Inlays & Onlays
When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged, a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay.
What are dental inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a dental filling is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.
Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which can potentially match the natural color of your teeth.
How are inlays and onlays applied?
Inlays and onlays require two appointments to complete the procedure. During the first visit, the filling being replaced or the damaged or decaying area of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, an impression of the tooth is made by the dentist, and sent to a lab for fabrication. The dentist will then apply a temporary sealant on the tooth and schedule the next appointment.
At the second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed. Dr. Peña will then make sure that the inlay or onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.
Considerations for Inlays and Onlays
Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. As an alternative, inlays and onlays, which are bonded directly onto the tooth using special high-strength resins, can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent. As a result, they can last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire dental crown, onlays can provide a very good alternative.
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Rebecca Irene A. Peña, DMD
Patient Review by Tamara’e T
Okay I'm not exactly sure where to begin ..I'm going to try to keep it as short as possible and straight to the point. I have very very bad anxiety and I stress myself to the point I can't stop crying and just have a very bad time being relaxed. I think my fear was caused from unpleasant dental visits as a child and throughout adulthood. I've been having a really bad tooth ache for a while. The pain would come and go but it finally got to the point that it was unbearable. I actually felt like the pain was in my left ear. A bit discouraged with finding a dentist during this covid-19 stuff going on I hopped on yelp and proceeded to look for dentist that had experience with treating clients with anxiety. Dr. Pena had very good reviews which prompt me to call. I reached out to Dr.Pena and she was really nice over the phone, she ordered me a prescription to help with pain and set me up for a next day appointment to be seen. Today was my first time visiting Dr.Pena and I can honestly say this was the best experience I've ever had in my life with visiting the dentist. She explained everything to me step by step. She and her assistant ( I don't remember her name we're so nice and attentive and caring) she numbed me very very good. The best numbing I've ever had. I've had experiences of not being numbed enough and feeling terrible pain during procedures. She knows exactly what she's doing and completed my root canal quickly. I felt pretty embarrassed at how bad I was crying during the procedure. I always humiliate myself,lmao and SMH. It's hard to explain but in that moment I actually feel like I'm dying... Thank goodness there weren't any children in the office. This experience has really changed how I feel about visiting the dentist. Even though I cried my heart out, I feel really proud of myself. Well anyways , I have to go back in a month or so to get the root canal completed. I already feel much better and I know what to expect now. I am so grateful to this wonderful professional and nice Dentist. I look forward to taking better care of my teeth and visiting the office in the future. I highly recommend Dr.Pena. P.S the office is clean, there is ample parking as well!
- Tamara’e T
Patient Review by Kristen H H
Been going for 8 years excellent services!
- Kristen H H
Patient Review by Peggy B
Dr. Pena & staff are always very nice & accommodating. She always checks in later in the day to make sure you are doing okay after a procedure.
- Peggy B
Patient Review by Brianna L
Great!
- Brianna L
Patient Review by Marcus D
Dr. Pena was very calming and understanding of the anxiety my nephew felt. He felt very comfortable with her which hasnt happened before
- Marcus D
Patient Review by Karita F
Service was excellent, I was in and out in no time.
- Karita F
Patient Review by gala
such a friendly dentist very patience and nice felt comfortabe
- gala
Patient Review by Lisa G
Everyone in the office makes my visit to the dentist a much easier one with how welcoming and caring they are!
- Lisa G
Patient Review by Kevin M
Dr. Peña took the time to properly diagnose my issue while other dentists rush through the process.
- Kevin M
Patient Review by Brenda A
I cannot speak highly enough about this dental office. I called on Thanksgiving weekend with severe tooth pain. I left a message and within minutes I received a text from Dr Pena. She was able to call in antibiotics and see me the following Monday at 7am. The office staff and everyone has been so responsive and amazing. PS I hate having all dental work done this is one of the first places where I feel comfortable!! They are amazing!
- Brenda A
Patient Review by Jennifer E
Dr. Pena,Terry, and all the staff are very friendly and helpful.
- Jennifer E
Patient Review by kay g
A great place and Gail is terrific!
- kay g
Patient Review by Shannon J
Dr Pena and staff are a pleasure. They make going to the dentist a little less terribel 😉
- Shannon J
Patient Review by George V
Absolutely wonderful first visit. I have not been to the dentist in a very, very long time. I was prepared for the worst. Gail was incredibly pleasant and real, which I very much appreciated. Dr. Pena was also very gentle and communicated everything perfectly. I had a full understanding of what was needed and what my future visits would be like. Billing was painless and I had a clear understanding of the present and future costs, allowing me to plan accordingly. Very pleasant visit. Thank you!
- George V
Patient Review by shelley s
Dr. Pene, Gail & Staff are all outstanding! Friendly, attention to detail; care for your overall well being and personal follow up from the Dr. following procedures goes above and beyond! The kind of care and attention all should require is just one reflection of their high standards.
- shelley s
Patient Review by Chris G
5 Stars across the board.
- Chris G
Patient Review by Marilyn S
My family highly recommends Dr. Pena and her friendly staff.
- Marilyn S
Patient Review by Nora H
Truly amazing care.
- Nora H
Patient Review by jerry p
good
- jerry p
Patient Review by Jaime P
Terry is the best!
- Jaime P