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 Ruben S
Dr Pena and her staff have been wonderful.
- Ruben S
Patient Review by Randy Ray
excellant
- Randy Ray
Patient Review by ALI F
She understands my sensitive condition, so I feel more comfortable and "less" pain.
- ALI F
Patient Review by Lori S
3 generations in my family have came here. Would not go anywhere else, and have recommended friends, who have came also.
- Lori S
Patient Review by Jean D
Super friendly staff and Doctor was great
- Jean D
Patient Review by Maritza W
Dr. Pena is wonderful and she handled my tooth with ease. She has soft hands and made sure that I feel ok. In the beginning, I was nervous and even had a high blood pressure. She made me feel better and I appreciated that. The machine that she showed me to create my tooth was very impressive. Everyone is so nice and accommodating. I will definitely come back.
- Maritza W
Patient Review by Robert L
GREAT!!!
- Robert L
Patient Review by Brian T
Dr. Pena and staff were very accommodating to my "dental emergency" over a holiday weekend. Although we determined that it could wait to regular business hours, the support over the weekend was very helpful and reassuring to know that if things had turned out worse, they would be there to help. The team made sure I was very satisfied with their work before I left and made every effort to fix even the smallest of details. Thank you very much!
- Brian T
Patient Review by ASHLEY L
STAFF IS VERY FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL. IT WAS EASY TO SCHEDULE AND RESCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS. DENTIST (MRS.PENA) IS VERY GENTLE AND KNOWLEDGABLE.
- ASHLEY L
Patient Review by Annie Y
Everyone has been helpful and friendly. Dr. Pena follows up with me to make sure everything went well later in the evening.
- Annie Y
Patient Review by Lisa T
The staff was extremely friendly and the doctor personally greeted me and showed my around the office for my first visit. Everyone was very welcoming and took the time to get to know me and everything I needed. Amazing office.
- Lisa T
Patient Review by Jorge G
Best dentist visit I ever had
- Jorge G
Patient Review by R G
Dr. Pena and her staff are friendly and professional. Dr. Pena communicates every step of the procedure before she does anything. Everyone is very easy to work with and flexible.
- R G
Patient Review by Donald P
I am impressed with how easy the procedure was
- Donald P
Patient Review by Nick R
I love going to this office for dentist's appointments. I've always loved the staff and the laidback nature of coming here.
- Nick R
Patient Review by Emily Y
I highly recommend Dr. Pena! She is very attentive and always giving clear and details information. I have had bad experience in my childhood of seeing dentist, but Dr. erased it all for me. Thank you Dr. Pena and her entire staff. They are amazing.
- Emily Y
Patient Review by Justin W
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- Justin W
Patient Review by Jeffrey E
I enjoy coming here. Everyone is really nice and friendly.
- Jeffrey E
Patient Review by Maria T
Caring Dentist and wonderful staff!
- Maria T
Patient Review by nelson s
very efficient staff
- nelson s