Inlays And Onlays
What Are Inlays And Onlays?
When a tooth has too much damage for a standard filling but not enough to require a full crown, inlays and onlays offer the perfect middle ground. At Gil Dental Clinic, Dr. Yeendy Gil, DMD, uses these custom crafted restorations to repair moderate decay and fractures beautifully. Finding a highly precise dentist in Hialeah, FL is critical for these treatments, as they require exact measurements for a flawless fit. As your trusted Hialeah dental office, we provide these conservative restorations to rebuild your tooth strength while preserving your natural enamel.
Benefits Of Inlays And Onlays
Choosing an inlay or onlay provides a highly durable and conservative approach to tooth repair:
MAXIMUM ENAMEL PRESERVATION
Unlike a full crown that requires reshaping the entire tooth, inlays and onlays only replace the damaged portion, keeping the vast majority of your healthy natural tooth structure completely intact.
SUPERIOR STRUCTURAL STRENGTH
Crafted from premium dental porcelain or advanced composite, these restorations can actually increase the overall strength of a damaged tooth by up to 75 percent, withstanding heavy chewing forces easily.
PERFECT CUSTOM FIT
Because they are fabricated in a specialized laboratory based on digital impressions of your mouth, they fit into the damaged space like a perfect puzzle piece, sealing out harmful bacteria completely.
EXCEPTIONAL LONGEVITY
Inlays and onlays are incredibly durable and resist wear much better than traditional large fillings, saving you money over time and preventing the need for complex restorative dental in Miami.
What Can You Expect During An Inlays And Onlays Treatment?
This precision treatment is completed over two comfortable visits to ensure absolute perfection:
TOOTH PREPARATION AND IMPRESSIONS
During your first visit, Dr. Yeendy Gil will numb the area and carefully remove the decay or old filling. We then take precise digital scans of the prepared tooth to serve as the blueprint for your restoration.
TEMPORARY PROTECTION PLACEMENT
While our master ceramists craft your custom inlay or onlay, we will place a durable temporary restoration to protect your tooth and keep you comfortable while you eat and speak.
FINAL BONDING AND BITE ADJUSTMENT
When you return, we remove the temporary material and permanently bond your custom restoration into place. We ensure it fits perfectly with your natural bite, complementing any future plans you might have with an orthodontist in Hialeah or matching the aesthetics of nearby dental implants in Hialeah.
Our Approach To Inlays And Onlays
Frequently Asked
Questions
What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
A standard filling usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish. If you have multiple cavities, we can often treat them all in a single convenient visit.
Why would I choose an onlay instead of a crown?
If your tooth still has a strong, healthy foundation, an onlay is a much more conservative choice. It saves your natural enamel while providing the same level of protection and strength as a full crown.
How do I care for my new inlay or onlay?
You care for it exactly like your natural teeth. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and attending your routine professional cleanings will ensure your restoration lasts for well over a decade.
Does the procedure for an inlay or onlay hurt?
The process is very similar to getting a standard filling and is completely painless. We use strong local anesthesia to ensure you feel absolutely no discomfort during the preparation and bonding phases.
Do tooth colored fillings stain over time?
While highly stain resistant, the composite material can absorb some discoloration over many years from heavy coffee consumption or smoking. Regular professional cleanings will help keep them looking bright.
What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
An inlay fits entirely within the deep grooves of your tooth, much like a filling. An onlay is slightly larger and extends over one or more of the cusps or elevated bumps on the chewing surface of your tooth.