Dental Inlays and Onlays in Hamburg, PA

Dental inlays and onlays are in a world of their own between a tooth-colored filling and a full crown. They are meant to repair a damaged or decayed tooth just like the others, but they cover different parts of the tooth. Used on the back teeth, an inlay covers the concave center of a tooth while an onlay covers the tooth's rounded, upper edges. Like dental crowns and fillings, inlays and onlays can be created in a variety of materials — composite resin, metal, and porcelain. This procedure at Theodore E Dando DMD Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can help Hamburg, PA patients better understand the different aspects of fillings so that they can make the best choice about treating their teeth. 

The common occurrence of cavities could make you a good candidate for an indirect or direct filling. A large cavity too big to be filled but not enough to need the protection from a crown makes you a good candidate for inlays and onlays. Cracked teeth also make this procedure a good choice. During your examination at Theodore E Dando DMD Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we may examine your x-rays to pick the ideal procedure for your needs. If an inlay or onlay is selected, we will go over the available materials that will best suit your needs. You could even talk about whether you would prefer a direct restoration (an onlay or inlay made at our office using CEREC® technology while you wait) versus an indirect restoration made at a dental lab.

First, numbing cream is applied to the treatment area, then the area is cleaned out for areas of decay. You can ask for stronger dental sedation if needed, as we at Theodore E Dando DMD Family & Cosmetic Dentistry provide a variety of different options to meet your needs. Once the tooth is cleaned, impressions will be made of the tooth in our Hamburg, PA office. If you are receiving a restoration made in a lab, a temporary filling will be placed until it is prepared. As soon as your inlay or onlay is ready, our Hamburg, PA dentist will carefully place and bond it onto your tooth. The edges will be polished and adjusted so your tooth is suitably coated and feels right.

In the case where local anesthesia is used, it is possible to leave after your appointment and resume your day. You might feel slight discomfort, sensitivity, or inflammation for a few days after the inlay or onlay is applied. Please call us at Theodore E Dando DMD Family & Cosmetic Dentistry should you have any concerns following your procedure. Your inlay or onlay can be cared for just like your own teeth with daily flossing and brushing. You should schedule yearly dental examinations and twice-yearly cleanings with our Hamburg, PA dentist so we can assess the health and wear of the onlay or inlay. With appropriate maintenance, it ought to last for many years before repairing or replacing.

Having an inlay or onlay placed is generally covered by insurance because it is a solution for dental decay and other damage. Our financial experts in our Hamburg, PA office will work with you to discuss any out-of-pocket costs and to get the most out of your benefits. If you don’t have insurance, we will provide estimates for you. We also offer medical financing options and CareCredit®. Contact Theodore E Dando DMD Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to learn more.

It is important to address any damaged teeth as soon as possible. Regardless of whether you choose an onlay or inlay, porcelain or metal, indirect or direct, Theodore E Dando DMD Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Hamburg, PA has what you need. Learn more about how onlays and inlays restore your mouth by scheduling a consultation.