INLAYS, ONLAYS & CROWNS

Inlays, Onlays and Crowns Strengthen Your Tooth

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A thin coating of sealant painted on the chewing surface of the teeth bonds to grooves and forms a shield over the enamel to effectively prevent tooth decay. 


Brushing and flossing will remove most food particles and plaque on smooth surfaces, but the bacteria can hide on uneven surfaces at the back of the mouth and between teeth. Sealants do a great job of protecting these vulnerable areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is an inlay, onlay or crown?

    Custom made prosthetics to protect, strengthen and improve the appearance of teeth. 

    An inlay covers the interior of a molar , the surface inside the cusps. An onlay covers the biting surface of the tooth including the cusps.

    And a dental crown covers the entire visible portion of a tooth, protecting its remaining structure and restoring its original shape, size, and color.

  • Is getting a dental crown a painful procedure?

    Advanced technology and improved techniques have simplified this procedure, making it more tolerable than ever. We can discuss options for sedation, but if the patient does not require pain relief or anesthesia, numbing gel and local anesthetic is usually enough.

  • Do I need a dental inlay, onlay or crown?

    An inlay is used when the decay is too large for a filling. An onlay is used when the decay including the biting surfaces of the molar. A dental crown is needed for severe tooth decay when there is more cavity left than tooth structure once the decay is removed. The remaining tooth structure will become brittle over time and at risk of breaking.

     

    A crown is placed over the tooth to protect it from wear and tear when you chew. You may also need a crown after having either root canal treatment or dental implant surgery

     

    Dental technology is constantly improving, allowing new and faster treatment options. CEREC technology now allows your dentist to create dental restorations, including inlays, onlays, and dental crowns, and complete them in a single visit. Before CEREC Same-Day Crowns, you would have to visit the office multiple times for treatments and impressions, and typically involved a temporary crown that could break or cause problems.

  • How long does a dental crown last?

    As long as they are properly cared for, our crowns are designed to last for 15-plus years.

  • What to do if you break or damage an inlay, onlay or crown?

    Contact us if you have an old crown that is cracked, feels too loose or falls out. We may be able to bond it back in place or replace it entirely.

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