Repair Tooth Damage with Conservative and Natural-appealing Dental Inlays and Onlays
Decayed or damaged teeth don’t always need a crown when a filling is deemed insufficient. Dental inlays and onlays are a middle ground between fillings and crowns, restoring the function of your teeth while preserving more of your natural teeth.
Downtown Dental uses durable and life-like materials to provide high-quality dental inlays and onlays in Los Angeles, California. Don’t wait for the damage to worsen. Taken action today and schedule an appointment with Drs. Don Mungcaland Alyssa Hanel.
What are dental inlays and onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays (indirect fillings) are custom restorations used to repair damaged or decayed teeth when a filling isn’t enough, but a full crown isn’t needed. While used interchangeably, dental onlays and inlays differ.
A dental inlay fits inside the grooves of a tooth, covering only the damaged portion. Dental onlays extend over one or more of the tooth’s cusps (raised edges) for broader coverage. Dental onlays are also called partial crowns because they repair significant tooth damage but without providing full coverage.
Indirect fillings can be made from porcelain, composite resin, or gold. Our office uses materials that balance strength, function, and aesthetics perfectly. The results are restorations that look, function and feel natural.
How are dental inlays and onlays placed?
Traditional fillings are created inside your mouth. Dental inlays and onlays are lab-made, so they need at least two visits to place. The dentist will examine your tooth during the first visit and remove any damaged/decayed portions. We’ll then reshape the tooth to create space for an inlay or onlay.
We’ll take accurate scans of your tooth and surrounding teeth to ensure a precise fitting. Our dental lab references these scans to ensure your restoration matches the exact specifications of your tooth. It takes a few days to fabricate your inlay/onlay. Until it’s ready, the dentist will protect the prepped tooth with a temporary filling.
When your restoration is shipped to us, we’ll notify you to schedule an appointment for placement. The dentist will assess the fit and appearance of your restoration before securing it to your tooth with durable adhesives.
What are the benefits of dental inlays or onlays?
Many patients are surprised to discover there’s a restoration for in-between cases when damage is too significant for a filling but doesn’t warrant crown treatment. Indirect fillings allow you to keep more of your tooth while getting superior protection.
Here’s what makes dental inlays and onlays unique.
- Natural aesthetics: Our indirect fillings are created from tooth-like materials, providing a seamless appearance.
- Conservative: Placing dental crowns requires significant removal of the tooth structure. Inlays and onlays provide ultimate protection while conserving more of the natural structure.
- Durability: These restorations are created with durable materials that last 15-plus years with proper care.
- Easy care: Indirect fillings don’t need any special maintenance. Brush and floss your restored teeth the same way as other teeth.
- Perfect fit: Unlike typical fillings, inlays and onlays are customized to fit your tooth for optimal comfort and protection.
Looking for dental onlays and inlays near Los Angeles, California?
Do you have a broken or decayed tooth? Get the right solution for your tooth damage at Downtown Dental. Dental onlays and inlays strengthen your teeth with maximum preservation of the healthy structure. Ready to get started? Call 213-863-9464 and schedule your visit today!
Dr. Don Mungcal
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Dr. Don Mungcal, a distinguished dentist in Los Angeles, combines over three decades of experience with a deep commitment to patient care. A UCLA graduate, he earned his dental degree with honors from the University of the Pacific Dental School in 1990. Dr. Mungcal has been recognized as a Best Dentist in Downtown by the “Los Angeles Downtown News” for four years in a row and served as an instructor at USC Dental School. As an active member of the California Dental Society, among other prestigious organizations, he continually updates his expertise through extensive continuing education.
