According to the American College of Prosthodontists, dental inlays and onlays are important tools for treating tooth decay. Like other dental services and treatments, inlays and onlays have come a long way and are now available in tooth-colored materials along with the traditional options like gold used to preserve both the function and cosmetic look and feel of damaged teeth.
At the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry in Beverly Hills, California, our dentist Dr. Ramin Mahallati and the rest of our dental team offer general and cosmetic dentistry services to improve your oral health and give you a beautiful smile.
Inlays and onlays perform a similar function to dental fillings, but they’re not the same thing. Both are a type of dental restoration used to treat tooth decay and to restore the missing portion of your tooth so that you can chew your food and smile confidently without worrying about further damage. Inlays are placed inside of the tooth, and onlays extend to cover the chewing surface of a molar.
They’re typically made from composite resin or porcelain, so they match the color of a natural tooth and provide a discreet and natural-looking finish. Inlays are more durable and provide more protection for the tooth than a standard dental filling.
The procedure for getting inlays and onlays is very similar to a filling. At your first appointment, Dr. Mahallati will order an impression of the tooth which is sent to a lab to make the restoration. Your tooth will be cleaned to remove the cavity and any damaged or inflamed tissue before the restoration is placed. The process usually takes a few appointments, and you’ll get a temporary restoration until the permanent inlay or onlay is ready.
Inlays and onlays are usually recommended for moderate levels of tooth decay when the cavity is too large or advanced for a traditional filling, but there’s still enough healthy tooth surface left that you don’t need a dental crown.
Every case is different, but with good oral hygiene and regular dental care, inlays and onlays are one of the most durable dental restorations available and can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years on average.
For more information about the restorative and cosmetic dentistry services available at our Beverly Hills, California, office, contact us today to learn more and to schedule an appointment. You can also book an appointment online.
