Affordable Dental Inlays and Onlays in Rockville
Inlays and onlays are treatments to fix damaged or decayed teeth. They are great for patients with moderate damage or decay because they are less invasive than a crown but stronger than a filling. We offer inlays and onlays for advanced decay or to replace large, old fillings. We can also use them in cases where a crown isn’t needed.
Made from high-quality dental porcelain, inlays and onlays are durable and match your natural teeth. Porcelain restorations resist stains and decay and help stabilize the tooth to prevent future issues.
Dr. Ali Sarkarzadeh offers cosmetic and restorative dental treatments for patients in the Rockville, MD area. Our team at Congressional Dental Care uses inlays and onlays to restore the look, function, and shape of teeth with moderate decay or damage.
Inlays Vs. Onlays
An inlay repairs injury or decay found in the grooves of a tooth. It fits snugly into the tooth, forming a secure seal. Dr. Sarkarzadeh permanently bonds the inlay to the cleaned tooth, making sure it stays in place and works like a natural part of the tooth.
On the other hand, the dentist places an onlay to fix damage or decay that covers a larger area of the tooth. Often called a partial crown, the onlay covers more of the tooth than an inlay but is still less invasive than a full crown. The onlay supports the natural tooth, providing a strong and durable fix that looks and works like a real tooth. Dr. Sarkarzadeh’s use of inlays and onlays gives patients lasting solutions for tooth repair, combining function and appearance.
The Inlay and Onlay Process
The inlay and onlay process takes at least two 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 removing old fillings, decay, and any damaged tissue, then thoroughly cleaning it. Once clean, Dr. Sarkarzadeh will take a mold of the tooth using a small tray filled with dental putty.
We send these impressions to a dental lab where they create the inlay or onlay, usually from porcelain to match the color of your natural teeth. While waiting for your custom inlay or onlay, the dentist will place a temporary restoration on the tooth to protect it.
At your next visit, Dr. Sarkarzadeh will remove the temporary restoration and test the inlay or onlay for a proper fit. The inlay or onlay will fit snugly against the affected area, sealing out future decay and reinforcing the tooth’s stability. Once you’re happy with the fit and color, Dr. Sarkarzadeh will permanently bond the inlay or onlay to the tooth with a strong resin adhesive.
Inlay and Onlay FAQs
Everyone knows about dental fillings and crowns, but not many understand what inlays and onlays are. These are innovative dental treatments used to repair teeth, so your dentist might recommend one. We’ve put together the most frequently asked questions about inlays and onlays to help you understand this treatment option better.
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 adjust 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?
You can care for your inlay or onlay just like you care for your natural teeth and teeth with fillings. To make your restoration last longer, brush at least twice a day and floss regularly. Avoid chewing on ice and other hard foods, as this can loosen the restoration if done too often.
How are inlays and onlays different from dental crowns?
Inlays and onlays differ from dental crowns primarily in their coverage and application. They are custom dental restorations that dentists use to repair moderately damaged or decayed teeth. Inlays sit within the cusps of the tooth and onlays extend over one or more cusps.
Dental crowns, on the other hand, enclose the entire tooth to the gum line. They provide comprehensive coverage and support for severely damaged or weakened teeth. The choice between these restorations depends on the extent of tooth damage and the required durability and protection.
When will a dentist recommend an inlay or onlay?
Your dentist may suggest an inlay or onlay when there is moderate decay or damage to a tooth that is too extensive for a tooth filling to repair, yet not severe enough to require a dental crown. An inlay will repair a tooth when the damage is within the cusps, or biting surface, of the tooth.
An onlay will repair a tooth when the damage extends over one or more of the cusps. Both of them are excellent choices for restoring the tooth’s integrity while maintaining its natural appearance.
How are inlays and onlays different from tooth fillings?
Inlays and onlays serve as middle-ground solutions between tooth fillings and crowns. The key differences lie in how they are applied and how much of the tooth they cover.
A regular filling is shaped in the mouth during a dental visit and only covers a small part of the tooth. Inlays and onlays, however, are made in a lab before being attached to the damaged tooth. Inlays fill the space between the cusps at the center of a tooth’s surface. Onlays cover one or more cusps or the whole biting surface.
What are the disadvantages of inlays and onlays?
A downside of inlays and onlays is the cost. This type of dental work usually costs more than a filling because of the high-quality materials and the process.
The treatment also needs at least two dental visits because the restorations are made in a lab before being attached to the tooth. This can take more time and might cause some discomfort or sensitivity between visits. Lastly, though rare, inlays or onlays can come loose if not properly bonded to the tooth, which would need more dental work.
Can inlays and onlays crack?
Even though they are strong and can last a long time, inlays and onlays can still crack. This can happen because of a hard impact, too much biting or chewing force, or normal wear and tear over time. Regular dental check-ups and following care instructions can help reduce the risk of damage and make sure your inlays and onlays last a long time.
We Offer Custom Inlays and Onlays in Rockville, MD.
Contact our dentist in Rockville, MD, when you are ready for your custom inlay or onlay at (301) 276-4694. You can also schedule an appointment online and we will get back to you shortly.