When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay.
What are 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 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. Drs. Sarubin, Alexander, and Schwartz 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 crown, onlays can provide a very good alternative.
Meet Your Dentists
What Sets Us Apart?
Experience
The professionals at Sarubin Family Dental are among the most skilled dental care teams in Baltimore area. Dr. Todd Sarubin, and Dr. Danny Sarubin apply their expertise and consult with one another for the unique benefit of the people they treat.
Comfort
Your ease at our practice is very important to us, whether that means a comfortable waiting room, painless treatment, or feeling informed about your care. Our doctors are happy to educate you about your treatment options and our staff is always gentle.
Convenience
Sarubin Family Dental offers appointments until 5pm Monday-Thursday. The use of advanced technology (like Cerec, Dexis Digital Imaging) allows the doctors to treat patients more efficiently. We also schedule same-day treatment for patients with emergency needs.
A few words from our patients:
Everyone who works here, from the front desk, dental assistants, to absolutely everyone is so unbelievably friendly and make you feel so at ease. It’s wonderful! If you have a fear of the dentist and have been putting off going for years, go to Dr. Danny. You will not be disappointed!
At Sarubin Family Dental Associates I received excellent service, by extremely qualified personnel, with very friendly attituudes who were willing to take time to explain things to me in a way that I could understand. I am very thankful to everyone who works at Sarunin Family Dental Associates, and I will continue to recommend them to people that I know.
Very friendly, compassionate staff your greeted with a smile and by name when you come through the door. They go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable. I highly recommend this dentist!