Do you have a damaged tooth or a cavity that’s too big for a filling but not quite bad enough for a crown? In these cases, dental inlays and onlays can be great options.
Doctors Lake Family Dental in Fleming Island offers strong, natural-looking inlays and onlays to repair teeth and protect your smile. Our team’s advanced training in prosthodontics and precision dental restorations allows us to provide long-lasting and finely crafted results.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are restorations that fit into or over an injured tooth. They are custom-made and bonded in place, usually with materials like porcelain or composite resin.
- Inlays: Fit into a tooth’s grooves and are used when the damage doesn’t reach the tooth’s edges.
- Onlays: Cover a larger area (one or more tooth cusps) and are sometimes called partial crowns.
Both inlays and onlays are durable and color-matched for a seamless appearance.
Signs You Might Need an Inlay or Onlay
Dentists might suggest an inlay or onlay if:
- You have a large cavity that a regular filling can’t support.
- Your tooth is cracked or worn down but still has a healthy structure.
- You want a more stable, natural-looking solution than silver fillings.
These restorations are especially helpful in saving as much of your existing tooth as possible while ensuring it remains functional.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays offer several advantages:
- Durability: They can last decades with proper care.
- Aesthetics: They are made to blend with your current tooth color.
- Tooth preservation: The process involves removing less tooth structure than a crown.
- Strong fit: Because they’re custom-made, they offer excellent support.
What to Expect During Treatment
Getting an inlay or onlay usually takes two visits:
- First Visit: The dentist extracts the decay or damaged area and takes an impression of the tooth. They may also place a temporary filling.
- Second Visit: The dentist bonds the inlay or onlay to your tooth and makes sure it fits properly.
The procedure is typically not painful because the dentist applies a numbing agent beforehand. Most patients return to normal activities right away, with only minor sensitivity that fades within a day or two.
Why Choose Doctors Lake Family Dental?
At Doctors Lake Family Dental, your comfort and care are our top priorities. We value open communication and strive to bring thoughtfulness and innovation to every appointment.
Drs. Fernando and Adriana Padron, a husband-and-wife team, lead our award-winning practice. Dr. Fernando Padron has an extensive background in general dentistry, oral surgery, and implants. Dr. Adriana Padron, a certified Fellow of the American Board of Prosthodontics, is known for her attention to detail and compassionate approach.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Whether you’re coming in for an inlay or onlay or need to address other dental needs, you can trust us to provide personalized, respectful treatment that promotes long-term oral health.
Ready to repair your smile with dental inlays or onlays in Fleming Island? Contact Doctors Lake Family Dental today to schedule your visit. Call us at 904-264-6700 or send us a message.
