Charlottesville Inlays and Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays, also known as indirect fillings, are dental restorations used for mild to moderate decay and damage. An inlay or onlay is often needed when a filling isn’t sufficient enough yet there is still enough healthy tooth remaining to avoid needing a dental crown. Charlottesville dentist, Dr. Almzayyen, will do a thorough examination of your tooth to determine the level of decay that has taken place and proceed with the best course of treatment.
What Are Inlays & Onlays?
A dental inlay fits in the top cusps of the tooth where an onlay extends over the cusps of the tooth and is a bit more extensive. There are gold inlays/onlays, ceramic inlays/onlays and resin inlays/onlays. Gold was the traditional material used but due to strength and matching tooth color, ceramic has become a very popular choice. Onlays can be a conservative approach to dental crowns saving time and money when appropriate.
Charlottesville Inlays & Onlays Procedure
Inlays and onlays are typically a two visit procedure, but not with Blue Ridge Family Dentistry! We are able to eliminate the multi-visit procedure into a single visit by using our advanced technology system, CEREC. This provides a great convenience to patients and removes the need for wearing a temporary restoration until your inlay or onlay would come back from a lab.
Procedure:
The first step is removing the filling, decay and/or damage from the tooth. Once debris is cleaned out, the tooth is then prepped and images are taken with a CEREC camera. A 3D image is created and then transposed to a computer for the dentist to view. Your dentist now has an exceptional view of the tooth from each angle allowing them to create your custom restoration with great precision. The inlay or onlay will be milled from a block of porcelain that matches your tooth color.
Once milled the inlay or onlay is placed on the tooth to make sure it is a smooth, snug fit. Dr. Almzayyen will also make sure no occlusion issues are taking place before cementing your final restoration. Once Dr. Almzayyen deems the restoration satisfactory, it is polished and affixed to your tooth.
If you believe you are in need of dental inlays or onlays in Charlottesville, consult the dental office of Blue Ridge Family Dentistry.