Dental inlays and Onlays in Sugar Land, TX

In some cases of tooth decay or damage, a filling may not be sufficient yet a dental crown may be more than what is needed to restore a tooth. Made Ya Smile Dental offers dental inlays and onlays to treat these conditions and bring health, function, and appearance back to the smiles of our patients. Inlays and onlays are used to strengthen and rebuild teeth in the back of the mouth and are custom-created in either a direct or indirect method (within or outside of the mouth). Our general dentists personalize dental inlays and onlays for each case and may use materials, like composite resin, porcelain, or gold to treat individual teeth. Also known as partial crowns, onlays cover the chewing surface, plus one or more cusp tips of a tooth while inlays sit within the center or indented areas of the tooth structure. Tooth decay or damage that is affecting your oral health and smile may be best resolved with a dental inlay or onlay. To learn more about your treatment options, schedule a visit with our modern Sugar Land, TX practice today.

Inlays and onlays at Made Ya Smile in Sugar Land, TX allow for multiple benefits for individuals looking for a minimally invasive and long-lasting oral restoration for fractured or decayed teeth. Some of the advantages this restorative treatment offers include:

• Offers a comfortable and functional bite
• Allows for a less invasive alternative to conventional dental crowns
• Enhances the natural resilience and function of the tooth
• Combines seamlessly with your adjoining teeth
• Decreases the potential of ongoing decay or chipping by safeguarding the tooth
• Retains a larger portion of the existing tooth structure in comparison with conventional dental crowns
• Provides sturdiness and long-lasting results
• Avoids staining and discoloration, keeping a natural aesthetic

Inlays or onlays may be an ideal treatment for your smile if you have a back tooth that is moderately decayed, broken, or otherwise damaged. These custom restorations repair teeth by adding strength and rebuilding lost tooth structure to return form and function to your mouth. Inlays and onlays may be recommended when a simple filling is not enough to restore your tooth, but your condition does not require the full coverage and protection of a dental crown. To learn if an inlay or onlay can best meet your needs, our dentists will clinically examine your tooth and have our team take low-radiation digital x-rays. We can then discuss the various options for restoration offered at Made Ya Smile Dental in Sugar Land, TX and help you decide the right material and treatment option to reestablish your dental wellness.

Our entire team at Made Ya Smile Dental wants you to enjoy your dental visits and puts your comfort and care first. Our dentists are known for both their refined skilled and gentle touch and will numb your tooth to ensure comfort throughout your procedure. If you have dental anxiety, we can also provide sedation dentistry services to keep you calm and relaxed. Once you are numb, our dentists will use special dental equipment to remove the decayed or damaged portions of your tooth. Some types of inlays and onlays are made directly in your mouth using tooth-colored composite material while others are made of porcelain or gold and are custom-created by a dental lab. When this type of indirect technique is used, we will take an impression of your tooth after it is prepared by our team for our lab to use when creating your unique inlay or onlay. A temporary filling is placed until your permanent restoration arrives at our office (usually about 1 – 2 weeks later). When your custom inlay or onlay is ready, we will remove the temporary and permanently bond your new restoration to your tooth. Our dentists will adjust the fit and polish the surface for a smooth and seamless feel.

Recovering from an inlay or onlay procedure is really no different than that of a simple filling. You should wait to eat until the feeling fully returns to your mouth following local anesthetic. Minor tooth sensitivity or discomfort may occur but should resolve over the next couple of days or so. Proper brushing, flossing, routine cleanings, and exam visits with our Sugar Land, TX team is the best way to keep your new inlay or onlay in great shape. During your biannual visits, we will check the margins and integrity of your restoration to ensure it is still functioning properly. Inlays and onlays can serve your oral health for several years when they receive daily care and routine maintenance. If you have any concerns or issues after your restoration is placed, please reach out to our team as soon as possible.

Inlays and onlays are generally recommended as a restorative treatment for back teeth. As such, they may be covered in part by many of the PPO plans that we accept. A member of our business staff will review your specific plan coverage amounts before we begin your procedure. Any out-of-pocket costs will be presented to you during your consultation. Our caring team here at Made Ya Smile Dental wants everyone to get the treatment needed for oral health and wellness and is pleased to offer several convenient payment options to help cover the cost of care, including low-interest financing through CareCredit®. For more information, talk to our knowledgeable team today.

How long do inlays and onlays last?
Generally speaking, dental inlays and onlays can last approximately 20 – 30 years. Our team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your restoration. If you want to find out if dental inlays and onlays are right for you, contact Made Ya Smile in Sugar Land, TX to book a consultation.

What happens if my inlay or onlay breaks?
If your restoration happens to break, contact our office immediately. Our team can assess the damage, but in most cases, the inlay or onlay can be corrected to its original position.

Can an inlay or onlay be adjusted?
Our dentists will work to ensure your inlay or onlay is placed in its precise location. If at any point it is determined that your restoration needs to be adjusted, our team will gladly make the necessary adjustments to ensure your inlay or onlay lasts.

Teeth that are moderately damaged may be restored with a custom inlay or onlay. Our dentists offer these direct and indirect restorations for back teeth when treatment calls for more than a filling but not quite the coverage of a crown. Seeking treatment for decayed or damaged teeth early on may help to save you from having greater treatment needs in the future. If you have restorative needs for your oral health, contact Made Ya Smile Dental in Sugar Land, TX today and make an appointment with one of our caring and experienced general dentists.