Inlays & Onlays Rockville, MD

Affordable Dental Inlays & Onlays in Rockville

Inlay and onlays are restorative treatment options that will restore a damaged or decayed tooth. They are a good choice for patients with moderate damage or decay because they are more conservative than a dental crown but more durable than a dental filling. Inlay and onlays typically repair more advanced tooth decay and replace large and old dental fillings. We also use them in other cases that do not require a dental crown.

Made from high-quality professional-grade dental porcelain inlay & onlays are highly durable and designed to match your natural teeth for an aesthetic result. Porcelain restorations are stain and decay-resistant and help to stabilize the tooth while protecting it from future decay.

Dr. Ali Sarkarzadeh offers comprehensive and personalized cosmetic and restorative dental treatments for patients in the Rockville, MD area. Our Congressional Dental Care team uses dental inlay & onlays to restore the aesthetics, function, and form to teeth with moderate decay or structural damage.

Inlays Vs. Onlays

  • Inlay- An inlay repairs injury or decay found in the cusp of the tooth crown. The inlay fits into the crevices of the tooth, forming a secure seal. Dr. Sarkarzadeh permanently bonds the inlay to a cleaned tooth.
  • Onlay- Onlays repair damage or decay that affects a large surface area on the tooth. Often referred to as a partial crown, the onlay is a more conservative treatment option that helps to support the natural tooth for a permanent dental restoration.

affordable dental inlays and dental onlays in rockville, mdThe Inlay & Onlay Process

The inlay and only process will take at least visits to complete. At the first appointment, Dr. Sarkarzadeh will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. He will prepare the tooth by taking out old dental fillings, removing any decay or damaged tissue, and thoroughly cleaning it. Once clean, Dr. Sarkarzadeh will take a mold of the tooth by using a small tray filled with dental putty.

We send off these impressions to a dental laboratory, where they design and fabricate the inlay or onlay. Most inlays and onlays are porcelain. This type of restoration most closely matches the color of natural teeth, so it will blend with your smile. We place a temporary restoration on the tooth to protect it while your inlay or onlay is being fabricated.

At your next appointment, Dr. Sarkarzadeh will remove the temporary restoration and test the inlay or onlay to ensure proper fit. The inlay or onlay will fit snugly against the affected area. The tight fit helps seal out any future decay and reinforces the stability of the tooth structure. Once the patient is satisfied with the fit and color of the restoration, your dentist will permanently bond the inlay or onlay to the tooth with a strong resin adhesive.

Inlay & Onlay FAQs

Are inlays and onlays painful?

After your inlay or onlay is set, the surface of your tooth may feel a little awkward. It takes some time to get used to it. The area around the tooth may be sore or sensitive, but this will go away after a few days. The feeling after getting an inlay or onlay is similar to how it feels getting a tooth filling.

How long do inlays and onlays last?

If cared for properly, your new restoration should last about 10 to 30 years. Of course, this will depend on how well you practice good oral hygiene and how often you visit the dentist. You’re able to replace them for emergency reasons or damage.

Do inlays and onlays require special care? 

No. You can take care of your inlay or onlay the same way you take care of your natural teeth and teeth with fillings. To elongate the life of your restoration, be sure to brush at least twice a day and floss regularly. Also, avoid chewing on ice and other hard foods. This can loosen the restoration if you do it too much.