Inlays and Onlays in Paoli, PA

When it comes to preserving and protecting a natural tooth, the Dentist of Paoli has the team to do it. The longer your natural tooth stays in the mouth, the better for oral health. Our dentists in Paoli, PA consider fitting inlays or onlays when you have a cavitated or damaged tooth.

What are Inlays or Onlays?

An onlay or inlay is a technique to preserve the tooth’s health and form after it has decayed. Although crowns may be an option, a dentist may have to file down or remove a little area of the existing tooth, which weakens it. Similarly, fillings may need to be bigger to cover the cavitated area. In these situations, our dentists can use inlays or onlays. The good thing is that onlays and inlays maintain all or a majority of the present tooth’s structure. As such, they can help strengthen the cavitated or fractured tooth needing treatment.

The Process of Inlays and Onlays

The treatment takes roughly two appointments since the cautiously molded part for replacing the tooth has to be crafted in a lab. During the first visit, our dentists in Paoli, PA document the mold or impression of the specific tooth to create the restorations. You will also get an temporary restoration to help cover the tooth and keep it functioning while the lasting inlays or onlays are being crafted. After 2 to 3 weeks, you get your new restoration. The dentists will remove the short-term filling and place the new onlay or inlay. If the piece fits properly, the dentists glue it onto the tooth and polish it to attain a uniform and smooth look.

Inlays vs. Onlays

The difference between onlays and inlays is that the former fit inside the tooth; however, they extend onto the tooth’s chewing surface to cover one or several cusps. Dental inlays, on the other hand, cover a small area but fit inside the tooth too. Contact Dentist of Paoli for our dentists in Paoli, PA to evaluate you and establish if onlays or inlays are a choice.