What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are used to restore back teeth that may be damaged or decayed. As custom restorations, inlays or onlays are used to strengthen teeth with more damage than a filling can repair, but which haven't lost enough structure to require a full dental crown to cover the whole tooth. At Made Ya Smile Rayford, our dentist works to provide the best possible treatments for our patients by creating custom inlays and onlays from various materials like porcelain, composite resin, and gold and other metals. Onlays cover one or more of the tooth cusps and are also known as partial crowns. Inlays fit inside the center indentation of the tooth. If you have a tooth with decay or damage, call our Spring, TX office today to find out if an inlay or onlay can help return health to your smile.
Reviews
Who Is a Candidate for Inlays and Onlays?
If you have a tooth with decay or other damage, an inlay or onlay may be the right treatment for you. Inlay and onlay restorations are treatment options in between a filling and a dental crown that can strengthen and restore function and appearance to your tooth. During your consultation, we will take digital x-rays and perform a clinical examination to help you decide the best type of treatment for your damaged tooth. At Made Ya Smile, we offer a variety of solutions and can help you select the ideal material for your inlay or only, if this is the treatment of choice.
What Can I Expect With Dental Inlays and Onlays?
At Made Ya Smile Rayford, your comfort is our top priority. When you arrive for your procedure, we will gently numb the tooth and the surrounding area. If you prefer, we can offer sedation dentistry services to help you reduce any anxiety around your procedure. Our dentist will use advanced equipment to clean out the damaged or decayed areas of your tooth. When using composite resin and in some other cases, inlays or onlays will be created directly in your mouth. Most of the time, though, we take an impression of your tooth once the decay or damage has been removed, and then we send this mold to our partner lab where they will fabricate your unique inlay or onlay. If you will need a lab-fabricated restoration, during this preparation procedure will place a temporary filling to hold the place in your tooth until your permanent inlay or onlay is created. Once complete, we will place your restoration in your tooth and bond it permanently. At this time, we will polish your new inlay or onlay and ensure you have a comfortable bite by making any necessary adjustments.
How Can I Care for My Inlay or Onlay?
Usually, there is only a minor recovery process after the placement of an inlay or onlay. You may briefly experience mild sensitivity or discomfort that should subside within a few days. It's important to wait to eat until the numbness from the anesthesia fully subsides. You can care for your inlays and onlays with daily brushing and flossing techniques, as with your other teeth. The Made Ya Smile team will monitor your inlay or onlay during your twice-yearly cleaning and exam visits to make sure your restorations remain in good condition. Inlays and onlays can last for years with proper care. If you experience any issues or concerns following your procedure, please contact our office right away.
Are Dental Inlays and Onlays Covered by Insurance?
Generally, inlays and onlays are covered in part by dental insurance plans since they are a common restorative treatment for tooth damage and decay. We're proud to accept most PPO plans and file your insurance claim for you at Made Ya Smile. Before your procedure, we will contact your insurance provider to review your benefits and make you aware of any personal expenses. We offer several payment methods to make covering the cost of your treatment convenient and affordable for your whole family, and flexible low-interest financing through CareCredit® may also be available.
Natural-Looking Tooth Restorations
For some, inlays and onlays are a fantastic way to restore health, function, and wellness. You can minimize the need for extensive and costly treatment in the future and revitalize your smile by getting treatment for your decayed and damaged tooth today. Find out how inlays and onlays can help enhance your smile and overall oral health by scheduling a visit with our dentist at our Spring, TX location.