You have heard of fillings and crowns. Inlays and onlays are another way to repair a damaged tooth and bring it back to health.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Sometimes called partial crowns, inlays and onlays repair the chewing surfaces of back teeth with large cavities, fractures or failing fillings. An inlay is bonded into the chewing surface, much like a filling. An onlay covers the chewing surface plus one or more cusps. Both usually remove less natural tooth than a crown does.
We make them in composite, porcelain or gold. Depending on the material, they can be closely matched to the color and texture of your teeth. They are strong and long-lasting, often for decades with good care.
The Procedure
After numbing the area, we remove the damaged or decayed part of the tooth, then clean and shape the space. An impression goes to the dental lab to make your custom restoration, and a temporary filling protects the tooth in the meantime.
At the next visit, we check the fit, cement the inlay or onlay in place and harden the bond with a curing light.
Caring for Your Restoration
Brush at least twice a day, floss daily and keep your twice-yearly exams and cleanings so we can keep an eye on your restorations.
Inlays and Onlays in Whitesboro, TX
Learn more about inlays and onlays, call (903) 564-3451 or contact us to schedule an appointment.