If you are looking for a solution for deeper cavities or weakened teeth, inlays and onlays may be the perfect treatment. Inlays and onlays are the tool that dentists use to treat deeper cavities without the need for crowns or implants. This means they are used for moderate restoration needs.
At See Me Smile Dental, we will provide a thorough examination to determine what stage of repair you need to bring out your best smile.
Inlays and onlays are a form of indirect restoration or filling. They're constructed outside the mouth as a single, solid piece that fits perfectly into the size and shape of the deeper cavity it will be protecting.
Inlays traditionally were used instead of fillings in days past. Now, they are still used, but as an answer to the deeper cavities that composite and amalgam fillings can't resolve.
At See Me Smile, we make them of tooth-colored materials, such as ceramic, porcelain, or dental composite. They bond to teeth and improve the strength while sealing into the tooth for a healthy, natural-looking solution that's less time-consuming than a dental crown.
Dental onlays also fit inside the tooth but reach onto the chewing surface of back teeth to replace the cusps that have been lost to damage or decay. They were formerly made of gold only, but now they can be made of tooth-colored materials to give you a natural look and feel. Also like inlays, onlays bond to the tooth and improve the strength of the tooth to which they bond.
There are several times when inlays or onlays may be chosen instead of fillings or crowns.
Inlays and onlays are often used to strength and restore extensively damaged or weakened teeth. They also help teeth recover from repeated breaches due to loss of strength because of direct fillings.
Inlays and onlays are specifically beneficial in this situation. They can deal with the teeth that have cavities too deep to fill but don't need work like root canals done on them.
After root canal treatment, cusps of the teeth may need restoration. Onlays and inlays can do this with limited hassle.
When direct restoration (fillings) for teeth are challenging due to their position, onlays and inlays can be used to restore the strength and integrity of that tooth.
If you have weakened tooth structure but don't need all tooth tissue to be removed, this restoration method can help. It is also beneficial for minimal contouring of remaining coronal tooth tissue.
This dental restoration method has several benefits for patients, thanks to a number of factors.
Dental inlays and onlays are extremely durable and last for many years when cared for properly. They also add strength and durability to your teeth, overall.
They can treat tooth decay effectively while preserving the structure of the tooth. They can help prevent tooth sensitivity, as well.
They work when fillings won't, helping you to avoid the more aggressive treatment of crowns in some cases. They can also help eliminate tooth loss, which means other potential issues can be avoided through the application of inlays and onlays.
They are natural-looking and restore your gorgeous smile.
They can be placed during a single procedure.
Dental inlays and onlays are easy to care for. You need to practice standard good oral health care, and that's it. No special care is needed.
One of the great benefits of onlays and inlays is that they tend to be very cost-effective. Because they are often considered the most practical and beneficial treatment in many cases to preserve tooth tissue and bring healing to your smile, most insurance plans cover this treatment.
Each case will vary from person to person, of course, thanks to a few factors like position of the teeth and number of teeth needing this treatment.
Our team will happily consult with you to create the most cost-effective and time-efficient plan to bring healing to your smile through the application of onlays and inlays.
When you are ready for your procedure, you'll be welcomed to the office and brought to a patient care room. Here you will have your tooth numbed using topical local anesthesia. The tooth decay will be removed via air abrasion to prevent worse infection of your tooth.
Once your tooth has been prepared, we will make an impression of it, and a model will be made to create the inlay or onlay with, using tooth-colored material. A temporary filling will be attached to your tooth before you leave, to protect your tooth until the piece has been molded and cured. On your second visit, the permanent inlay or onlay will be attached to your tooth and hardened using our specialized light.
Dr. Omid Barkhordar, DDS has earned his reputation as a leading family and cosmetic dentist in Santa Barbara, the Central Coast, and Southern California. He is committed to providing patients of all ages with compassionate care.
From general dentistry to advanced procedures, Dr. Omid uses innovative technology and gentle techniques to deliver safe and stress-free dental care so patients can enjoy a painless, healthy, and gorgeous smile.
Dr. Omid earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Dentistry in one of the best dental programs in the United States. His dedication to helping patients achieve their perfect smile has earned Dr. Omid the continued trust and recommendation of many clients.
No matter the age or needs of the patient, Dr. Omid is committed to helping you discover the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile.
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