Save Damaged Teeth with a Dental Inlay or Onlay
Dental inlays and onlays are a conservative treatment that can restore the stability of compromised molars. When decay is too extensive for a filling, but not extensive enough for a crown, inlays and onlays may be recommended. Dr. Joseph Fusco in Long Island, NY, focuses on biomimetic dentistry, which emphasizes the conservation of healthy tissue. By placing an inlay or onlay instead of a dental crown, Dr. Fusco can preserve more of your natural tooth structure while providing outstanding cosmetic and restorative results.
Our Inlays and Onlays
At our practice, we make our inlays and onlays from durable, tooth-colored dental porcelain. Unlike fillings, which are directly applied to the tooth, inlays and onlays are custom-crafted in a lab to achieve a precise fit, much like a puzzle piece. Dr. Fusco’s biomimetic bonding techniques add structural integrity and prevent bacteria from entering the seam.
Dental Inlays
Inlays fit within the indented top surfaces of your tooth, between the points (cusps). Dr. Fusco can use an inlay to replace an old or broken silver amalgam filling.
Dental Onlays
Onlays are designed to restore the chewing surface as well as one or more cusps.
In general, the solution that allows you to retain the most dental tissue is best.
The Placement Process
First, Dr. Fusco will examine your tooth and remove any decayed tissue. Next, he will take an impression and send it to the lab to begin the fabrication process. He may place a temporary inlay or onlay over your tooth to protect the surface while you wait. It can take about a week for the lab to finish a custom restoration.
When you return to our office, he will remove the temporary restoration before bonding the permanent inlay or onlay into place. Next, he will polish the area to maintain a balanced and comfortable bite. Some patients require a follow-up visit to make additional adjustments and ensure a balanced bite.
Benefits
Inlays and onlays provide many important benefits for the right candidates. For example, if treatment requires removing a certain amount of tissue, a dental filling cannot provide adequate long-term support. In these cases, a crown could provide the necessary support, but may require removing a considerable amount of dental tissue. In general, the solution that allows you to retain the most dental tissue is best. Inlays and onlays can provide a conservative means of restoring a tooth without having to sacrifice function or tissue. Meanwhile, each restoration is carefully crafted to look entirely natural.
During your consultation, Dr. Fusco will carefully assess your tooth to determine which option will provide you with the best long-term benefits.
Conservative Treatment for Stronger Smiles
At our practice, we emphasize conservative, healthy treatment options that also provide excellent aesthetics. If you are suffering from symptoms of tooth decay or other dental health complications, contact our office online or call (516) 766-6767 to speak to a member of our team today.
