Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are pre-formed restorations used for teeth that have extensive damage due to decay or trauma. When damage is severe, a standard filling may be inappropriate because it places the remaining tooth structure at risk of breakage in the long term. By contrast, inlays and onlays help reinforce teeth in which they are placed and can last far longer. While inlays and onlays used in the back of the mouth can be made of gold or other metals, inlays and onlays placed in the mouth are usually made of porcelain to maintain a natural-looking smile.
Inlays Dental Service in Tujunga, CA
Inlays are smaller than onlays and are used to restore damage that is restricted to the chewing surfaces of molars and within the cusps that surround the outer edges of these teeth. To place inlays, our inlays expert removes the damaged parts of teeth and takes dental impressions for use in constructing the inlays. Once the inlay is ready, our expert in inlays bonds the inlay in place using dental resin and a special light. This service is provide in our facilities located in Tujunga, CA.
Onlays Dental Service in Tujunga, CA
Onlays, like inlays, are placed in the teeth after removal of damaged tooth structure. Compared to inlays, however, onlays are larger and are used by our onlays expert, located locally in Tujunca, CA, to restore damage on chewing surfaces that extends outward to the cusps. In terms of size, onlays are between inlays and full crowns, which cover teeth completely. Because onlays are less invasive than crowns to place, onlays are useful when damage is too large for inlays but not sufficient to require the use of crowns.
Placement of both inlays and onlays requires two visits to our experts located in Tujunga, CA. The first visit is used to remove damaged or decayed areas, and the second visit is used to place the inlays or onlays in the mouth. The durability of these treatments means that they can last for years with daily brushing and flossing and regular check-ups from our dentist. To learn more about inlays and onlays and when they are used, patients looking for dental services in San Fernando Valley can schedule a consultation with our dentist in Tujunga, CA.