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Inlays and Onlays in Oxnard
If you’ve got a damaged or decayed tooth, there’s no need to lose your confidence or your tooth. At Clove Dental in Oxnard, we offer custom inlays and onlays as a reliable way to restore strength, function, and appearance. These restorations are ideal when a simple filling won’t cut it, but a full crown isn’t necessary. Designed to last and look natural, inlays and onlays are a great way to rebuild your smile with minimal tooth removal.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are highly accurate dental restorations that are meant to repair damaged portions of a tooth. They are often used as a substitute for the outdated fillings when the damage is widespread but not widespread enough to require the crowning of the tooth.
- Inlays are inserted into the grooves of a tooth, which rebuilds the chewing surface without encapsulating the outer edges.
- Onlays are larger, extending over one or more of the tooth's cusps, thereby offering more support and coverage for the teeth in need.
Both alternatives are carefully constructed of highly durable, tooth-colored substances like porcelain or composite resin. They are long-lasting and resistant, specifically designed to blend with the rest of your smile.
Signs You May Need Inlays or Onlays
Not every damaged tooth needs a crown. In some cases, inlays or onlays are a better fit. You might benefit from this treatment if:
- You have a large cavity that’s too big for a filling but doesn’t affect the entire tooth.
- Your tooth is cracked or chipped, especially on the biting surface.
- An old filling has failed or doesn’t fit properly anymore.
- You experience discomfort while chewing, which could mean a weakened tooth structure.
- Your teeth are worn down from grinding or acidic foods, causing structural loss over time.
If any of these apply to you, Clove Dental in Oxnard can assess your situation and determine if an inlay or onlay is the right solution.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Here’s why patients often prefer inlays and onlays over other options:
Long-lasting
Resist staining
Add strength
Precisely fitted
The Procedure for Inlays and Onlays
What to expect when you receive an inlay or onlay at Clove Dental in Oxnard:
- First consultation: Examination and Preparation
The tooth is processed by the dentist, with any exposed decay being removed. After the area has been cleaned, we will make an exact impression of your tooth and send it to a lab for your custom restoration. A temporary coating will be put on the tooth, protecting it while you wait.
- Second consultation: Final Fitting
After removing the temporary material, we confirm that your new restoration fits comfortably. We make any necessary adjustments and then bond it in and polish the crown to be a seamless part of your smile. It is a natural-looking restoration that is both strong and designed to feel as it approaches this original tooth that was lost down the drain-fill in the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is easy to keep inlays and onlays in good condition, and they look like your own teeth. Keep regular dental appointments and cleanings, brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and floss each day to remove plaque close to the gum line. To save your natural teeth and restorations, avoid using your teeth as tools. If you are a grinder, you may want to wear a nightguard.
