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Inlays & Onlays New Bern, NC

Inlays & Onlays An Overview

Dental inlays and onlays are very similar to a dental filling or tooth crown. These restorations are used for teeth that have wear, decay or other damage. Inlays and onlays are non-invasive and can be made from a variety of durable materials such as resin, porcelain and/or gold. Custom-made inlays and onlays provide comprehensive care to restore the integrity of teeth. Dental inlays and onlays are a restorative dentistry offering that Dr. Dr. Steven Hoard provides to his patients in New Bern, NC.

Inlay vs. Onlay

The main difference between an inlay and an onlay is the amount of coverage to the tooth.

A dental inlay is more similar to a filling and is placed within the cusps of the tooth. For large surfaces of decay present on the contour of the tooth, inlays are a great restorative option.

A dental onlay can be thought of as a partial crown, covering the top part or crown of the tooth. Onlays address the small spaces found in the crown area that usually develop cavities.

"Not only do my teeth look great, they feel fantastic. I would not trade my experience with Dr. Hoard and his staff for anything in the world."

Smoke

Inlays & Onlays What to Expect

The process for inlays and onlays usually requires two visits. The first visit involves examination and tooth preparation. Dr. Hoard will take dental impressions that are used to create a model for the permanent restoration. In most cases, Dr. Hoard will place a temporary inlay or onlay on the tooth to provide protection in between visits.

In about 2 weeks, you will return for the final visit, where the permanent restoration will be bonded to the tooth. The inlay or onlay is stain-resistant and can seal out decay for long-lasting results. The final restoration is also color matched to teeth and polished for a natural shine.

Inlays & Onlays FAQs

How long do dental inlays last?

With proper care, dental inlays can last 20-30 years. It’s important to watch what kinds of foods you eat after your initial procedure to see to it that the inlay is properly protected.

Should I get a filling or an inlay?

Essentially, dental fillings and dental inlays are the same thing. Dental inlays, however, tend to be utilized in treating much larger cavities. Your doctor will let you know what they believe the best course of action is in repairing your teeth.

Will my dental onlay fall off?

Like anything else, the risk of damage to your onlay is possible. It uses the same adhesive and bonding process as inlays, so seeing to it that the structure of the tooth is properly protected in the days after your procedure is key in making sure your onlay stays in place.

Do you need a root canal for an inlay?

In most cases, you usually don’t need a root canal for an inlay. Dentists use inlays to restore a tooth’s structure after decay or damage. In this case, the tooth should still have a healthy pulp. A root canal, on the other hand, is a procedure to treat an infection in the pulp of the tooth. If the tooth requiring an inlay also has an infected pulp, a root canal might be necessary. However, the two treatments address different dental issues and are not linked.

How much tooth structure do I need for an onlay?

Dental labs design onlays to cover the top surface of the tooth. It needs to cover up to three-quarters of the natural tooth. As a result, patients must have enough natural tooth structure in place to support the onlay. However, the amount of tooth structure a patient needs will vary depending on the size and location of the cavity.

Can an onlay fall off?

Yes, an onlay can fall off. However, this is uncommon. In rare cases, an onlay can become partially or fully dislodged from the tooth if bonding fails. Moreover, factors like inadequate tooth preparation, insufficient bonding, or excessive chewing forces may cause bond failure. Trauma to the tooth could also loosen the onlay. If an onlay falls off, you should contact a dentist right away. In some cases, they might be able to recement the if it is not damaged.