Dental Inlays and Onlays in Eureka, MO
Dental inlays and onlays are restorative devices that maintain natural teeth’s strength and appearance. They offer a cosmetically appealing solution to treating tooth decay and other forms of damage.
At Eureka Dental Group, we take pride in our dental services and dental procedures in Eureka, MO. Patients across the St. Louis area trust our team to provide personalized treatment plans to create beautiful smiles. If you have damaged or decayed teeth, you may be a good candidate for dental inlays and onlays in Eureka, MO.
Schedule your appointment with us today!
What Are Dental Inlays?
Dental inlays are similar to traditional fillings in that they treat cavities and other types of decay. Dentists often recommend inlays when the decayed area is larger than what a filling could cover. Additionally, they’re custom-made to fit perfectly onto your tooth’s surface.
Common materials include porcelain, gold, and composite resins. Porcelain inlays have the longest lifespan thanks to their durable nature. Gold material also lasts longer but is generally more expensive. Composite resin inlays closely match your natural tooth color and create a seamless blend.
Direct vs. Indirect Inlays
Direct inlays are more common and require less tooth preparation. As a result, they’re an excellent option for maintaining natural tooth structure. Additionally, direct inlays have an etched surface that matches the shape of existing enamel, helping them stay in place with dental adhesive or cement.
Conversely, indirect inlays are better when the tooth is too damaged to support a direct restoration. They require additional material on either side of the natural tooth to ensure ample support. The dentist then glues the indirect inlay to the two pieces. Our dentists will ensure you receive the correct restorative device for your situation.
Dental Inlays vs. Fillings
Inlays and fillings are similar but have a few key differences. In most cases, dentists can apply fillings in a single visit, while inlays often require two. However, inlays can cover a larger surface area and typically last longer than fillings with proper care and maintenance.
What Are Dental Onlays?
Dental onlays are similar to inlays but are larger and created differently. Dentists recommend onlays to cover an entire tooth when decay and damage affect the cusps and the chewing surfaces. The restorative devices treat damaged teeth when a filling is too small and a crown too large.
Onlays are also called “partial crowns” since they cover a significant portion of the tooth. The same materials comprise inlays and onlays – porcelain, composite resin, or gold. However, onlays have a shorter lifespan due to receiving more wear and tear from biting and chewing.
Dental Onlays vs. Crowns
The onlay procedure requires less tooth preparation and removal compared to crowns. As a result, onlays are less invasive. Although crowns last longer than onlays, they often require a root canal treatment due to less natural tooth support.
The most significant difference between dental onlays and crowns is that crowns cover a larger surface area. Onlays don’t cover a site as much but offer better overall protection.
Inlays and Onlays Procedure
The inlay or onlay procedure typically involves two dental visits. During the first appointment, the dentist prepares the tooth for treatment by removing damage or decay and thoroughly cleaning it. Next, they determine the natural tooth color and take an impression to send to a dental laboratory.
The dentist then places a temporary inlay or onlay to protect the tooth while the dental lab team fabricates the custom permanent device. Finally, once the lab team finishes the permanent restoration, the dentist removes the temporary device and places the permanent one during a second visit.
Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays in Eureka, MO
Dental inlays and onlays offer several functional and aesthetic benefits. Both restore a tooth’s appearance and strength. When you receive dental inlays and onlays in Eureka, MO, you’ll experience the following advantages:
- Durability. The materials used to create inlays and onlays are strong and, with proper care and maintenance, can last well over a decade.
- Tooth preservation. Inlays and onlays require less preparation than other devices, meaning more natural tooth remains.
- Strength. Since dental inlays and onlays bond directly to the tooth’s surface, they restore its strength and structure.
- Color matching. Traditional amalgam fillings can discolor the tooth to a grayish color over time, whereas tooth-colored inlays and onlays maintain the natural pearly white.
- Improved appearance. Dental inlays and onlays are custom devices that match the surrounding tooth, repair damage and improve appearance.
Restore Your Smile With Dental Inlays and Onlays in Eureka, MO
Dental inlays and onlays are excellent for patients with decayed or damaged teeth. At Eureka Dental Group, our family dentists in Eureka, MO, provide the highest quality dental care for patients of all ages. Whatever your needs, you can be confident that our restorative dentists in Eureka, MO, will work to ensure you leave our office with a smile!
Schedule an appointment today to restore your smile with dental inlays and onlays in Eureka, MO.