- What Are Inlays and Onlays?
- How Do Inlays and Onlays Work?
- What Should I Expect After Inlays and Onlays Treatment?
- What Are the Benefits of Inlays and Onlays?
- Inlays and Onlays Reviews
- Am I A Candidate for Inlays and Onlays?
- Featured Pictures
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Revive Your Oral Health
- Get In Touch
- Related Services
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Classified somewhere between a tooth-colored filling and a crown, an inlay or onlay can heal a decayed or damaged molar. Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that fit precisely onto the affected tooth to provide lasting strength and protection. Often made from porcelain, composite resin, or gold, inlays and onlays at 5 Star Dental Group cover sections of the tooth that fillings alone might not restore. Although they are similar, understanding the differences between inlays and onlays can help you determine which option might be best for your dental health. An inlay is designed to fit within the grooves of a tooth, repairing damage to its center without covering any of the cusps (or raised edges). This approach makes inlays a smart choice for damage limited to the inner structure of a tooth. On the other hand, a dental onlay is sometimes called a partial crown because it extends over one or more cusps, making it ideal for teeth that need broader reinforcement. Since inlays and onlays are tailored to each tooth, they provide a snug, natural fit that strengthens your bite while protecting the tooth's structure. Schedule a consultation at our San Antonio, TX practice to find out if this solution is right for you.
How Do Inlays and Onlays Work?
Receiving inlays and onlays involves a few simple steps. During your first visit, our team will carefully remove any damaged or decayed portions of the tooth and then take an impression. This mold ensures that your dental inlay or dental onlay will precisely fit the area being treated. A temporary filling may be placed to protect your tooth in the meantime. Once the custom-made restoration is ready, you'll return for a second appointment. We will remove the temporary filling and secure your new inlay or onlay, polishing it to blend with your natural tooth color for a seamless look. Because dental inlays and onlays are designed to be durable, you can expect them to last many years with proper care.
What Should I Expect After Inlays and Onlays Treatment?
If just local anesthesia was used, you should be able to leave after the procedure and get back to your regular day. You may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or sensitivity for several days once your inlay or onlay is placed. Please contact 5 Star Dental Group if you experience any concerns following your treatment. Your onlay or inlay needs to be taken care of like your natural teeth using daily brushing and flossing. You need to schedule annual dental exams and bi-annual cleanings at 5 Star Dental Group so our team can assess the health and wear of the inlay or onlay. With proper care, it should last for several years before needing replacement or repair.
What Are the Benefits of Inlays and Onlays?
As conservative and enduring dental treatments for chipped or eroded teeth, inlays and onlays at 5 Star Dental Group in San Antonio, TX provide a range of advantages, such as:
- Provides a comfortable and functional bite
- Supports the resilience and stability of the tooth
- Reduces the likelihood of additional infection or injury by safeguarding the tooth
- Resists staining and yellowing, providing a natural look
- Retains more of your existing enamel as opposed to most dental crown treatments
- Allows for a minimally invasive alternative to standard dental crowns
- Blends subtly with the existing teeth
Inlays and Onlays Reviews
Excellent service for its quality and warmth. 100% availability. I always feel confident because of the kindness and their great professional job
I have been going to 5 Star Dental Group for 10 years. During this time I moved quite a distance away, but I make the drive because they are superior to any other dental group that I have visited.
Great service and explained thing effortlessly, Ms. Mary Jo was the star 🌟
Always a great experience at 5 Star Dental Group and Dr. Tostado. Staff is the friendliest ever. I think I've been a patient here for 20 years and they feel like family! I highly recommend them for any dental work that you have to have done. Everyone is gentle and uses the highest/latest technology. Thank you!
Awesome as always! I've been with this office about 50 years.
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Total Reviews
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Average Rating
Am I A Candidate for Inlays and Onlays?
An inlay or onlay is a fantastic option when you've got a damaged tooth or a large cavity that is too big to get filled, but does not require the entire protection of a crown. During your examination, our team may examine your digital x-rays to pick the ideal procedure for your tooth. If an inlay or onlay is chosen, They will discuss the available materials that will best meet your requirements. You might even talk about whether you would prefer a direct restoration (an inlay or onlay created in our office using CEREC technology while you wait or an indirect restoration created at a dental lab.
Featured Pictures
Frequently Asked Questions
Are inlays and onlays painful to get?
The procedure is typically not painful. Local anesthesia is used during the preparation stage to ensure comfort. Most patients report minimal discomfort during or after the procedure, and recovery time is minimal.
Will my inlay or onlay look natural?
Yes. Porcelain and composite inlays and onlays match your tooth's color, making them virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. They are also polished to blend seamlessly with your smile.
How do I care for my tooth after receiving an inlay or onlay?
Caring for a tooth with an inlay or onlay is the same as caring for any natural tooth: brush and floss daily, avoid excessive force when chewing hard objects, and maintain regular dental cleanings and exams.
Revive Your Oral Health
These conservative treatments at 5 Star Dental Group protect your teeth from further wear and safeguard their natural structure so you can have the confidence to show a well-cared-for smile. Inlays and onlays have become a preferred solution for moderate tooth damage, offering a versatile alternative that preserves more of your natural tooth. They bridge the gap between standard fillings and crowns, allowing you to restore your oral health without more extensive procedures. Schedule an appointment at 5 Star Dental Group in San Antonio, TX today. Our dental team will help revive your oral health with the most appropriate treatment for your needs.