Inlays and Onlays

For patients who don’t need a full dental crown, ceramic inlays and onlays are an excellent solution. 

Inlays and onlays are the ideal dental treatment for preserving your natural teeth structure, treating significant decay in teeth and saving as much of your exisiting tooth as possible. They are sometimes even called “partial crowns” for this reason.

Dr. Phil Krayterman and the dental professionals at Lancaster Family Dental are pleased to offer this innovative tooth restoration service to the Fairfield County area area.

When are Ceramic Inlays and Onlays Used?

Dental inlays and onlays are a necessary dental treatment when a patient has tooth decay too extensive for a standard dental filling, but not detrimental enough to need a full tooth implant or dental crown.

Instead of the usual cavity filling procedure of drilling into the infected tooth, removing the decayed components and using a filling like resin, inlays and onlays cover a wider surface space both inside and outside the tooth–while providing a long term solution to further decay.

What is the Difference Between an Inlay and Onlay?

Inlays and onlays accomplish similar oral health goals, but differ in how much space they take up on and within a tooth. 

An inlay is used when the damage within a tooth is too big for a cavity filling. Our team will create a custom-made filling to match the exact shape and size of the decayed area. We use our cutting-edge technology and partnership with oral health labs during this process.

Dental onlays also fill a decayed area like inlays, but cover part of the chewing surface of teeth, too. 

Both restore damaged teeth and can be made with porcelain or a composite resin to match your teeth color. When compared with your natural teeth, this makes them a virtually unrecognizable cosmetic dentistry solution.

What Happens During the Inlay and Onlay Process?

We start the process with a consultation appointment. Our team at Lancaster Family Dental will closely evaluate the state of your tooth damage and decay to determine if an inlay, onlay or a more extensive treatment like a tooth extraction or crown is needed.

From here, we will build the appropriate treatment plan and utilize the appropriate technology to create an inlay or onlay that matches your aesthetic and restorative needs. This will include working with a dental lab to build a filling that fits the exact decayed area in and on your teeth.

Once your specific inlay or onlay is ready, Dr. Phil Krayterman will securely attach it for you. In the meantime, you may receive a temporary filling to protect the tooth from further damage and decay.

Looking for Inlays and Onlays in Lancaster and the Surrounding Fairfield County area?

At Lancaster Family Dental, our expert team specializes in cosmetic dentistry solutions that maintain your healthy mouth and show off your beautiful smile. Call our office  at (740) 908-4842 to discuss inlays, onlays and other cosmetic dentistry services we offer to brighten and enhance your teeth.