An onlay or inlay is a good choice when you have a damaged tooth or a large cavity that’s too big to get filled but does not require the entire coverage of a crown. During your examination, our doctors can examine your x-rays to determine the ideal method for your needs. If an onlay or inlay is chosen, our team will explain the available materials that will best suit your needs. After applying local anesthesia to numb the treatment area, our doctors will start by cleaning out regions of decay. Other techniques of sedation may be used in case you experience stress or a strong gag reflex. Once the tooth is cleaned and prepared, impressions will be made. If you’re getting a restoration made in a lab, a temporary filling will be set until it is prepared. Once your inlay or onlay is ready, our dental experts will carefully set and bond it to your tooth. Our dentist may polish the edges or adjust the fit so your tooth is properly covered and feels comfortable.

If only local anesthesia was used, you should be able to leave following the procedure and return to your normal activities. You may feel mild discomfort, swelling, or sensitivity for several days once your onlay or inlay is placed. Please call All Smiles Dental if you have any concerns following your treatment. Your inlay or onlay should be taken care of just like your own teeth using daily brushing and flossing.