Inlays and Onlays in San Pablo, CA

If a tooth is decayed in a way that a dental filling isn’t sufficient, but a dental crown isn’t necessary, our San Pablo dentist may recommend inlays or onlays. Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations that repair cavities in teeth. An inlay fits perfectly within the ridges or cusps of a tooth, while an onlay extends over the cusps. As such, the procedures for getting onlays and inlays are similar, with the only difference being the surface area of coverage.

Visit iSmile San Pablo dentist in San Pablo, CA today to get an inlay or onlay, which helps to restore the aesthetics and function of your tooth, as well as prevent further decay.

What Happens During Your Appointment

During your visit, our dentist in San Pablo, CA will assess your suitability for inlays or onlays, and identify any urgent dental issues that require treatment. If you have old fillings that need replacement, our dentist will remove them and thoroughly clean your teeth. This step involves anesthesia. Afterward, the dentist will take a manual or digital impression of your teeth and send this to the dental lab. A temporary filling is usually used to seal off the now-hollow tooth before your next appointment.

During your second appointment, the dentist bonds the inlay or onlay in place using dental cement.

Different materials, including porcelain, gold, or composite resin, are used in the manufacture of inlays and onlays.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

The are various reasons why inlays and onlays are a good bet for anyone looking to restore their teeth after going through dental caries. These include:

• Inlays and onlays are incredibly long-lasting and can last for up to 30 years when cared for well.
• Unlike conventional metal fillings, which weaken teeth, inlays and onlays strengthen the tooth structure.
• Inlays and onlays prevent further damage of teeth, thus enabling you to avoid extensive and expensive restoration procedures.

Caring For Your Inlays and Onlays

Our dentist in San Pablo, CA will give you after-care instructions that you must follow carefully to allow proper healing and adjustment after treatment. Immediately after treatment, avoid chewing using the treated side. Avoid any foods and drinks that are too hot or too cold.

Once the soreness and sensitivity have worn off, avoid behaviors that are harmful to your natural teeth, as such habits can harm your inlays and onlays too. For example, hard and sticky foods and skipping your daily dental hygiene routine are detrimental to your inlays and onlays, as well as your oral health as a whole.

iSmile San Pablo provides excellent dental care to residents of San Pablo, CA. Visit us today if you’d like to get customized inlays and onlays made for you or a loved one.