, while composite resin may last up to 10 years.
Regular check-ups with your dentist and good oral hygiene habits can help to extend the lifespan of your inlays and onlays.
Inlays and onlays are typically more expensive than traditional fillings due to the custom-made nature of the restoration and the materials used. However, they may be more cost-effective in the long run as they can last longer than fillings. You can ask your dentist if their office provides financial assistance.
Yes, you can eat comfortably and casually with an inlay or onlay. One of the benefits of inlays and onlays is that they’re strong enough to withstand normal chewing and biting forces. However, avoid chewing on hard foods or objects that could damage the restoration. Your dentist can provide specific instructions on how to care for your inlays and onlays to help ensure their longevity.
Inlays and onlays can be used on most teeth, but there are some cases where a crown or dental implant may be a better solution. Your dentist will determine the best treatment option for your specific case.
Don’t Wait to Fix Your Teeth — Ask About Inlays and Onlays!
Don’t wait any longer to restore your damaged tooth and regain your smile’s natural beauty and functionality! Contact our Highland Park, NJ, dental practice today at (732) 777-9077 to learn more about inlays and onlays. We’ll determine if they’re the right treatment option for your needs.
You can also request an appointment by clicking the button below, and one of our staff members will get back to you. We’re proud to provide the highest quality cosmetic procedures in Highland Park and surrounding areas like Bound Brook, Metuchen, and North Brunswick Township, NJ.
