Inlays and Onlays Provide a Conservative, Natural-looking Restorative Solution

When a tooth needs more than a filling, but is not damaged enough to require a dental crown, inlays and onlays provide an ideal middle ground. In Wichita, KS, Dr. Byron J. Nordhus offers these custom-crafted dental restorations to strengthen compromised teeth. Unlike dental fillings, inlays and onlays are fabricated in a laboratory before being fitted and bonded to your tooth. An inlay covers the area within the cusps on the chewing surface of the tooth, while an onlay covers one or more of the cusps. Strong and natural-looking, these porcelain restorations can last for many years. If you would like to learn more about inlays and onlays, or any of the other restorative dentistry services we provide, please contact us today.

Purpose of Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays provide a solution for patients that have a tooth with too much damage or decay for successful treatment with a dental filling, but enough healthy tooth structure to avoid a dental crown. Placing a large filling in a tooth can actually weaken its structure and could eventually lead to a broken tooth or a the need for root canal therapy. Placing a crown on the same tooth would require removing more of the tooth structure than necessary. Inlays and onlays allow Dr. Nordhus to preserve as much of the original tooth structure as possible to prolong the life of the tooth and prevent the need for more treatment in the future. Often used to replace old fillings that have failed, inlays and onlays result in a natural-looking, uniform appearance to the restored tooth.

"Inlays and onlays allow Dr. Nordhus to preserve as much of the original tooth structure as possible to prolong the life of the tooth and prevent the need for more treatment in the future."

What to Expect During the Procedure

You will need two appointments to complete your inlay or onlay treatment. Both procedures are very similar. During your first appointment, Dr. Nordhus will numb the treatment area with local anesthetic. He will then prepare the tooth by removing any decay or damage. Next, Dr. Nordhus will use the iTero™ intraoral scanner to take a digital impression of your tooth. The iTero™ system allows Dr. Nordhus to obtain the exact specifications of your tooth for the lab to make a restoration. In addition to its precision, the iTero™ scanner eliminates the messy material used to take traditional impressions.

The digital impression will be sent to a dental laboratory, where a technician will create the inlay or onlay to fit like a puzzle piece within your tooth. Meanwhile, you will wear a temporary restoration over your tooth. We will schedule your second appointment when your inlay or onlay is ready. At that time, Dr. Nordhus will remove your temporary and bond the new restoration in place. During the final step, he will polish your restoration to blend in seamlessly with your tooth.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

The major benefit of an inlay or onlay is these restorations help patients avoid more extensive (and costly) treatment to the tooth. Made of porcelain, they are less likely than composite dental fillings to become discolored over time. Porcelain is also stronger and more durable than composite resin. 

Learn More During an Appointment

Dr. Nordhus uses the most up-to-date technology and methods to provide you with the best possible care. During an evaluation, he can explain your options more fully and recommend the treatment that is right for you. To learn more about inlays and onlays, please contact us to schedule an appointment.