8221 Glades Road, Suite 4, Boca Raton, FL 33434
A Conservative Solution for Damaged Back Teeth
Porcelain inlays and onlays are an excellent and conservative solution to cavity pain, reduced chewing strength, and the general degeneration of the back teeth. When a tooth is too damaged for a standard filling but not damaged enough to require a full crown, inlays and onlays offer the perfect middle ground. At Glades Dental Group in Boca Raton, we use these durable, natural-looking restorations to repair back teeth while preserving as much of your healthy tooth structure as possible.
Inlays and onlays are similar to fillings in that they replace damaged and decayed parts of a tooth, but they are used in different situations and applied through a different process. They are valuable tools in a dentist's restorative repertoire because they occupy the space between standard fillings and more extensive crowns. Once fully bonded to a tooth, inlays and onlays replace the damaged and lost portions of the tooth and allow normal use, with no change needed to your regular at-home dental care routine. The result is a strong, seamless repair that can last for many years.
Ask About Inlays and Onlays
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays fill in the parts of a tooth's surface that have been damaged by decay. They are used on the molars and premolars, specifically the teeth that have multiple cusps, which are the raised points along their outer edges. An inlay fills in and repairs the area of the tooth between the cusps, while an onlay does the same but also covers one or more of the cusps. Otherwise, the two treatments serve the same function and purpose.
One of the remarkable qualities of these restorations is that once placed, inlays and onlays may actually be stronger than the original tooth was before it decayed. They are also virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth, discreetly restoring your smile to an optimal state of health. In fact, they resemble your natural teeth so closely that only you will know they are there.
When Are Inlays and Onlays the Right Solution?
Inlays and onlays are typically the chosen solution when a standard filling would not provide enough support for a damaged tooth, but a crown would be excessive because it would require restructuring the entire tooth rather than just the damaged areas. They may also be recommended when a filling would weaken the remaining tooth structure too much to be a viable option.
An inlay or onlay is an excellent solution in these cases because it supports and strengthens a damaged tooth without requiring extra reshaping of healthy tooth structure. That said, there are still situations where a filling or a crown is the more appropriate choice. You may be a good candidate for an inlay or onlay if you:
- Have a tooth too damaged for a filling but not damaged enough for a crown
- Have decay or damage on the chewing surface of a molar or premolar
- Want to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible
- Are looking for a strong, long-lasting, natural-looking restoration
- Have a tooth where a filling would compromise the remaining structure
Consult with our Boca Raton dentists to find out whether an inlay or onlay is the right choice for your smile.
How Inlays and Onlays Are Placed
Unlike fillings, inlays and onlays are created outside of the mouth before being bonded to the damaged tooth. In most cases, this means the procedure requires two appointments. Here is what to expect at Glades Dental Group:
Preparing the Tooth
During your first appointment, the dentist removes the decay and prepares the damaged tooth.
01
Taking an Impression
Next, we use a special polisher and paste to remove surface stains and smooth your teeth. The polisher uses a small spinning rubber cup that applies a mildly abrasive paste, similar to toothpaste but slightly thicker, leaving your teeth smooth and clean.
02
Protecting the Tooth
You may be given a temporary restoration to protect the tooth while your inlay or onlay is being made.
03
Bonding the Restoration
At your second appointment, the dentist bonds the finished inlay or onlay securely to the tooth, restoring its strength and appearance.
04
All inlays and onlays are long-lasting and simple to care for, and our team will make sure your restoration fits comfortably before you leave.
Caring for Your Inlays and Onlays
Once an inlay or onlay has been placed, maintenance is simple. They should be cared for just like your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and maintain a healthy diet to protect your smile. With proper care, most inlays and onlays last many years. If you ever have questions or concerns about how best to maintain your restoration, our Boca Raton team is always happy to help and explain.
Restore Your Smile With Inlays and Onlays in Boca Raton
If you have a damaged back tooth that needs more than a filling but less than a crown, inlays and onlays from Glades Dental Group may be the ideal solution. Our team will help you restore your tooth's strength and appearance while preserving as much of your natural smile as possible. Call us today at 561-883-2786 or request an appointment online to learn more.
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