Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are special restorations that can be used as a conservative alternatives to dental crowns. They cover more of the surface of a damaged or decayed tooth than a traditional dental filling, but they require less preparation than a crown. Our Los Angeles inlays expert can help you decide if this type of restoration is right for you.

Inlays Los Angeles

Although inlays and onlays are similar, they cover different parts of the tooth. An inlay is used when the area of damage is located within the cusps of the tooth. An onlay is used if the damage includes one or more cusps. Both types of restorations are generally placed in two dental visits because they are customized in a dental lab. Our Los Angeles onlays expert uses the first appointment to prepare the tooth. This is done under local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. The damaged or decayed tissue is removed, and the tooth is shaped. We take a dental impression, which is used to create a model of the tooth, and the model is used to design your restoration. Your prepared tooth is protected with a temporary restoration while you wait for your permanent restoration.

At your second appointment, our expert in inlays in Los Angeles will numb the tooth again and remove the temporary restoration. Next, the new restoration will be checked for fit and appearance. Because it is made from a model of your tooth using dental porcelain, it will match the color and look of your tooth precisely. The tooth’s surface is gently roughened before a conditioning liquid is applied to prime the tooth, and the inlay or onlay is bonded to the tooth using a special dental cement. We use a light to cure the cement and create a powerful bond between the restoration and the tooth.