Inlay and onlays are key restorative treatments used by dentists to restore teeth. Patients that suffer from a damaged or decayed tooth can benefit from them. A dentist will suggest an inlay or onlay when the damage to the tooth is too extensive for a filling, but not severe enough for a dental crown. LIFESmiles Family and Cosmetic dentistry can provide you with a inlay or only in Boise, ID to address the damage to your tooth.
Dr. Dennis Garpetti and Dr. Brock Hyder are talented restorative dentists that offer comprehensive solutions to repair damage and decay teeth. They may recommend inlays and onlays to address large surfaces that are riddled with damage or decay. Both inlays and onlays are used to address severe damage or decay to the natural teeth.
Inlays and Onlays in Boise, ID
Inlay: An inlay is a natural looking solution that is similar to a dental filling. It is used to address the surface of a damaged or decayed tooth and helps prevent further damage. It is, however, not the same as an onlay. An inlay will cover a smaller portion of the tooth’s surface. We will custom make it to fit into the prepared cavity in the tooth. Our dental office offers same day restorations made from ceramic. They will help restore the tooth’s shape and function while preventing further deterioration.
Onlay: An onlay is a custom made dental restoration that will repair a decayed or damaged tooth. Sometimes referred to as a partial dental crown, it will cover and protect a larger portion of the tooth’s surface than a traditional dental filling. An only is designed to fit over one or more cusps of the tooth. Onlays are typically used when the tooth’s damage or decay is too extensive for a standard filling but not severe enough for a full dental crown. We custom made them from ceramic and design them to fit precisely onto the damaged tooth. This will restore the tooth’s strength, shape, and functionality while preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.
We Offer Same Day Dental Restorations Using CEREC technology
At LIFESmiles, your inlay or onlay will be designed and fabricated using CEREC technology. Our goal is to help our patients achieve long-lasting, natural-looking solutions for damaged teeth. Using this advanced dental technology, we can fabricate custom-designed dental restorations in just one visit.
CEREC technology offers several benefits to patients when creating inlays and onlays. It eliminates the need for multiple visits. A traditional inlay or onlay would require 2 or 3 visits while this one can be completed in a single visit. We will take digital impressions instead of using the traditional, messy molds. These tend to create a very clear picture of the tooth. This will allow us to fabricate a precise restoration, ensuring a perfect fit. Overall, CEREC technology provides convenience, efficiency, accuracy, and aesthetically pleasing results for patients in need of inlays and onlays.
The Inlay and Onlay Process
The process to have your inlay or onlay placed will take place in a single visit to our Boise, Idaho dental office. The first thing your dentist will do is numb the area around the tooth being treated with a local anesthetic. Then they will remove any old fillings or damaged portion of the tooth. They will also remove any diseased or infected tissue from the affected teeth. The surface of the tooth is carefully cleaned and prepared for the inlay or only procedure.
Next, the dentist will take digital impressions of the tooth. This will create a 3D image that is uploaded onto a computer. Here, the dentist will design the perfect inlay or onlay that will fill in the space precisely. This image is then sent to the milling machine located in our office.
While you wait, your inlay or onlay will be fabricated. When ready, we will permanently bond it to the tooth using a strong dental adhesive. We will ensure a proper fit and make any adjustments. In just a single visit, your tooth will be fully restored with an inlay or onlay.
Routine Dental Care To Improve Your Oral Health
Taking steps to help keep your teeth protected against tooth decay can benefit your smile in the long run. Drs. Garpetti and Hyder recommend that patients of all ages visit our Boise dental office a routine dental exam. Routine dental exams allow our team to identify and treat any developing oral health concerns before they progress.
If you are experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Drs. Garpetti and Hyder can work with you to provide the treatment you need. We offer a full range of restorative dentistry services including inlays and onlays in Boise, ID. To schedule an appointment, call (208) 254-6365 today.