Inlays and Onlays in Bingham Farms, MI

What are Inlays and Onlays?

If more than half of your tooth’s biting surface has been damaged due to decay, Dr. Kosinski may use an inlay or onlay to restore it to full function. They are often referred to as partial crowns and are placed directly into the natural tooth. This not only restores the natural tooth’s shape but also helps strengthen it and protect it from further damage. They can be made from a variety of materials including gold, porcelain, or composite resin. 

An inlay is similar to a filling in that it is used to fill the hollows of the tooth and between the cusp of the tooth. The cusp of the tooth is the hard raised parts of your teeth responsible for chewing. If there is no damage to the cusp and the damage has not extended past the center of the infected tooth, the inlay can be placed right on the tooth. 

An onlay is similar to a crown in that it is used when there has been damage to the cusp but that damage does not extend to the roots. Unlike crowns, they don’t cover the entire surface of the tooth but they do work to cover a larger portion of the tooth’s surface in order to protect the inner portions of the tooth from further decay.

What to Expect During Treatment

Inlays and onlays can be placed in two visits. We’ll use a local anesthetic to ensure a painless experience, and offer sedation options for patients with heightened anxiety about their procedure. 

First, Dr. Kosinski will thoroughly clean and prepare the affected tooth, making sure to remove any decay or debris. We’ll then take a detailed impression of the tooth to ensure a customized and color-matched inlay or onlay that will fit perfectly into your natural tooth. We’ll send the impression to a dental laboratory and provide you with a temporary inlay or onlay. On your next visit, we’ll recheck your tooth to make sure it’s completely clean before securing your permanent inlay or onlay with a dental adhesive.