Inlays & Onlays

When the amount of decay or tooth damage is greater than what a filling can repair, an excellent solution to restoring your dental health is dental inlays and onlays.  Inlays and onlays are restorations that can repair somewhat extensive tooth damage without replacing the entire visible portion of the tooth with a crown.

Inlays and onlays are considered “indirect” fillings.  “Direct” fillings are those that can be done in the office “in place”.  In other words, the filling is created during your visit directly in your tooth.  With an inlay or onlay, the tooth is prepared and the minimum amount of damaged tooth is removed for the restoration.  We then make an “impression” of the prepared tooth with a plastic-like impression material.  This impression is delivered to our dental laboratory.  Before you leave, a temporary restoration is placed in the tooth to protect it until the permanent restoration is ready.

The dental laboratory makes a composite tooth-colored restoration from the impression made from your tooth.   When you return to our office for your second visit this new restoration is bonded into place and polished to restore your tooth’s natural beauty and health.

When do you recommend an inlay?

Inlays and onlays are ways of repairing fairly damaged teeth without having to replace the whole outer tooth with a crown.  Less of the tooth is removed so the finished repair looks more natural plus it tends to be stronger than a regular filling.

At Harrison Dental we pay close attention to the needs and desires of our patients and recommend the dental solutions, such as inlays and onlays, which will most affordably restore your dental health to its optimum condition and appearance.

For more information or to arrange a visit to see how we can help you or a loved one regain your dental health, simply email us or call Lindy, our scheduling coordinator, at 342-3695.