Inlays and Onlays
Our prosthodontist, Dr. Andrew Bock is highly experienced in both cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures that use dental prosthetics to repair and restore oral health while also improving the look of your smile.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Sometimes referred to as partial crowns, inlays and onlays are dental prosthetics designed to fill in or restore a large portion of a damaged or decayed tooth.
- Inlays – An inlay is designed to restore the chewing surface of a tooth and does not extend beyond the cusps (outer ridges) of a molar.
- Onlays – An onlay also restores the chewing surface of a tooth. Onlays, however, are designed to extend beyond and replace the cusps of the molar as well.
Most often, inlays and onlays are made from porcelain dyed to match the patient’s natural tooth. The porcelain material lends strength and longevity to the dental restoration and also achieves a very natural look.
When You Might Need Treatment With an Inlay or Onlay
An inlay or an onlay might be recommended as part of your treatment plan if you have a tooth that is damaged or decayed beyond simple treatment with a traditional dental filling, and the tooth is not so significantly damaged or decayed that the entire tooth is compromised and in need of a dental crown.
What to Expect When Getting an Inlay or Onlay
The process of getting treatment with an inlay or onlay begins with a consultation and examination. During this initial appointment, Dr. Bock examines the tooth and then takes a set of digital impressions. These impressions are used to design the patient’s inlay or onlay to ensure a perfect fit on the tooth that’s being treated and with the opposing teeth for a comfortable bite. We then use the custom design to manufacture your inlay or onlay.
When the inlay or onlay is ready, we schedule an appointment for placement. This begins by administering a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t experience any pain during treatment. Dr. Bock then prepares the tooth by removing any decayed material and cleaning the tooth to ensure it is free from bacteria. We then fill the interior of the tooth and permanently place the inlay or onlay onto the tooth using dental cement.
How to Care for an Inlay or Onlay
Inlays and onlays can be cared for just like natural teeth – with regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. They can also be further protected, if you clench or grind your teeth while you sleep, with a nightguard, or they can be protected with an athletic mouthguard if you participate in athletic activities.
Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry With Our Loveland Prosthodontist
If you have a tooth that has been damaged as a result of injury or disease or has incurred significant tooth decay, an inlay or onlay might be the right treatment option for you.
At Northern Colorado Prosthetic Dentistry, we’re proud to provide our patients with comprehensive restorative dentistry treatments and select cosmetic dentistry services designed to help them achieve smiles that make them want to smile. To learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bock, we welcome you to contact our prosthetic dentistry office in Loveland or request an appointment online today.