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Repair Your Teeth With Dental Inlays/Onlays

There is no need to suffer from a decayed or damaged tooth. At McCullough Dental, we care about each patient’s dental health and quality of life. That is why Dr. McCullough’s team prioritizes personalized care by providing a variety of options for treatments for damaged teeth, including inlays and onlays.

Want to receive customized and experienced care? Call our dental team to schedule an appointment today.

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What Is the Purpose of Inlays?

Most people have heard of needing to fill a cavity and may have even received this dental treatment. Inlays are very similar to fillings, except that instead of filling the cavity with liquid amalgam or resin, inlays use a predetermined mold that slips into the cracks of the cavity-ridden tooth.

Inlays rest on the top of the tooth or cover a very small portion of the tooth.

This way, an inlay—in both form and function—is more like a partial crown that also serves the same purpose as a filling. Both inlays and standard cavity fillings have advantages, but here’s what an inlay offers compared to a standard filling:

  • Durability: Inlays last longer. They can withstand more use and keep the cavity from returning much more efficiently.
  • Quality: They are made of better materials that take into consideration each patient’s overall health.
  • Precision: Applied with the utmost care and skill, inlays take at least two appointments to ensure a proper fit.

What Is an Onlay?

An onlay is another kind of partial crown, like an inlay, only they are used to cover and support the outside of the tooth, and the top of the tooth. These are used for slight outer damage to the tooth or mild infections that affect the outer layers of enamel.

Usually, an onlay is only needed if a tooth has been damaged to the point where an inlay would be insufficient, but the infection has not yet reached the level of needing a full root canal. An onlay is used when the tooth damage doesn’t warrant an entire dental crown to cover the whole tooth.

Onlays have specific benefits that make them stand apart from the standard filing, crown, or inlay, such as:

  • Improved Appearance: Onlays complete the smile and restore strength and appearance to the tooth, making a seamless look.
  • Customization: The onlay is designed specifically for the tooth and its needs to create a natural-looking and secure result.

Preventing Dental Health Damage

At McCullough Dental, we always have dental health in mind. To prevent minor problems from becoming worse, we offer inlays and onlays as restorative dentistry options. We have a warm, friendly, and inviting staff and we welcome everyone as part of our dental family.

To get started with an experienced dental team and take advantage of our restorative treatment options, schedule a consultation or initial appointment today!

Why McCullough Dental for Your Inlay or Onlay?

Inlays and onlays can assist in the long-term health of a smile and maintain functionality. They are an essential piece of restorative care from our office. Some advantages that restorative dental care at McCullough Dental offers include:

  • Pristine Results: With the help of customization and experience, every result will be clean, smooth, and seamless.
  • Reduced Dental Intervention: Many people think that if the dental problem is not bothering them that much it must not be important. In reality, the issue is brewing and creating long-term damage requiring more dental intervention. Restorative care will correct the dental problem and reduce the need for future treatments.
  • Comprehensive Care: Due to our advanced dental technology and high-end instruments, dental treatment is precise and accurate for each smile.
  • Enhanced Strength: Patients who receive restorative dental care will experience long-lasting improved functionality and a strengthened smile.

What Other Patients Have Said

When it comes to lesser-known dental treatments such as inlays and onlays it helps to see what other patients that have received this care have said. Not only will it help one know what to expect but also to decide if our dental office and this type of restorative treatment is right for them.

“McCullough did a great job on my tooth, I appreciated that he saved my tooth. He’s a very nice man and other people in the office are great and friendly. I’m happy with all of you guys. I will always come back and thank you for fixing my tooth.”

– Linda B.

The Inlay/Onlay Process

Both inlays and onlays provide a healthy and attractive fix to cavities. Since the treatment process for both inlays and onlays are very similar we will include a general procedure schedule below.

  1. In the first appointment, there will be a consultation to take and review imaging to see what type of treatment would be the most beneficial. Once the treatment plan has been created, Dr. McCullough will apply a local anesthetic to make the treatment as comfortable as possible while the decayed enamel is being removed.
  2. During this step the cavity will be thoroughly cleaned out, leaving an empty depression in the tooth where the inlay/onlay will rest.
  3. Impressions will be taken of the teeth. These impressions will be used as a mold to make the permanent inlay/onlay.
  4. A temporary inlay/onlay will be placed to cover and protect the empty space while the permanent inlay/onlay is being made. It is important to have a customized inlay/onlay so that the result is long-lasting, durable, and comfortable.
  5. Once the permanent inlay/onlay is prepared, there will be a second appointment where the dentist will remove the temporary inlay/onlay and place the permanent one.

AFTERCARE MAINTENANCE AND INSTRUCTIONS

For the inlay or onlay to have the best impact on long-term oral health, it is important to give them the best care, especially for the first couple of days following their placement. Proper inlay/onlay care looks like:

  • Avoiding drinks that are either really hot or cold
  • Staying away from hard or sticky food
  • Eating soft and simple foods to rest the mouth after placement
  • Once the numbing has faded, returning to a regular dental hygiene routine

Once the inlay or onlay has bonded to the tooth, it will become a sturdy support, instead of leaving the cavity to weaken the tooth. Inlays and onlays can reinforce the damaged teeth so they will be damage-resistant and last longer.

Common Questions Regarding Treatment

To help answer common questions that our office hears, we have included some below. Call our dental office today to receive more in-depth responses to specific questions that were not covered.

What Are My Payment Options?

Dental insurance typically covers most, if not all, of a restorative treatment. For inlays and onlays it is common for insurance to cover this since it is a form of restorative care.

For those who do not have dental insurance, our dental office offers payment plans and financing to help every patient restore their smile.

What Is the Time Frame of This Treatment?

Onlays and inlays will be completed in two appointments, one for the treatment itself and the second for placing the permanent inlay/onlay, allowing for quick results and restoring the function and appearance of the smile.

Is Restorative Treatment Like Inlays/Onlays Necessary?

To prevent further dental intervention, restore function, and limit pain, restorative treatment is necessary. Restorative care will keep the decay or infection from spreading and improve oral health without jeopardizing appearance.

Restorative care is necessary, to maintain functionality—one of the many reasons that inlays/onlays are a great option.

PROTECT YOUR SMILE AT MCCULLOUGH DENTAL

Interested in learning more about inlays and onlays for cavities and other tooth damage? Call our office today or set an appointment. We love to help our patients achieve their best oral health.

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