Inlays & Onlays
East Dundee, IL
Inlays and Onlays provided by Dr. Gregory M. Neu, DDS
in East Dundee, IL at Neu Family Dental
 Dentists use inlays and onlays to treat minor and advanced tooth decay.
Inlays and onlays are both restorative and preventive treatments.
They also serve as cosmetic treatment because they enhance the look of a tooth.
Our dentists at Neu Family Dental offer inlays and onlays as a more conservative choice for dental crowns.
We provide highly durable inlay and onlay restorations and we can design them in such a way that they blend well with your teeth, hence giving you a natural look.
What Are Inlays & Onlays?
A dental inlay can be suggested if the cavity is big and can't be corrected by using a filling.
A dental inlay is a fabricated piece of ceramic porcelain designed to fit the patient's cavity precisely, and the dentist uses dental cement to secure it in place.
We recommend a porcelain inlay because it provides a range of services such as durability, is wear-resistant, and unnoticeable.
The difference between dental inlays and onlays is that onlays are somewhere between dental crowns and dental inlays.
This means that an onlay procedure is more intrusive than an inlay procedure and is usually recommended to restore a single tooth and severe decay that can't be treated with an inlay or traditional filling.
This treatment covers the outer cusp of the patient's tooth instead of only covering the area between the cusps. Onlays are also made of porcelain for the same benefits when used in making other dental appliances.
Benefits of Inlays & Onlays
Inlays and onlays are a complete tooth restoration procedure. They will help alleviate any tooth pain you may have been experiencing from a cavity.
Another benefit is the freedom of chewing that comes with their installation. By removing the cavity and filling it with an inlay or onlay, your chewing strength will be restored.
Inlays and onlays also help restore your smile confidently as they match your natural tooth color.
Are Inlays & Onlays Right for You?
Our experienced dental team first performs a thorough dental exam that helps determine if dental inlays or onlays are the right solutions for you.
Depending on your individual case, we can use advanced dental technology to make custom-fitted dental inlays and onlays within a single appointment.
We strive to provide a great dental experience in a timely manner, allowing you to quickly get back to normal life.
Inlays & Onlays Procedure
Inlays and onlays application is similar to receiving dental crowns. Our dentist does clean for the damaged or affected areas to pave way for the onlay or inlay application.
We remove all the decayed tissue as well as bacteria. We then scan the tooth to provide us with a 3D image of the structure and the hole being repaired. Our team uses the scan to craft your restoration.
Depending on where the decay has occurred, we can use ceramic or composite resin. After fabricating the onlays or inlays, we artfully and precisely cement them into the tooth using safe materials.
Finally, we perform a final check, ensuring that your bite makes proper contact. We also make sure that you are comfortable with the final outcomes of the procedure.
Caring for Your Inlays & Onlays
Keeping up with usual oral hygiene is paramount to ensure that bacteria and plaque do not invade the teeth. It also ensures that the restorations remain strong and free of debris, plaque, and damaging acids.
You need to focus on the interdental spaces. Using mouthwash helps kill bacteria. Avoid sugary intake and acidic foods or drinks.
Lastly, be sure to make trips to our dental office for routine checkups as well as cleanings.
Our dentist may also recommend that you visit our office more often if it is found that you have other underlying issues such as gum disease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inlays & Onlays
What's the Difference Between Inlays and Onlays?
Both inlays and onlays are types of indirect dental restorations used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. They are also known as "partial crowns."
The primary difference between them lies in the extent of tooth coverage and the location of the restoration on the tooth.
An inlay is a type of dental restoration that is used when the damage or decay is confined to the central chewing surface and the grooves (pits and fissures) of a tooth.
An onlay, on the other hand, is a more extensive restoration that covers a larger portion of the tooth's surface. It is used when the damage or decay extends beyond the central chewing surface and includes one or more cusps.
How Long Do Inlays and Onlays Last?
Inlays and onlays are very durable. They can last for many years with proper care - some studies have even found that porcelain inlays may last up to 20 years!
Just be sure to keep up your oral hygiene routine at home during this time, so you don't damage the restoration or cause decay around it.
Does Getting Inlays or Onlays Hurt?
The process for getting inlays or onlays is not painful, as the dentist will numb the area being treated. After the numbness wears off, you may feel some discomfort.
The dentist can give you pain medication if needed, or recommend over-the-counter treatments.
Taking care of your Inlay or onlay is a fundamental requirement for the healing process. Adopting good oral hygiene will ensure that it serves you for a long time.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft brush and the recommended toothpaste to avoid it wearing out and experiencing abrasion.
Also, ensure that you do not strain with hard foods as it will ruin the dental work. Regular dental visits also help in full recovery, as the dentist will examine the progress and advise you accordingly.
Can Inlays or Onlays Be Done in One Visit?
Inlays and onlays usually take two appointments. If an inlay or an onlay is the right option for you, we will first have you come in to take measurements and images of the tooth being fitted.
This allows us to create an inlay or onlay that perfectly fits the space. If you will have an onlay placed on a tooth, we will cover the top of the tooth with a temporary cover before you leave.
When you come in for your second appointment, we remove any temporary covering and clean the tooth. We must remove all bacteria, debris, and decay before placing the inlay or onlay to prevent further damage.
Once this is done, we use special glue to cement the inlay or onlay in place. We then polish it to make certain there are no sharp edges.
Transform Your Smile with Inlays & Onlays
If you're interested in learning more about dental inlays or onlays and how they can benefit your smile, contact our team at Neu Family Dental by calling us at (847) 230-9143 today.
We would be happy to answer any questions you have and help you determine if this treatment is proper for you!
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