Inlays and Onlays in Wesley Chapel

Luz Hernandez DDS provides inlay and onlay services in Wesley Chapel, FL. Call (813) 238-7725 to learn more and schedule your appointment.

When teeth have too much damage or decay to be repaired with a dental filling, but not enough to warrant a full dental crown, we use inlays and onlays to restore them. Inlays and onlays, like crowns, are fabricated and then bonded to your tooth, unlike fillings, which are applied directly to the tooth. Onlays cover most of the chewing surface of a tooth, including the cusps, while inlays fit into the center of the tooth between the cusps.

Inlays and onlays are long-lasting, strong dental restorations that rarely need to be replaced. They can be made with a durable gold alloy or a tooth-colored material that is designed to blend in flawlessly with the rest of your tooth for a natural appearance.

Getting an inlay or onlay requires two office visits. The initial appointment begins with an impression to ensure that your restoration mimics the size and shape of your natural tooth. After that, your tooth is prepared by removing any damage or decay. Another impression is taken so we can design your inlay or onlay to fit securely onto the prepared tooth.

To protect your tooth while your inlay or onlay is being fabricated, we’ll place a temporary restoration. You'll return to our office once your inlay or onlay is finished, then we’ll confirm that it fits well and bond it to your tooth. As long as you brush for two minutes twice a day, floss at least once a day, and visit the dentist every six months for preventive care, your inlay or onlay will not require any extra attention or care.

Onlays and fillings have different purposes, so an onlay is better when you need an onlay and a filling is better when you need a filling! In other words, if your tooth has more damage than can be repaired with a filling, then an onlay is better, but if you only have a small amount of decay, a filling is ideal because it lets us preserve more of your natural tooth structure.

The cost of inlays and onlays is determined by the type of material you choose for it. We can provide you with prices for the different options available and help you understand the pros and cons of each so you can make the right decision for your needs and budget.

Inlays and onlays can last for decades with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits. In many cases, inlays and onlays never need to be replaced.

Your tooth and the tissue surrounding it will be numbed with local anesthetic, so you will not experience any pain while your tooth is being prepared for your inlay or onlay. You may have sensitivity at the site when the anesthetic wears off, but this is usually mild and can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication.

Call (813) 238-7725 to schedule your appointment.