Repair Tooth Damage and Restore Your Oral Health with Dental Inlays and Onlays

Tooth decay comes in several shapes and sizes. Minor damage is easily addressed with dental fillings, while pronounced damage is treatable with dental crowns. But what happens if your damage is too significant for a filling but doesn’t warrant full coverage with a crown? Dental inlays and onlays (indirect fillings) in our Washington, Utah, office are best suited for these in-between cases. If you’d like to discover how indirect fillings can restore your smile, schedule an appointment with Cotton Creek Dental.

What are dental onlays and inlays?

Dental inlays and onlays are similar to traditional fillings. They act as fillers for teeth damaged by decay or accidents. However, they repair larger cavities and are made in a lab.

Although used interchangeably, dental onlays and inlays differ. Inlays repair damage that develops in the area between the cusps (chewing surfaces). Onlays cover a larger area and extend to repair damage to the cusps or sides of the tooth. An onlay is also called a partial crown because it repairs significant damage but doesn’t cover the tooth fully.

Inlays and onlays can be made from various materials, including gold, porcelain, and composite. Our team uses materials that strike a balance between aesthetics and durability. Our dental inlays and onlays are functional but natural-looking, too.

How are indirect fillings placed?

Repairing your tooth with inlays or onlays involves at least two appointments. We’ll first examine your tooth damage and determine if it’s reparable with an indirect filling. If so, we’ll remove the damaged/decayed portions and reshape the tooth to accommodate your inlay/onlay. Next, we’ll take impressions of your tooth, which guide our dental lab when fabricating your indirect filling. Fabricating your restoration takes a few days. In the meantime, we’ll protect your tooth with a temporary filling.

Once your dental inlay or onlay is ready, you’ll schedule an appointment with our office for placement. We’ll remove the temporary filling and try in your inlay or onlay. If your restoration fits comfortably and looks natural, we’ll bond it to your tooth with durable adhesives. That’s it! Your treated tooth looks natural and allows you to eat your favorite foods without pain or sensitivity.

What are the benefits of dental onlays and inlays?

Here are numerous benefits of indirect filings:

  • Aesthetics: Our indirect fillings are created from realistic-looking materials. We repair your tooth without leaving embarrassing evidence of dental work.
  • Durability: Dental onlays are resilient enough to be used in high-pressure areas, like the posterior teeth. With proper care, these restorations can last over 10-15 years.
  • Simple maintenance: No one likes the inconvenience of restorations that require cumbersome maintenance. Indirect fillings don’t need special care—they are maintained like natural teeth. Brush and floss your teeth diligently and visit your dentist regularly for routine check-ups and cleanings.
  • Conservative: Years ago, dental crowns were the only option for treating damage too significant for a filling. While crowns work, they involve considerable removal of the tooth structure. We only recommend dental crowns when your tooth requires full coverage. Otherwise, we prefer onlays/inlays because they secure your tooth while preserving its natural structure.

Am I a good candidate for dental inlays and onlays?

Cotton Creek Dental tries everything possible to save your natural teeth if you have mild to moderate tooth damage, call (435) 673-4605 to determine if dental inlays or onlays are a good fit.