Inlays and Onlays
If you have recently been told you need a dental crown, you may want to consider a more conservative option. Rifkin & Raanan is one of the few offices in the area that offers inlays and onlays. Inlay and onlays are an effective way to treat larger cavities in the posterior part of your mouth. This allows you to avoid traditional silver fillings and dental crowns.
What Are Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays, also known as indirect fillings, are pre-molded to fit the occlusal (bite) surface of a tooth. Indirect fillings can be made from gold, porcelain, or composite resin. An inlay fits within the cusps of a tooth to repair instances of moderate damage or decay. An onlay is used to repair a tooth that has more extensive damage that affects one or more cusps. These restorations typically extend to the sides of the tooth.
If your posterior teeth need restoration, Dr. Rifkin will determine if you are eligible for an inlay or onlay. Ideal candidates typically have too much damage or decay in the tooth to be successfully treated with a traditional filling, but enough healthy structure left to avoid a dental crown. They can also be used to replace an old filling that is corroded or damaged.
Inlay and Onlay Procedure
The procedure for an inlay or onlay is usually broken up into two appointments. During your first appointment, Dr. Rifkin will discuss the possible restoration materials best for your circumstance. Porcelain offers the best esthetics and is often used for teeth in the visible smile. If aesthetics are not an issue, we may benefit from a gold inlay or onlay.
We will begin the procedure by administering local anesthetic to eliminate discomfort. Next, we will prepare the tooth by removing any damaged or decayed tooth material. Once the tooth is prepared, we will take a molded impression and send it to our dental laboratory. We will use this impression to fabricate your final restoration, usually with porcelain.
The fabrication process may take week or two. We may give you a provisional temporary to protect the tooth in the meantime. Once your restoration is ready, we can schedule your second appointment. During the second appointment, we will remove the temporary and place the inlay or onlay. We may need to make some minor adjustments before we permanently bond the restoration to the tooth. The restoration will then be polished to create a realistic sheen.
Testimonials
People rated our Services
“Dr Rifkin has the hands of an angel. Never had any pain with his procedures. He is the Michelangelo of restorative dentistry. I’ve been going to him for forty years and will be going to him after he retires.”
“Dr. Rifkin is simply the best. Not everybody is lucky enough to become his patient. He is a caring Dentist first. Period. But he is also an artist with an eye for detail ... just a rare find. His smiles are so natural, so translucent and luminous you would never know that they aren't made by nature.”
“Great experience Dr. Rifkin and his staff are both pleasant and professional. It’s over a two hour drive for me but worth the trip for superior dentistry!”
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
- Superior Fit. The conservative approach we take allows us to preserve as much of your healthy enamel as possible. This proves a superior fit over traditional crowns, which cover the entire tooth.
- Better Structure. Much of the healthy enamel is lost in the process of receiving a crown. This can lead to structural issues later down the road. Inlays and onlays restore damaged areas while keeping the maximum amount of healthy tooth intact. In most cases, they even improve the existing structure of your tooth.
- Esthetically-pleasing. Porcelain is the ideal material when it comes to tooth restorations. This material possesses the same light-reflective properties as natural enamel. It can also be color matched to the existing shade of your teeth.
- Easy Maintenance. Dental crowns can lead to further decay if they are not maintained and cleaned properly. Because indirect fillings are tailored to all the edges, your tooth will be easier to clean.
- Tight space fulfillment. Onlays are a better way to protect teeth that have cavities in tight spaces. Composite fillings can shrink during the curing process, while an onlay will remain flush with the tooth.
If you would like to learn more about inlays and onlays, we can help. Please call 310-596-7230 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Rifkin today!