Restoring Teeth with Inlays and Onlays
When your tooth is damaged because of decay, your dentist in Easton, PA, may recommend a few restorative dentistry options. A simple and affordable treatment used at College Hill Dental Group is inlays and onlays. Usually, if more than half of a patient’s biting surface of the tooth is weakened or damaged, this is what is recommended. Below, we answer a few questions about restoring teeth with inlays and onlays.
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
This type of dental treatment can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. Your Easton, PA dentist will bond these pieces to the damaged area of the tooth. Inlays are similar to dental fillings because they are used inside of the tooth. Whereas onlays are placed on the structure of the tooth or on top of the tooth
Most Easton, PA dentists now use porcelain or composite resign for inlays and onlays because it blends naturally with your teeth. However, gold has historically been the material of choice.
How Are Dental Inlays and Onlays Used?
Inlays and onlays typically require two appointments in order to complete the treatment. However, College Hill Dental Group does not use outside labs. Everything is created in-house! This cuts dental appointments in half!
During the first visit, Dr. Moghadam will fill the damaged or decayed tooth, and then the tooth is prepared for inlay or onlay placement. To ensure proper fit and bite, your Easton, PA dentist will take impressions of your teeth using in-house modern dental technology. Then, we will bond your dental inlay or onlay, making sure it looks and feels perfect.
Considerations on Dental Inlays and Onlays
Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50%. Alternatively, inlays and onlays, which are directly bonded to the tooth using special high-strength resins. Dr. O’Grady, a family dentist in Denver Highlands, says this can potentially improve the tooth strength by up to 75%. This dental treatment can usually last from 10 to 30 years. In some situations, where the damage to the tooth is not large enough to provide a full dental crown, the onlay is a good alternative.
Contact College Hill Dental Group
When you need to restore your smile, contact College Hill Dental Group! Our team of professionals is happy to help. Dr. Moghadam or Dr. Walbridge will assess your smile and recommend the best treatment plan possible. Don’t have dental insurance? Check out our Smile Savings Plan and save big on dental services in Easton, PA.
