You have a big tooth filling that needs replacement. Do you have to get a full dental crown? Not necessarily. A more conservative option, inlays and onlays fit into a tooth similar to a filling, yet they are much more durable, similar to a crown. The bumps on top of a tooth are called cusps. Inlays fit between cusps, while onlays fit over one or more cusps. Inlays and onlays allow a patient to retain more natural tooth structure, which is always best.
Not every situation is right for an inlay or onlay, but Dr. Sander I. White will assess your problem and determine the best solution for you. Because they are created in a lab like a crown, inlays and onlays require two appointments. At the first visit, we will prepare your tooth by removing tooth decay and any old filling materials and we will clean the area. We will take a dental impression and send it to our dental lab so that a technician can create a custom fitted inlay or onlay for you. Dr. White will determine the best material to use, but in most cases, teeth that show when you smile or speak can have a white restoration. Back teeth are subject to extreme pressure, so a metal inlay or onlay may be indicated. You'll wear a temporary restoration while the lab fabricates your final restoration.
At the second appointment, Dr. White will remove your temporary and permanently cement your final inlay or onlay into position. After polishing and modifying the restoration as necessary to ensure proper bite alignment, you'll enjoy your stronger, healthier smile for years to come.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment or consultation with Dr. White, your partner in the quest for a beautiful, healthy smile. Our Broomall office delivers exemplary service and distinctive dental care to residents of Broomall, Philadelphia, Delaware County, and surrounding areas.
