Tooth Inlays And Onlays In Creston, IA
Inlays and Onlays: Strengthening Your Smile
Looking for a reliable and aesthetically pleasing way to repair a damaged tooth? At Buck Family Dentistry, Dr. Michael Buck, and Dr. Paige Jones are skilled in placing dental inlays and onlays. These custom-made restorations offer a superior alternative to traditional fillings for teeth with moderate to significant damage.
With proper care, inlays and onlays can last for decades, giving you back a strong, beautiful smile you can confidently show off. To learn more from the top dentists in Creston, IA, call our office at 641-782-4747.
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are custom-crafted restorations designed to repair and strengthen teeth with moderate to significant damage. Unlike traditional tooth fillings, ideal for extensive tooth decay, a dental onlay or inlay offers a more durable and aesthetically pleasing solution to minor tooth decay to the biting surface.
Tooth inlays and onlays are custom-made in a dental lab to perfectly fit your unique tooth structure. Dr. Buck will take an impression of the prepared tooth and send it to the lab for fabrication. This ensures a precise fit and optimal functionality.
Benefits of Dental Onlays and Inlays
Inlays and onlays offer several advantages over traditional fillings:
- Strength and Durability: Unlike fillings, which can weaken the tooth structure, inlays and onlays strengthen the tooth. This translates to a longer lifespan, typically 10 to 30 years with proper care.
- Improved Aesthetics: Modern materials used for inlays and onlays mimic the natural appearance of teeth. They can be colored to perfectly match your surrounding teeth for a seamless and beautiful restoration.
- Better Protection: Inlays and onlays provide a more secure seal over the damaged area, reducing the risk of further decay or fractures.
- Preserves Natural Tooth Structure: Compared to dental crowns, inlays and onlays require less removal of healthy tooth structure, allowing you to retain more of your natural tooth.
What Can Dental Inlays and Onlays Fix?
Inlays and onlays are versatile restorations that can address a variety of dental concerns:
- Large Cavities: When a cavity is too extensive for a traditional filling, inlays or onlays provide a stronger and more reliable solution.
- Cracked or Fractured Teeth: Inlays and onlays can effectively repair minor cracks or fractures in teeth, restoring functionality and preventing further damage.
- Worn Teeth: Excessive wear and tear on teeth can be addressed with inlays or onlays, restoring the chewing surface and improving bite function.
- Cosmetic Improvements: Inlays and onlays can be used to improve the appearance of teeth with discoloration or minor aesthetic flaws.
Placing Your Dental Inlay or Onlay
The inlay or onlay placement process typically involves two appointments:
First Dental Appointment:
- Consultation and Examination: Dr. Buck will discuss your concerns, examine the tooth, and determine if an inlay or onlay is the right solution. X-rays might be taken to assess the extent of the damage.
- Preparing the Tooth: After numbing the area with local anesthesia, Dr. Buck will remove the damaged tooth structure or existing filling. They will then shape the tooth to ensure a proper fit for the inlay or onlay.
- Taking Impressions: An accurate impression of the prepared tooth and surrounding bite will be taken. This impression is sent to a dental lab for the custom creation of your inlay or onlay.
- Temporary Restoration: A temporary restoration will be placed on the tooth to protect it while the permanent inlay or onlay is being fabricated with composite materials.
Second Dental Appointment:
- Removing Temporary Restoration: Dr. Buck will remove the temporary restoration and carefully examine the inlay or onlay for proper fit and color match.
- Bonding the Restoration: Once satisfied, the dentist will permanently bond the inlay or onlay to the tooth using strong dental resin.
- Final Adjustments and Polishing: Any minor adjustments will be made for optimal comfort and bite function. The inlay or onlay will then be polished to a smooth and natural-looking finish.
Caring for Dental Inlays and Onlays
With proper care, your dental inlays and onlays can last for many years. Here are some tips for maintaining them:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing twice daily and flossing daily are essential to remove plaque and prevent decay around the inlay or onlay.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Limit sugary foods and drinks that can contribute to cavities.
- Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Visit Dr. Buck for routine cleanings and checkups to ensure the health of your teeth and restorations.
- Avoid Using Your Teeth for Hard Objects: Don't chew on hard candy, ice, or other hard objects, as this can damage your inlays or onlays.
Frequently Asked Questions
▼How long do tooth inlays and onlays last?
Inlays and onlays can last a long time, typically between 10 and 30 years with proper care. This is significantly longer than traditional dental fillings, which can wear down or chip over time.
▼What’s the difference between dental fillings and inlays and onlays?
Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
- Material: Fillings are typically made from composite resin or metal amalgam. Inlays and onlays use stronger and more durable materials like porcelain or gold.
- Application: Fillings are applied directly by the dentist during one appointment. Inlays and onlays are custom-made in a lab and require two appointments.
- Strength: Fillings can weaken the tooth structure, while inlays and onlays increase its strength.
- Aesthetics: Inlays and onlays offer a more natural appearance that can better match the color of your surrounding teeth.
▼Does getting a tooth onlay or inlay hurt?
No, receiving an inlay or onlay doesn’t hurt. The procedure itself shouldn't cause significant pain. Your dentist will likely use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth being treated. You might experience mild discomfort afterward, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
▼Do tooth inlays and onlays look natural?
Yes! Inlays and onlays are typically made from porcelain or composite resin that can be color-matched to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. This creates a natural and aesthetically pleasing restoration.
Considering Inlays or Onlays in Creston, IA? Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Buck!
Ready to learn more and see if inlays or onlays are right for you? Contact Buck Family Dentistry in Creston, IA today! Schedule an appointment by calling 641-782-4747. We also welcome patients from Thayer, Afton, and Corning, IA.
