What are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations that are used to repair teeth with moderate to extensive damage or decay. They are crafted from high-quality materials, such as porcelain or composite resin, to match the color and contour of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and long-lasting restoration.
At Dublin Corners Dental, we believe in providing our patients with the most advanced and effective restorative dental treatments. If you have damaged or decayed teeth, our inlay/onlay treatment offers a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution to restore your smile’s strength and beauty.
- Inlays: Inlays are used when the tooth’s structure is compromised within the cusps (the raised points on the biting surface). They fit precisely within the grooves, restoring the tooth’s natural shape and function.
- Onlays: Onlays are more extensive than inlays, covering a larger portion of the tooth’s biting surface. They extend over one or more cusps, providing comprehensive restoration for teeth with significant damage or decay.
When are Inlays/Onlays Recommended?
- Teeth have Moderate Decay: Inlays/onlays are ideal for repairing teeth with decay that is too extensive for fillings but not extensive enough to require a dental crown.
- Teeth have Fractures or Damage: Cracked, fractured, or damaged teeth can be effectively restored with inlays/onlays to prevent further deterioration.
- Large Fillings Need Replacement: Inlays/onlays are a durable and conservative alternative to replacing large or failing fillings.
- Cosmetic Enhancement: Inlays/onlays can improve the aesthetics of teeth with discoloration or other imperfections.
The Inlay/Onlay Treatment Process:
Our meticulous dental team ensures a comfortable and precise inlay/onlay treatment experience:
- Comprehensive Examination: During your initial visit, we thoroughly assess the condition of your teeth and discuss the best treatment options for you.
- Tooth Preparation: We remove any decay or damaged portions of the tooth, ensuring a stable foundation for the inlay/onlay.
- Digital Scanning: Precise scans of your teeth are taken to create custom inlays/onlays that fit perfectly with your bite and align harmoniously with your smile.
- Temporary Restoration: While your permanent inlay/onlay is being fabricated in the dental laboratory, we place a temporary restoration to protect your prepared tooth.
- Final Placement: Once your custom inlay/onlay is ready, we ensure its ideal fit, aesthetics, and functionality before permanently bonding it to your tooth.
Benefits of Inlay/Onlay Treatment:
- Preservation of Healthy Tooth Structure: Inlays/onlays require minimal removal of healthy tooth structure, preserving the strength of your natural teeth.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: Crafted from high-quality materials, inlays/onlays are designed to withstand the daily demands of your mouth, providing long-term benefits.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: Inlays/onlays blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, enhancing your smile’s appearance.
- Strong and Functional: Inlays/onlays restore the strength and functionality of your teeth, allowing you to bite, chew, and speak with ease.
Treatment Areas for Inlays and Onlays
- For tooth decay: Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode the tooth’s enamel, forming holes or cavities. Poor oral hygiene, sugary diets, and a lack of fluoride often contribute to this condition.
- For cavities: Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. They result from tooth decay and can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss if untreated.
- For tooth damage: Tooth damage refers to structural issues caused by trauma, wear, or decay, such as chips, cracks, or fractures. It can compromise the tooth’s function and appearance.
- For decayed teeth: Cavities or infections severely damage decayed teeth. The decay compromises the tooth’s structure and functionality, often requiring fillings, crowns, or extractions.
Revitalize Your Smile Today
At Dublin Corners Dental, a restorative dentist in Pleasanton, CA, we take pride in delivering exceptional inlay/onlay treatments to our patients. With our commitment to precision and patient satisfaction, we strive to exceed your expectations and provide you with a smile that exudes both beauty and durability.
If you have damaged or decayed teeth or wish to enhance the aesthetics of your smile, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our office is located just 3 miles from both downtown Pleasanton, CA, and Dublin, CA, and 9 miles from Livermore, CA. Discover how inlay/onlay treatment can strengthen and beautify your smile, improving your overall oral health and boosting your self-confidence. Let us be your trusted partner in achieving the smile of your dreams with our exceptional dental restoration services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whats the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
Inlays help to restore the structure of the tooth within the cusps, where onlays are more extensive and cover one or more of the cusps for a comprehensive restoration.
When are inlays and onlays recommended?
Inlays and onlays are typically recommended when teeth have moderate decay or if they are fractured or damaged. They serve as good alternatives to replace large or failed fillings and can also be used for cosmetic enhancement.
Can inlays and onlays fix cavities?
Yes, inlays and onlays can be used to repair teeth with cavities, restoring the damaged areas and preventing further deterioration.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
Since they are crafted from high-quality materials, inlays and onlays are designed to withstand the daily demands of your mouth long-term.
Do inlays and onlays look natural?
Yes, inlays and onlays blend in with your natural teeth to look as natural as possible.
OUR REVIEWS
People are talking
“From my first call, appointment and exit, perfect. State of art. Kind, gracious, patient, caring and informative. Staff and Dr. Shaghasi truly care. I am a nervous patient and was put at ease soon after my arrival. Facility is beautiful and clean. Highly recommend to all.”
- Google
“Dr. Shaghasi is one of the best dentist I have had in along time. She is always professional, thoughtful, friendly and ease to talk to. She takes her time and if you have questions she takes the time to answer them all. If you want the best professional care for your teeth I encourage you to make an appointment
and see for yourself.
- Google
“This is the BEST dental office and team I have ever had… They pay attention to every detail of their service, from the moment you walk in. The office layout and design is spa-like with a relaxing and welcoming vibe. The office is immaculately clean and they clearly invest in state of the art equipment. To top it all off, they are always on time and I am seen within a few minutes of arrival. I honestly couldn’t ask for more of my dentist and team.”
- Google
After attending a top dental school – University of the Pacific, volunteering at the Samaritan House Dental Clinic, and practicing since 2001, Marjan has opened her own dental office, Dublin Corners Dental. When she’s not serving her patients, Marjan plays an active role in her family life, spending time with her husband and two boys. She also finds time to riding her bike, running, and doing yoga.
