Inlays and onlays - also known as partial crowns - are used to restore decayed or damaged teeth. They work by getting bonded to the affected area of the tooth. Made of porcelain, composite or gold, inlays and onlays are able to restore the shape of damaged teeth and prevent further damage.
Inlays - An inlay is used inside the top surfaces of a damaged/decayed tooth. They may also be used to replace metal fillings.Onlays - An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay, but extending out over one or more cusps.
What to expect
An inlay or onlay procedure generally requires two visits to complete. For the first appointment, the decaying or damaged area of the tooth is removed to prepare the tooth for the procedure. Next, an impression of the tooth is made, and sent to a dental lab for fabrication. A temporary inlay or onlay will then be placed on the tooth for the meanwhile until the permanent restoration is ready. At the second appointment, the temporary inlay or onlay is replaced with the real one and bonded to the tooth using a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.
Call our office today at (830) 257-2331 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Borchers, and see why the Texas Hill Country including Kerrville, Fredericksburg, and Boerne chooses us for their onlay/inlay needs.
