What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Classified between a tooth-colored filling and a full crown, inlays and onlays are custom dental restorations our Avon, CT practice offers to repair decayed or damaged teeth. Placed on back teeth, a dental inlay covers the concave center of a tooth and while an onlays (also called a partial crowns) covers the center portion along with one or more of the rounded, upper edges (cusps). Like other restorations, inlays and onlays can be created from a range of materials, including high-grade metal, natural-looking porcelain, and tooth-colored composite resin but are generally fabricated in our professional dental lab. When you visit Avon Dental Group for your treatment consultation, our general dentists can explain the difference between crowns, fillings, onlays, and inlays so you can make the best choice about how to address your restorative dental needs.
Ideal Candidates
An inlay or onlay may be recommended when you have a broken tooth or a cavity that is too large to be restored with a simple filling but does not require the full protection of a crown. During your dental exam, our team will evaluate your tooth and review your digital x-rays to help you determine the ideal treatment for your needs. If an inlay or onlay is chosen, we will go over the available materials that will best fit your cosmetic goals and treatment expectations. Inlays and inlays can be made from a range of high-quality materials, including natural-looking porcelain, composite, and high-grade metal.
The Treatment Process
Inlays and onlays may be created in a direct method (within the mouth) or indirect method (outside of the mouth, in our dental laboratory). Receiving treatment for a dental inlay or onlay is generally a straightforward process, but please talk with our team about sedation options if you feel nervous when visiting the dentist. On the day of your procedure, our team will numb your tooth and remove the damaged or decayed tooth structure. Once the enamel is cleaned, digital impressions using our advanced iTero Element 2 intraoral scanner will be taken of the tooth. If you are getting an inlay or onlay made our a dental lab, a temporary will be set until your permanent restoration is ready. Once your restoration is ready, our dentists will carefully place and bond it to your tooth. We will then polish the edges or adjust the fit as needed to create an even, natural feel.
Avon Dental Group Reviews
Megan was my Dental Assistant today. Megan was very pleasant, making my visit, patient friendly.
Very good experience! Megan was great and very accommodating. Made an uncomfortable experience much more manageable.
I visited Avon Dental this morning and Shawna did my X-rays. She was courteous, helpful and detailed oriented. I felt very relax as a patient. On the way out I was helped by Mahlaida and Megan whom took care of my next visit, again very helpful. What a great team!!
Excellent professional experience. Takes care of you by asking questions.
My hygienist John made my very early 8am appt quick and painless while receptionists Mahlaila and Shawna provided comic relief at checkout!
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Average Rating
Caring for Your Inlay or Onlay
If only local anesthesia is used, you should be able to leave following the appointment and get back to your regular activities. You may feel minor discomfort sensitivity within the tooth for a few days after your onlay or inlay is placed but this should subside on its own. Please contact Avon Dental Group if you experience any concerns following your treatment. Your dental inlay or onlay can be cared for like your own teeth, with good daily brushing and flossing habits. Our team will monitor the health of your tooth and inlay or onlay during each of your dental checkup visits at our practice. However, with appropriate care, these restorations can last for many years.
Insurance Coverage
Onlays and inlays are a common treatment for dental cavities and other issues and are commonly covered in part by insurance. A team member will contact your insurance provider to review your specific coverage and can let you know of any potential personal costs. During your consultation visit, our friendly business team can review the payment options accepted at Avon Dental Group and provide information on no-cost financing to make your care even more affordable.
Custom Care for Your Smile
Whether an inlay, onlay, or other restorative option from our Avon, CT practice is ideal for your smile, it is important to treat a damaged or decayed tooth before more advanced care is required. Learn more about custom dental inlays and onlays from Avon Dental Group by scheduling a visit at our family dental practice. Our general dentists look forward to serving your smile and oral health with personalized dental solutions.