Repair Tooth Damage and Restore Oral Health with Dental Inlays and Onlays
Tooth decay or damage must be treated quickly to prevent your tooth from further damage and
possible extraction. Vital Dental offers dental inlays and onlays for tooth damage that is too extensive for a dental filling but doesn’t warrant dental crown treatment. Also called indirect fillings, dental inlays, and onlays are created in a lab using tooth-colored materials like porcelain. If you’d like to learn more about dental inlays and onlays in Sarasota, Florida, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mitul Patel and his team.
What are dental inlays and onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays repair teeth with mild to moderate damage. While these two restorations are used interchangeably, they are different. A dental inlay repairs damage within the grooves of your tooth. A dental onlay or partial crown covers a large surface, addressing damage within the chewing surface, but extends to one or more cusps.
Our indirect fillings are created from tooth-like materials for undetectable results. Once we restore your tooth with an onlay or inlay, it’s virtually indistinguishable from other teeth.
How are indirect fillings placed?
We place tooth fillings using composite material in one visit. Indirect fillings are lab-made and require at least two dental appointments. During the first visit, we’ll examine your tooth damage with digital x-rays to determine the extent of the damage. If you are eligible for an indirect filling, we’ll remove the damaged/decayed portions of your tooth and reshape them for easier placement of an inlay or onlay. The dentist performs this procedure with local anesthetics for a painless experience.
Next, we’ll take digital scans of the prepped tooth and send your digital records to a dental lab that custom-makes your restoration. The dental lab fabricates your inlay/onlay to the exact specifications of your tooth for a comfortable fit and natural look. Until your inlay or onlay is ready, we’ll temporarily protect your tooth with a dental filling. This protects your tooth from infections and thermal stimulations from hot and cold foods and drinks.
When we receive your restoration, you’ll come to our office for placement. The dentist will place your restoration to the prepped tooth and make any necessary adjustments before bonding it permanently to your tooth. After tooth restoration, your tooth will function and look like other teeth. Although inlays and onlays aren’t permanent, they can last 20-plus years with proper maintenance.
What are the benefits of dental inlays and onlays?
When a simple filling isn’t enough to restore your tooth, many dentists recommend dental crowns. Crown treatment isn’t always the ideal solution because of the high cost involved. Dental inlays or onlays effectively address in-between cases where neither a filling nor a crown is suitable.
Indirect fillings offer several benefits, including.
- Conservative treatment
- Natural appearance
- Long-lasting outcomes
- A budget-friendly solution for tooth restoration
- They don’t require special maintenance
If decay or damage is left untreated, it may lead to the need for root canal treatment or even tooth loss. Vital Dental provides various treatments, such as dental inlays and onlays—contact (941) 371-2022 to explore our restorative options.
Dr. Mitul Patel
Dr. Mitul Patel, D.M.D., is a dedicated dentist at Vital Dental Sarasota, known for his caring and gentle approach. With over 500 hours of continuing education, Dr. Patel's commitment to staying abreast of the latest dental advancements ensures his patients receive top-notch care. His meticulous attention to detail, aided by high magnification loupes, guarantees precision in every procedure. Dr. Patel's compassionate nature and expert knowledge make him a trusted figure in the dental community, providing an exceptional and reassuring experience for all his patients.
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