Inlay and onlays are often referred to as partial crowns. These treatments can repair moderate to severe damage or decay to restore the tooth’s function. Dr. Heather Adams offers solutions for repairing tooth decay and damage. Inlay and onlays are high-quality dental restorations that address large or hard-to-reach areas of decay. Inlays and onlays are a restorative dentistry procedure that Dr. Adams provides at her dental office in Rogers, Arkansas.
We custom-fabricate these dental restorations from modern dental porcelain. Labs also color-match them for an aesthetic result. The restoration is stain and decay-resistant and can last for many years with proper oral hygiene.
What is an Inlay?
An inlay is used to repair decay or damage that exists in the deep cusp of the tooth, usually a molar. Dr. Adams removes decayed tissue and thoroughly cleans the tooth. The inlay is placed and bonded creating a tight seal to strengthen and protect the tooth.
What is an Onlay?
An onlay is used to address decay or damage that affects a large surface area. Dr. Adams may recommend an onlay for tooth decay that has damaged some of the tooth structure. Onlays are more conservative than a full dental crown and more stabilizing than a dental filling. The onlay is placed on a cleaned and prepared tooth and sealed into place.
Dr. Heather Adams and her team provide comprehensive care to patients in their Rogers, AR dentist office. Dr. Adams offers inlays and onlays for moderate to severe tooth decay to restore tooth function. We’ll work with patients every step of the way in the treatment process to ensure that it runs smoothly.
“Dr. Adams and her staff are so friendly and positive. I always feel like they are listening to my concerns in order to come up with a plan with my best interest in mind that is reasonable, relevant, and affordable. They explain dental health concerns in a way that makes sense to me, and they often take additional photos of my teeth to further explain the need for a particular procedure or treatment.
In addition to the excellent care, the atmosphere in Dr. Adams office is relaxing… I mean where else can you get your teeth cleaned with a warm lavender towel over your eyes!?”
-Layne R.
Inlays and Onlays FAQs
Discover more about inlays and onlays in our Rogers, AR, dental office. Read answers to these popular patient questions:
What is the difference between inlays and onlays?
Inlays repair tooth damage in the cusp of the tooth. Decay is removed, the tooth is cleaned, and the inlay is bonded to protect and seal the tooth during this procedure. Onlays address the damage that covers a large surface area. It can cover one or more cusps and is sometimes referred to as partial crowns.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
Inlays and onlays are strong and long-lasting. With good dental care, they can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. To help them last as long as possible, brush and floss your teeth every day and visit our dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Right after getting your inlay or onlay, try to avoid eating very sticky or hard foods for a few days. This gives your tooth time to heal and helps protect the new restoration. Taking care of your teeth and being gentle with your bite will help your inlay or onlay stay in great shape for many years.
How do onlays compare to dental crowns?
Less tooth structure needs to be removed for treatment with an onlay. Onlays are also more cost-effective than dental crowns but are a more indirect restoration. Dr. Adams offers both onlays and dental crowns. She can help you determine which option works with your budget and goals.
Is having a tooth prepped for an inlay or onlay painful?
No, it shouldn’t be painful. Before starting, our dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain. If you feel nervous about going to the dentist, we also offer sedation dentistry to help you feel more relaxed.
How are inlays and onlays different from fillings?
Inlays, onlays, and fillings can fix tooth damage from cavities, but are made and placed differently. We apply fillings directly to the tooth. First, we fill the cavity with a material like composite resin and then shape it to fit the tooth. Fillings work well for small to medium cavities and can be done in one visit.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made in a dental lab to fit the exact size and shape of the cavity. They are usually more durable than fillings. In addition, they can last longer, which makes them a good option for larger cavities.
Which is better: an inlay or an onlay?
No one treatment is better than the other. Inlays and onlays simply treat different areas of the tooth. An inlay is best for a small portion of the tooth’s biting surface. If you have extensive damage, we’ll recommend an onlay.
Do inlays and onlays look natural?
Yes, inlays and onlays can look natural. We use porcelain to match the color of your natural teeth. This makes them blend in well, so people usually can’t tell you have them. Porcelain inlays and onlays are especially good at mimicking the look of real teeth because they reflect light just like your enamel.
Do inlays and onlays hurt?
Inlays and onlays shouldn’t hurt during the procedure. We’ll use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you won’t feel pain while we work on your tooth. You might feel some pressure, but it shouldn’t hurt.
After the procedure, it’s normal to feel some soreness or sensitivity in the treated tooth for a few days. This discomfort is usually mild and you can take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
Schedule a Dental Appointment Today
Repair tooth damage with an inlay or onlay today in Rogers, AR. Call Dr. Adams and her team at (479) 323-3011. You can also request an appointment online.
Dr. Adams and our staff are passionate about providing personalized care to patients of all ages.