When your teeth need more than a filling but less than a crown, inlays and onlays offer an excellent solution. At Thomson Family Dental, we provide custom-made inlays and onlays that restore damaged teeth to their natural strength and appearance. These restorations are ideal for treating decay or damage in a way that preserves more of your natural tooth structure.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are types of dental restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that does not require a full crown.
- Inlays: An inlay fits within the grooves of the tooth, restoring its natural contours.
- Onlays: An onlay covers a larger portion of the tooth, extending over the cusps (the raised points) to provide additional strength.
Both inlays and onlays are typically made from materials like porcelain, composite resin, or gold, and are custom-fitted to your tooth for a seamless repair.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
- Preserve Tooth Structure: Inlays and onlays require less removal of the natural tooth structure compared to crowns, preserving more of your healthy tooth.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: These restorations are designed to be durable, with the potential to last many years with proper care.
- Natural Appearance: Inlays and onlays can be matched to the color of your natural teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable.
- Custom Fit: Because they are custom-made, inlays and onlays fit perfectly and restore the tooth’s natural function and appearance.
The Inlay and Onlay Procedure
Consultation and Examination
We start with a thorough examination to determine whether an inlay or onlay is the best option for your tooth. This may include X-rays to assess the extent of the damage.
Preparation and Impressions
If an inlay or onlay is recommended, we’ll remove any decay or damaged areas of the tooth and take an impression. This impression is used to create your custom restoration.
Placement and Bonding
Once your inlay or onlay is ready, we’ll bond it to your tooth using a strong adhesive, ensuring a precise fit. The restoration will be polished to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Why Choose Thomson Family Dental for Inlays and Onlays?
- Experienced Team: Our dentists are skilled in restorative dentistry, ensuring that your inlays and onlays are crafted and placed with precision.
- Quality Materials: We use high-quality materials to create durable, aesthetically pleasing restorations.
- Personalized Care: We take the time to assess your individual needs and recommend the best treatment options for restoring your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inlays and Onlays
How long do inlays and onlays last?
With proper care, inlays and onlays can last many years, sometimes even decades, depending on the material used and your oral hygiene habits.
Are inlays and onlays better than fillings?
Inlays and onlays are typically more durable than fillings and can provide a better fit and more natural appearance for larger restorations.
Is the inlay or onlay procedure painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain. Some patients may experience mild discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Serving Thomson and Surrounding Areas
Thomson Family Dental provides custom inlays and onlays to patients from Thomson and neighboring areas, including Warrenton, Wrens, Washington, and Appling.
Contact Us to Learn More About Inlays and Onlays
Restore your teeth with durable, natural-looking inlays and onlays. Contact Thomson Family Dental at (706) 595-5152 to schedule your consultation. Our office is conveniently located at 540 West Hill Street, Thomson, Georgia 30824.
Thomson family Dental
Monday: 8am-5pm
Tuesday: 8am-5pm
Wednesday: 8am - 3pm
Thursday: 8am-5pm
Friday: 8am-1pm
Sat-Sun: Closed