Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

Inlays & Onlays

Dentistry has been dramatically expanding in technological advances over the years. One of the most significant may have been in the mid-1800s when restorative dentistry methods known as inlays and onlays were introduced. Originally cast from metals, like other restorative procedures during this time, these restorations were a way to restore the functionality of a tooth. This is done without removing a significant amount of a healthy tooth before placing a dental crown.

Inlays and Onlays Dentist Philadelphia

At the Center City Dental Office of Dr. Renee Yurovsky, we offer porcelain inlays and onlays. This may become necessary for patients that have experienced trauma too extensive to fix with a composite filling alone and to preserve the dental structure.

When it comes to repairing damaged teeth, various factors need to be considered for treatment options. From the fracture’s size to the adjacent healthy teeth state, you need an expert cosmetic dentist to diagnose the problem. The dental team at our office will restore your smile to its glory, and Dr. Yurovsky is your trusted provider.

When more than half of a tooth is damaged to the point where it can no longer support a filling, the use of an inlay or onlay repair may become necessary. More conservative than a dental crown, these two restorative methods can rebuild a damaged tooth structure, restoring it to its original functionality. Inlays and Onlays are known as indirect fillings because they are both made in a dental lab and then cemented to the tooth’s surface during your second visit to our office.

Inlays and Onlays are made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin and bonded directly to the tooth’s structure. These materials are stronger in composition than the traditional unsightly metal fillings and ultimately help to prevent any further decay or damage to the tooth.

Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that are typically used to rebuild the chewing surface of a tooth that has been damaged by decay. Dental inlays and onlays, on the other hand, conserve the maximum amount of healthy tooth tissue. At the same time, more invasive procedures like traditional fillings, partial crowns, and implants require painful tooth grinding.

                                                          restoration procedure

Dental Onlays

Both of these restoration processes are similar in function; the difference is that they repair different parts of the tooth. If a tooth has extensive surface damage, using an onlay would be best suited to fix the problem. An onlay is placed on one or more of the tooth’s cusps or, in more severe cases, on the entire surface. Onlays are generally more durable in structure and last for a longer time than inlays do.

Dental Inlays

Inlays are repairs used in dental situations where a Dental Filling cannot properly fix the damaged area. However, a Crown or onlay would be more appropriate if there is less damage to the structure. A dental inlay fills the spaces between the cusps of the tooth’s center.  

The Procedure

The procedure will begin with removing the tooth’s damaged area by Dr. Yurovsky. From this point, she will take an impression of the patient’s tooth, which will be sent to the dental laboratory, where a restored tooth structure will be constructed.

Once the inlay or onlay has been appropriately constructed and fitted to best match your tooth’s surface, Dr. Yurovsky will bond the well-fitted onlay or inlay to your tooth using a strong composite resin. As with natural teeth, inlays and onlays require daily brushing and flossing to maintain proper oral hygiene.

To make an appointment with our highly trained professionals, contact our Philadelphia dental office at 215-545-1202.

About Inlays & Onlays