Preserve Your Naturally Brilliant Smile with Dental Inlays and Onlays

Have you been told your tooth damage or decay is too big for a filling but not yet significant for a dental crown? Dr. Alex Seok Jun Lee & Dr. Jonathan J. Golab have a tooth restoration for these in-between cases. Known as dental inlays and onlays or indirect fillings, these custom-made restorations repair decayed or damaged teeth for a functional, beautiful smile. 

Want to learn more about porcelain inlays and onlays in Flower Mound, Texas? Schedule an appointment with Jonathan J. Golab, DDS, PA, to learn about these little-known appliances.

What are dental inlays and onlays? 

When you have tooth decay or damage, it’s crucial to know all your options, and indirect fillings or partial crowns are one of those great options. Dental inlays or onlays are ideal when tooth damage needs more than a filling but less than a crown. 

Dental inlays and onlays perform the same job but differ in how they do the job. Dental inlays sit within a tooth, while onlays cover a larger area and extend to cover one or more cusps. 

Indirect fillings are created from tooth-coloured materials for aesthetics. These restorations are similar to fillings, but there’s a huge difference. Dental fillings are created in your mouth (direct restorations), but dental inlays and onlays are lab-made. They are pre-fabricated in a dental lab before they are placed in the mouth.

Actual Patient Results

What to expect from dental inlays and onlays

Unlike dental fillings, which are placed in one day, indirect fillings need two separate visits. In the first appointment, we’ll conservatively remove the decayed portion of the tooth after numbing your mouth. Then, the dentist will take digital scans of your tooth to create an imprint to custom-make your restoration. 

As you wait for your restoration, we’ll place a temporary filling on the prepped tooth to protect it from infections and injury. Once your inlay or onlay is ready, you’ll come to our office for placement. The dentist will fit it over the prepped tooth before polishing out any unevenness. Finally, the dentist uses dental adhesive to bond your restoration for durability. 

Benefits of dental onlays and inlays

Indirect fillings create a tight seal around your tooth, protecting your tooth and preventing further damage. Indirect fillings offer numerous benefits, including:

• Natural appearance
• Improved oral function
• Durable restoration
• Easy maintenance
• Conservative treatment

Tired of living with extensive tooth decay or damage? Call (972) 691-1700 to talk to Dr. Alex Seok Jun Lee or Dr. Jonathan Golab about dental inlays and onlays. We can’t wait to restore your smile to its optimal function and appearance.