If you have a tooth that is damaged or badly decayed, Dr. Arash Azarbal can beautifully and conservatively restore it with a porcelain inlay or onlay in just one appointment. As an extensively trained cosmetic dentist, he utilizes the most advanced techniques and highest-quality materials available to provide an exceptional result.
- What Is a Porcelain Onlay?
- What Is a Porcelain Inlay?
- Onlay and Inlay Advantages
- Onlay and Inlay Procedure
- Onlay and Inlay Recovery
- Onlay and Inlay Cost
What Is a Porcelain Onlay?
This is a cosmetic dental treatment that uses custom-fitted porcelain to restore your tooth. While an inlay is placed inside your tooth similarly to a filling, the onlay covers at least one chewing cusp—the pointed part of the chewing surface of your tooth.
What Is a Porcelain Inlay?
It’s a custom-fitted porcelain restoration that is bonded to your tooth. Although an inlay is placed in your tooth similarly to a filling, it is stronger than a white composite filling, which is made of glass or quartz that is mixed with plastic resin.
What Are the Advantages of a Porcelain Onlay or Inlay?
- It conservatively restores a tooth without the use of a porcelain crown. Less of your tooth structure needs to be removed, and it won’t irritate your gums, as a dental crown may.
- An in-office CEREC® inlay or onlay is completed in one visit, while other methods require two visits.
- It is very stable and will strengthen your tooth.
- It seals your tooth and will keep bacteria out.
- It will blend in with your tooth and look very natural.
What Is the Onlays and Inlays Procedure Like?
After your tooth is numbed, Dr. Azarbal will remove any decay or old filling material and as little of the tooth structure as necessary. He will clean the tooth and prepare it for an inlay or onlay. Dr. Azarbal will use CAD-CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) technology to take a digital impression of your tooth.
The virtual model of your prepared tooth will be used to design and make the inlay or onlay. A CEREC® milling machine will use the virtual model to craft the restoration from a small block of porcelain. In about five minutes, your inlay or onlay will be ready.
Dr. Azarbal will place it on your tooth to establish its fit. When the fit is correct and no adjustments need to be made, he will clean and dry your tooth, and bond the restoration onto it.
The photos below are an example of old amalgam fillings that were replaced with natural-looking porcelain onlays.
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Before -
After
“Very pleased with my care. I am happy to see that my dentist is investing in his practice with the latest equipment.
What Does Onlay and Inlay Recovery Entail?
Recovery from the onlays and inlays treatment typically involves minimal discomfort and a short healing period. After the procedure, patients may experience mild sensitivity and soreness around the treated area, which usually subsides within a few days. During this period, maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing gently around the affected area is important. Also, avoiding very hard or sticky foods can help prevent any damage to the restoration. Pain can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication.
How Much Do Onlays and Inlays Cost?
As each individual’s dental needs and goals are unique to them, so are each patient’s treatment plan and overall cost. The cost of dental onlays and inlays can vary depending on several factors, such as:
- The extent and complexity of the treatment
- Any procedures performed in conjunction with the restoration
- The materials used in the procedure
After a consultation with Dr. Azarbal, your personalized treatment plan will be developed and a member of our team will provide you with a customized cost. We accept major credit cards and work with numerous insurance companies. In addition, we offer financing options for eligible applicants through third-party lenders to make payments more manageable.
If you would like to know if this treatment is right for you, call us to schedule an appointment, or request an appointment online.