Inlays are used to repair cavities that have damaged significant amounts of the tooth’s interior. They rebuild the tooth’s structural strength and durability by reinforcing the inside. While inlays do replace some of the tooth’s chewing areas, they don’t replace the tooth cusps.
Like inlays, onlays are used to repair large cavities, but replace more of the tooth. Onlays also replace the tooth’s cusps. Onlays don’t fit over the entire tooth, unlike crowns. Onlays are made from gold, resin, metal alloys or porcelain.
It usually takes two visits to your inlays and onlays dentist in Phoenix at Garden Lakes Family Dentistry to have an inlay or onlay placed. First, your dentist will remove the decayed material, then take a mold of your tooth. The molding is sent to a dental lab where your inlay or onlay will be made. You’ll wear a temporary crown until your next appointment. Once the inlay or onlay is ready, you will return for fitting. Your dentist will use a special permanent cement to secure the inlay or onlay firmly in place.
Inlays and onlays are long-lasting, strong and good-looking. Resin and porcelain inlays and onlays look just like your natural teeth. They don’t require any extra care apart from daily brushing and flossing.
To learn more or receive treatment for yourself, visit our office at W Indian School Rd, N 107th Ave. We happily serve patients from the areas of Gateway Crossing, Garden Lakes, Estates at Garden Lakes, Westridge Glen, Trailwood, Westwind, Villa De Paz, Morlen Meadows, and Camelback Ranch.