Inlays and Onlays in Irvine
Dental fillings might be the most common way to restore decaying teeth, but inlays and onlays
are also vital. With the right dentist, you can receive inlays or onlays in Irvine to target damage
caused by tooth decay or minor injuries. This fast, routine treatment is comfortable and delivers
lasting results that can keep your teeth healthier overall.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
As tooth decay becomes worse and worse, it can begin to eat away at your teeth. This often starts
out as minor cavities, which can easily be treated. But the longer it continues, the greater the
damage to your teeth can be. Inlays and onlays are two common ways to restore damaged teeth
and stop tooth decay right in its tracks. The difference between the two has to do with the
placement of the inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays can also be used to replace defective fillings
that have begun to be surrounded by additional tooth decay.
Inlays
Inlays are placed more toward the inner part of the tooth. After removing any decay or defective
material, we clean out the tooth and place the inlay over the area, sealing it from the outside
world and all the bacteria in it. Inlays can come in a range of materials, including porcelain or
composite materials, which can match the natural color of your teeth.
Onlays
Onlays are much like inlays, only they are placed more over or on top of a damaged tooth.
However, they can also sit inside the tooth to effectively seal it off from additional bacteria or
decay. Onlays are especially effective at restoring larger portions and restoring a good amount of
stability to the tooth. Like inlays, onlays can also come in several available materials, depending
on your goals.
Do I Need Inlays or Onlays or Something Else?
Just looking at your teeth in the mirror, it can be hard to figure out what kind of restorative
treatment will be right for you. Depending on the extent of the damage and the state of your
tooth, you may need fillings, inlays, onlays, or even crowns. To see which is right for you, we
recommend scheduling your appointment at our office and meeting with our experienced dentist.
Once they discuss your symptoms and perform a full examination, they can help match you with
the right treatment.
The Process of Getting Inlays/Onlays
The overall process for getting an inlay or onlay is quite similar to getting a dental filling. The
key steps are much the same: clearing out decay and bacteria, they sealing it with your chosen
material while also restoring the shape of your tooth with it.
In general, patients report about the same comfort levels as a dental filling. We take care to
ensure that the entire process is as stress-free. We use local numbing anesthetic to keep the
treatment area painless while we clean and seal your tooth. If you are uncomfortable at any point,
just let us know and we will work with you to find a solution that reduces discomfort or anxiety.
In many cases, you may be able to get your inlays/onlays with only a single visit to our office.
However, it depends on the state of the teeth you want to treat.
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What Are the Results?
Once you have your inlays or onlays, you may need to wait a few hours for the numbing to wear
off. While you can still drive, you may want to wait before eating anything, because it will be
easy to bite your cheeks or tongue while numb. While inlays and onlays are quite durable,
especially porcelain ones, we recommend you avoid biting down with treated teeth on hard
foods.
Dental inlays and onlays can last you for years to come, but several factors can determine their
durability. First and most important is the care you give to them. By flossing and brushing
regularly along with regular dental visits, you give your teeth the boost they need to continue
fighting off tooth decay. Additionally, the type of material affects how long an inlay or onlay
will last. Materials such as porcelain are stronger and last longer, while amalgam ones might
have a shorter shelf life. Be sure to ask your dentist about what material is best for you during
your visit. They can help match you with your ideal choice based on your goals, teeth, and
budget expectations.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Treating tooth decay is one of our highest priorities, and we hope the same goes for our patients.
The sooner you tackle signs of decay or damaged teeth, the easier it will be to treat them with
more routine procedures. Contact us today to set up your appointment and see if inlays and
onlays in Irvine are right for you.