Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are porcelain restorative treatments that can restore and strengthen a tooth that has been cracked, damaged or suffered decay.

Our dentist at the Center for Family & Implant Dentistry is skilled in inlays, onlays, and other porcelain restoration treatments to bring optimum function and aesthetics back to your smile.

What Exactly Are Onlays and Inlays?

Conventional fillings place resin into the hole and is molded there. The process works much differently for onlays and inlays.

Inlays and onlays are created in a lab first, then bonded into place. Inlays are fitted into certain grooves on the tooth’s cusp. Onlays are fitted into these same grooves, but they also cover the cusps and more of the tooth’s surface. This is often needed for patients who have a lot of tooth damage and the tooth’s complete chewing service needs to be covered.

A dental lab creates these restoration methods from composite resin or porcelain to be durable and look good. They are strong and will stay in place for many years. Taking good care of them can extend them for even longer. It’s still important to brush, floss, and keep your six-month dental exams when you have inlays or onlays.

What’s It Like to Get an Inlay or Onlay?

You will need to come to the office twice for an inlay or an onlay placement. The first time you visit us, the damaged areas of the tooth will be removed. For some patients, an old filling will also have to be removed.

Our dentist then prepares the tooth so that it can hold onto the porcelain treatment. Our team will then take an impression of your tooth, and this impression is sent over to a lab where the inlay or onlay will be made. During this visit, you will be given a temporary inlay or onlay that will protect your tooth until the next time you come to the office.

At your second office visit, Dr. MacConnell will remove the temporary inlay or onlay, and the new, permanent piece will be fitted to your tooth. The dentist then bonds it to the tooth with resin. It will be polished so that it looks like a part of your tooth and blends with your smile. If you don’t tell anyone that you have it, no one will know.

Dental Inlays and Onlays in Bluff City and Kingsport

If you need tooth restoration, Dr. MacConnell can discuss this treatment option with you. Call us at the Center for Family & Implant Dentistry to schedule a consultation.