Inlays and Onlays in New York, NY

About Inlays and Onlays at Rock Dental

Dental inlays and onlays are considered a conservative method of treating damaged teeth. They are used instead of placing a crown. Some dentists even use inlays and onlays to treat tooth decay. Instead of filling in the tooth, your dentist may use dental inlays and onlays.

Dental inlays and onlays are made in a dental lab and then fitted to your tooth. They are then bonded to your tooth.

Why Choose an Inlay or Onlay Over a Crown

When a back tooth has a large cavity or an old filling that has broken down, a standard filling may not hold up well, because a lot of filling material in a tooth can leave the remaining walls weak. A crown solves that, but it requires reshaping the whole tooth. An inlay or onlay sits in between. It replaces only the damaged part, so more of your healthy tooth structure can stay in place.

The difference between the two is coverage. An inlay fits within the grooves of the chewing surface, between the raised points of the tooth. An onlay extends over one or more of those points and is sometimes called a partial crown. Both are made as a single solid piece, usually from porcelain, composite or gold. That solid construction typically makes them strong and stable under chewing forces. Your dentist will advise which option suits the tooth.

What to Expect at Your Inlay or Onlay Visits

Treatment is typically done in two appointments. At the first, the tooth is numbed and your dentist removes the decay or the old filling, then shapes the space. An impression or scan is taken for the dental lab, and a temporary filling protects the tooth while your restoration is made. At the second visit, the temporary comes out, the inlay or onlay is tried in and checked against your bite, and it is bonded into place and polished.

Between visits, go easy on the temporary. Avoid sticky or very hard foods on that side and call the office if it comes loose. After the final restoration is bonded, some sensitivity to temperature or pressure for a few days is common and usually settles. If your bite feels high or uneven, let us know, since a small adjustment typically fixes it. From there, care is simple. Brush, clean between your teeth daily, and keep your regular checkups.