Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays are special restorations that offer more coverage than a traditional dental filling but require less alteration of healthy tooth tissue than dental crowns. Our Canoga Park inlays expert may recommend an inlay, which is known as an indirect filling, or an onlay, which may also be called a partial crown, if you have a tooth that has suffered severe dental trauma or decay.

Both restorations are similar in design but are used to restore different types of damage. A dental inlay may be used when the damage is confined to the area between the cusps of the tooth. A dental onlay may be used when the damage includes one or more of these cusps. Our Canoga Park onlays expert can help you determine which restoration is most appropriate for your needs.

If you are a candidate for an inlay or onlay, you will begin with an appointment to prepare the tooth. Our expert in inlays in Canoga Park will numb the area before removing any decayed tissue. The tooth will be carefully shaped, and we will take a dental impression. The mold will then be sent to the dental laboratory, which will make a precise restoration.

At your second appointment, our expert in onlays in Canoga Park will check the restoration for fit. We will make any necessary final adjustments before the inlay or onlay is firmly bonded to the tooth. Once bonded into place, most inlays and onlays can last as long as dental crowns and provide your tooth with the protection it needs.

Most dental inlays and onlays are made from porcelain or composite resin for an aesthetically appealing look. They blend in with your natural tooth structure flawlessly while protecting it from further damage. Good dental hygiene with regular brushing and flossing and routine dental checkups can maximize the life of the restoration. Contact our office today to find out more about available restoration options or to schedule a consultation with our dentist in Canoga Park.