Inlays & Onlays Tumwater, WA
When tooth damage or decay affects your smile, seeking prompt treatment is essential to prevent further complications. While minor cavities might seem like a small concern, neglecting them can lead to more extensive damage, potentially resulting in tooth loss and the need for more complex procedures. At Deschutes River Dentistry, we understand that every patient’s situation is unique, which is why we offer several treatment options, including inlays and onlays, to restore your teeth effectively.
Inlays and onlays represent an excellent middle-ground solution between traditional dental fillings and full crowns. When your tooth has experienced decay that’s too extensive for a simple filling, but doesn’t require the comprehensive coverage of a crown, these restorations offer the perfect alternative. What makes inlays and onlays particularly appealing is that they’re considered indirect restorations, meaning they’re carefully crafted in our laboratory using precise molds or advanced computer imaging technology before being placed on your tooth.
What Is the Difference?
While inlays and onlays are very similar in purpose and function, they differ primarily in their coverage area. An inlay is designed to fit within the center portion of your tooth, specifically between the cusps or biting surfaces. Think of it as filling the recessed center area of your tooth that doesn’t make contact with the opposing tooth when you bite down.
An onlay, on the other hand, provides more extensive coverage. In addition to covering the center area like an inlay, an onlay extends over one or more cusps of your tooth and may even cover small portions of the tooth’s sidewalls when necessary. This makes onlays ideal for addressing more significant areas of damage while still preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.
What Are Inlays and Onlays Made Of?
We offer several high-quality materials for your inlay or onlay, allowing us to customize your treatment based on your specific needs and preferences. The most popular choice among our patients is porcelain or high-quality composite materials. These options provide exceptional strength that surpasses traditional fillings, while offering the aesthetic advantage of being precisely color-matched to your existing teeth, ensuring your restoration blends with your natural smile.
For patients seeking maximum durability, gold inlays and onlays represent the premium option. While gold restorations cannot be color-matched to your natural teeth, they offer unparalleled longevity and can even serve as an attractive accent to your smile if you prefer a distinctive look.
How Long Do They Last?
One of the most compelling benefits of choosing inlays and onlays is their impressive longevity. Research indicates that these restorations typically last approximately 10 years, and with proper oral hygiene and regular dental care, many patients enjoy their inlays and onlays for much longer periods.
An additional advantage of inlays and onlays is that they preserve more of your natural tooth structure compared to crowns, which require significant tooth reduction. This conservation approach means that if your restoration eventually needs replacement, our team can often simply remove the old restoration and place a new one without further compromising the integrity of your tooth.
If you’re curious about whether inlays and onlays might be the right solution for your dental needs, or if you have questions about any of our restorative treatments, we’d love to help you explore your options. Contact our friendly team at Deschutes River Dentistry by calling (360) 786-9354 to schedule your consultation today.