Inlays and Onlays in Watsonville, CA

Are you looking to treat a large cavity or a tooth with extensive damage? Inlays and onlays are aesthetic solutions for chipped or cracked teeth and are used to correct dental damage.

They blend seamlessly between the area of damage and the dental restoration and offer a more aesthetically pleasing option.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays can help restore chewing and biting functionalities while enhancing the tooth’s appearance at the same time. They are often described as indirect fillings, and our dentist at Watsonville Family Dental recommends them as a conservative option to full-coverage crowns.

The bonding material used for inlays and onlays in Watsonville, CA can be color-matched to enhance the tooth’s appearance. Inlays are inserted into the area between cusps while onlays cover the cusp tips.

Inlays are ideal for treating damage within a smaller area and onlays are recommended to correct more extensive damage.

What Are They Used for?

Our dentist may recommend inlays and onlays for several different purposes, including:

• Replacing old metal fillings which may have deteriorated or cracked
• Treating new cavities and preventing it from spreading
• Repairing teeth with mild to moderate damage

Inlays and onlays require minimal removal of tooth structure (unlike crowns, for example), and they are custom-made for a snug fit.

Procedure for Inlays and Onlays at Watsonville Family Dental

The placement of inlays and onlays will generally require two appointments, and the procedure is nearly the same for both.

During the first appointment, the dentist in Watsonville, CA will remove the decayed material and thoroughly clean the tooth. We will make precise impressions of the tooth and discuss coloring preferences with the patient at this stage.

Our team will send the impression to a dental lab for expert fabrication. We will place a temporary inlay or onlay on the tooth until the permanent one is ready. Once the restoration is available, our dentist will remove the temporary inlay or onlay and cement the permanent one into place.

Please contact us today for custom-crafted inlays and onlays near you.