At Capitol Square Dental, we understand the importance of a healthy, beautiful smile. Damaged teeth can affect your confidence and compromise your oral health. If you have a cavity or damaged tooth that's too extensive for a simple filling, inlays and onlays might be the perfect solution.
Inlays and onlays, commonly known as partial crowns, are tooth-colored restorations that provide a sturdy and aesthetically acceptable solution for restoring a tooth's functioning and appearance. Our skilled dentists in Columbus, OH, employ cutting-edge procedures and high-quality materials to craft unique inlays and onlays that fit in with your natural smile.
What are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays, commonly known as indirect fillings, are custom-made restorations that treat moderately damaged teeth. Inlays and onlays, as opposed to typical fillings placed directly in the mouth, are made in a dental lab for a more exact fit and better aesthetics.
Inlays
Dental inlays, typically made of ceramic, porcelain, or resin composite, fit precisely into tooth cavities caused by decay or injury. Strong and discreet, they offer superior restoration compared to fillings, matching your tooth color seamlessly.
Onlays
Onlays serve as an effective solution for restoring teeth with damaged or decayed cusps, particularly in cases where a traditional filling may not offer sufficient structural support to prevent tooth fracture. While historically crafted solely from metal, modern onlays can now be fabricated from durable materials such as porcelain or resin composite. Notably larger than inlays, onlays can resemble abbreviated dental crowns, enveloping all four cusps of the tooth while leaving its sides uncovered.
Who is a Candidate for Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays may be a suitable option for you if you have:
- Moderate cavities that cannot be adequately restored with a traditional filling.
- Large, old fillings that are failing or causing sensitivity.
- Cracked or fractured teeth that do not require a full crown.
- Teeth with worn cusps due to bruxism (teeth grinding).
- Discolored fillings that detract from the aesthetics of your smile.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Compared to traditional fillings, inlays and onlays offer several advantages:
- Durability: Inlays and onlays are typically made from strong, long-lasting materials like porcelain or composite resin. They can last many years with proper care, reducing the need for repeated fillings.
- Natural Appearance: Inlays and onlays are custom-designed to match the color and clarity of your surrounding teeth, creating a natural-looking restoration that blends seamlessly with your smile.
- Improved Strength: Inlays and onlays give more strength and support to the tooth than standard fillings, making them suitable for treating teeth that are subjected to heavy biting pressure.
- Preserves Tooth Structure: When compared to crowns, inlays and onlays remove the least amount of good tooth structure. This helps to preserve the natural integrity of your tooth.
- Reduced Sensitivity: The precise fit and high-quality materials used in inlays and onlays minimize the risk of post-operative sensitivity to hot or cold.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Installing an inlay or onlay typically involves five key steps:
- Tooth Preparation: Your dentist will begin by removing the damaged portion of the tooth using a dental drill, similar to the process for a regular dental filling.
- Impression Taking: Next, your dentist will place a base to support the mold and take an impression of your tooth. This impression is then sent to the dental lab, where your restoration will be fabricated.
- Temporary Restoration: While you wait for your permanent restoration to be created, your dentist will place a temporary inlay or onlay to cover and protect your tooth.
- Fabrication: The dental lab will use the impression provided by your dentist to create a custom restoration. This process ensures that your inlay or onlay will fit perfectly and match the color of your natural teeth.
- Final Installation: Once your restoration is ready, typically a few weeks later, you will return to your dentist for the final installation. Your dentist will remove the temporary restoration and securely bond the permanent inlay or onlay in place, completing the restoration process.
How Much Does Inlays and Onlays Cost?
The pricing for a dental inlay or onlay varies based on several factors, such as the dentist's expertise and the material utilized. Typically, the cost of a dental onlay closely mirrors that of an inlay. However, given that onlays are often larger, their pricing might be slightly higher. Generally, patients can expect the treatment cost to fall within the range of $650 to $1,200 per tooth, with an average of around $900.
Schedule Your Consultation with the Experts at Capitol Square Dental Today!
Contact Capitol Square Dental today if you're looking for a natural-looking and long-lasting solution for restoring damaged teeth. Our kind and experienced dentists will walk you through the whole procedure and address any concerns you have regarding inlays and onlays. We offer convenient scheduling and a welcoming environment to ensure your comfort throughout your treatment.
Call us today at (614) 434-8904 to schedule a consultation and discuss how inlays and onlays can restore your beautiful smile!
FAQs
How long does an inlay and onlay last?
Inlays and onlays crafted from a blend of porcelain and composite materials offer a remarkable boost in tooth strength, enhancing it by up to 75%. These durable restorations are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use and can endure for a substantial period, typically ranging from ten to thirty years.
How many teeth are needed for an onlay?
The onlay procedure typically encompasses three-quarters of the natural tooth's surface area. Consequently, patients must ensure an adequate amount of natural tooth structure remains to support the onlay.
How painful is an onlay?
While most individuals typically encounter minimal discomfort after receiving a crown or onlay, it's essential to promptly reach out to us if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Pain or swelling persists beyond 24 hours after the procedure.
- Any adverse reaction to prescribed medications.