Get a Quality Dental Inlay and Overlay in Philadelphia

Do you hate fillings and crowns more than you hate cavities? Good news: There’s a superior solution. Dental inlays and overlays are less invasive than crowns and fillings; they offer a better fit and last much longer. Fillings, crowns, and implants require painful tooth grinding, while dental inlays and overlays preserve as much healthy tooth tissue as possible. The less-invasive alternative is superior in terms of both functionality and aesthetics. Philadelphia residents seeking alternatives to fillings and crowns should contact Center City Emergency Dentist to consult with a dental professional about dental inlays and overlays.

What Are Dental Inlays and Overlays?

Dental inlays and onlays are restorative treatments that repair damaged or decayed teeth. They are perfect for fixing minor tooth decay or dental damage where a basic filling might not suffice, but a crown would be excessive. Inlays fit into the grooves of the tooth, while onlays cover a larger area, extending over the biting surface.

Made from various materials, including gold inlays, composite resins, ceramic materials, and metal inlays, these restorations blend with your natural teeth. Many dentists prefer using tooth-colored inlays for a more natural look, especially for visible teeth.

Inlays are ideal for small cavities or damage within the tooth’s cusps. On the other hand, onlays repair more extensive damage, covering one or more cusps, and are sometimes referred to as partial crowns. Both inlays and onlays contribute to maintaining your oral health by preserving more of your natural tooth structure compared to other options like crowns.

How Long Do Inlays Last?

Dental inlays, crafted from durable materials like gold inlays, composite resins, or ceramic materials, can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years with proper care. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental office visits are crucial to maintaining their longevity, as is avoiding hard foods that could cause dental damage. Many dentists favor inlays for minor tooth decay due to their precise fit and durability, making them a reliable choice for long-term oral health.

Onlays Repairs Large Areas

Dental onlays are ideal for repairing large areas of tooth decay or damage that a basic filling can’t address. Covering the chewing surface and one or more cusps, onlays, often made from composite resins, ceramic materials, or gold restorations, provide strength and stability. Unlike crowns, they preserve more of your natural teeth, making them a preferred choice for many dentists. Whether using composite resin, ceramic, or gold, onlays blend with your natural teeth, enhancing both function and appearance.

How it Works

Dental inlays and overlays are designed in a laboratory and crafted with traditional dental materials such as gold, porcelain, and composite. We break down the steps of the two-appointment procedure below.

In your first appointment, the dentist will prepare your tooth and eliminate any damaged tissue from the cavity. This involves much less drilling than a traditional filling or crown restoration would require.
Next, your dentist will take an impression of the affected tooth and send it to the dental laboratory.
After sending your impression to the lab, your dentist will install a temporary filling in the cavity to protect your tooth until the next appointment.
Once the fabrication is completed, it will be sent back to the dentist, who will schedule a second appointment to have it installed permanently in your cavity.

While this procedure takes longer and costs a bit more than traditional tooth fillings, it will look and feel more natural, last much longer, and ultimately save you money on replacement fillings in the long run.

Benefits of Dental Inlays and Overlays

Dental inlays and overlays are a perfect solution for cavities that are too small for a crown but too large for traditional fillings. Some of the other benefits include:

Solution for Cavities in Tight Spaces Between Teeth
Stronger and Lasts Longer
More Natural Look and Feel
Minimally Invasive Procedure
Preserve More of Natural Tooth Structure
Superior Alternative to Crowns, Fillings, and Implants

How it Works

Tooth Inlay Filling in Philadelphia.

In your first appointment, the dentist will start by preparing your tooth and eliminating any damaged tissue from the cavity. This involves much less drilling than a traditional filling or crown restoration would require.
Next, your dentist will take an impression of the affected tooth and send it to the dental laboratory.
After sending your impression to the lab, your dentist will install a temporary filling in the cavity to protect your tooth until the next appointment.
Once the fabrication is completed, it will be sent back to the dentist where you will meet for a second appointment to have it installed in your cavity permanently.

The Dental Inlay vs. Filling: What’s the Difference?

Dental inlays and basic fillings serve similar purposes but differ significantly in their application and benefits. Fillings are typically used to repair small cavities or minor tooth decay. They involve placing a filling material directly into the cavity, which then hardens and restores the tooth’s shape and function.

In contrast, dental inlays are used for larger cavities or more significant dental damage. Inlays are custom-made to fit the exact shape of the cavity and are bonded to the tooth. This allows for a more precise fit and better contact with the tooth’s surfaces, providing greater strength and durability.

Dental Onlay vs. Crowns

Dental onlays and crowns are both used to restore damaged teeth but differ in their approach and coverage. Onlays, often called partial crowns, cover a larger area than inlays but do not encompass the entire tooth. They are perfect for repairing damage that extends to one or more cusps and the chewing surface.

Crowns, on the other hand, cover the entire tooth. They are used when a tooth has severe decay or structural damage or after root canal therapy. Crowns encase the entire tooth above the gum line, providing maximum protection and strength.

One major advantage of onlays is their conservative nature. By only covering the damaged part of the tooth, onlays preserve more of the natural tooth structure compared to crowns. This is beneficial for maintaining the strength and integrity of the tooth over the long term.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery and Aftercare for Dental Inlays

Immediate Care: After receiving a dental inlay, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity or discomfort. To prevent accidental biting of your cheek or tongue, avoid chewing on the treated side until the numbness from the anesthesia wears off.
Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the gum line around the inlay.
Dietary Considerations: Stick to soft foods and avoid hard or sticky foods that could dislodge the inlay. Gradually reintroduce normal foods as your comfort level improves.
Regular Check-ups: Visit your dentist regularly to monitor the condition of the inlay. Early detection of any issues can prevent complications and extend the life of the inlay.

Recovery and Aftercare for Dental Onlays

Immediate Care: Post-procedure sensitivity or mild discomfort is common. To prevent injury, avoid eating until the numbness subsides. If discomfort persists, you may need to use over-the-counter pain relief.
Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly, paying extra attention to the area around the onlay. Proper oral hygiene is important if you want to prevent secondary decay and gum disease.
Dietary Adjustments: Initially, consume soft foods and avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could damage the onlay.
Monitoring: Schedule follow-up appointments to make sure that the onlay is functioning well. Your dentist will check the fit and integrity during these visits, addressing any issues.

Why Choose Us?

The highly-trained professionals at our office in Center City have years of experience providing advanced dental procedures to the wonderful people of Philadelphia. With a wide range of specialties and qualifications, we have the right provider for each smile’s unique needs. We are open seven days a week, and we do more than just emergencies. From cosmetics to restorative dentistry, we’re equipped for all of your dental health needs in Philadelphia.

Schedule an Appointment with Center City Emergency Dentist in Philadelphia

Do you have a painful cavity that’s too big for a dental filling but too small for a crown? Are you tired of fillings and crowns popping out at the worst moments? Want a superior solution that is more effective in terms of both functionality and aesthetic appeal? Good news, Philadelphia: Center City Emergency Dentist has you (and your teeth) covered! Contact us today to consult with a dental professional or to schedule an appointment so we can help you achieve your best smile.