Inlays and Onlays

Tooth restoration is an area of dentistry in which a number of advances have occurred. For more than a century, the standard of care has been to repair a moderately damaged tooth with an amalgam filling. In cases when extensive damage has occurred, the tooth would be repaired with a dental crown, typically made from metal as well.

Today, dental patients have choices in how their teeth are repaired. Dr. Fuller is proud of her selection of services, each of which is designed to restore functionality beautifully to a damaged tooth. While standard fillings and tooth-colored fillings may be an option for some patients, it is also possible to achieve the best possible result using a natural-looking inlay or onlay.

Inlays and onlays offer a number of advantages, one of which is the preservation of natural tooth structure. The method through which this treatment is performed leads to long-lasting results while remaining very conservative. Inlays and onlays, different from standard amalgam fillings, are custom designed to fit into the tooth as needed and are bonded to the tooth for excellent retention.

One of the clear benefits of the tooth-colored inlay or onlay is the natural appearance of the restoration. Using high-quality materials and proven bonding technique, Dr. Fuller sets her patients up for long-term functionality in the most discreet way. The naked eye cannot tell the restored tooth has been repaired, or ever damaged to begin with, due to the characteristics of the chosen materials for this type of restoration. Teeth repaired with inlays and onlays are actually strengthened through this combination of material and techniques.

Inlays and onlays explained

Inlays and onlays are restorations that fall between fillings and dental crowns. They are customized to the tooth that has been damaged. When damage has occurred inside of the points of the tooth, called cusps, an inlay will be designed for repair. Onlays are designed to repair damage that has extended over one or more of the cusps of a tooth.

Care with an inlay or onlay is typically completed over two visits, because this type of restoration is made in a dental lab. Care begins with the removal of damaged tooth material and impressions to guide the making of the final restoration. In the follow-up visit, the final inlay or onlay will be fitted and bonded onto the prepared tooth, where it can remain for many years.

We are committed to personalized care for each patient who visits our Marietta dental practice. Call (770) 977 7757 to schedule your visit with our friendly, professional team.