Following your restorative treatment at Dental Solutions of Encinitas, an inlay, onlay, or dental crown may be placed to restore strength to your tooth. Inlays and onlays are pre-molded fillings that are used when fillings would be insufficient and a dental crown would be excessive. An inlay fits within the surface of a tooth while an onlay covers one or more edges of a tooth. A dental crown encases the entire tooth with a durable and natural-looking “cap.”

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays protect teeth from further decay following cavity removal. The restorative treatment also strengthens and reinforces the structure of teeth following the loss of natural tooth structure. Our dentist, Dr. Shelly Vakilian, will match the color of your pre-molded filling to match your natural teeth. Once the inlay or onlay is placed, it will blend seamlessly with your natural smile. Many dental insurance plans cover part or all of this routine restorative treatment.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are a versatile restoration. Crowns can be placed following the removal of extensive decay or root canal therapy. Crowns are also used to replace a missing tooth following dental implant surgery. The prosthetic can even be used for cosmetic reasons. Dental crowns completely encase the tooth in a durable material, which is typically ceramic. The natural-looking prosthetic protects the inner tooth and prevents the need for tooth extraction. With proper care, a dental crown can last 10 or more years.

Are You a Candidate?

Crowns, inlays, and onlays are often placed following a restorative treatment that removes decay from a tooth’s surface. The restorations allow your tooth to retain its natural shape. If you are scheduled to undergo cavity treatment or root canal therapy, you are likely a good candidate for one of these restorative treatments. Minor cavities can be treated with tooth-colored fillings. If you have more extensive amounts of enamel removed, you may be fitted with an inlay or onlay.

If you are being fitted with a dental bridge or require extensive removal of natural tooth structure, you will likely require a dental crown. During your consultation at our Encinitas dental practice. Dr. Vakilian will explain which restoration will best fit your oral health needs. Our office always takes a conservative approach to dentistry. Dr. Vakilian will remove the least amount of natural tooth structure to fully restore your oral health.

To schedule your restorative treatment, please contact our Encinitas dental practice online or by calling (760) 436-9292.

How Are Crowns, Inlays, and Onlays Placed?

Before your crown, inlay, or onlay can be manufactured, your tooth will have to be treated. Dr. Vakilian will use local anesthesia to numb your tooth before a special tool is used to remove decay. Once your tooth is free from decay or infection, a mold or digital impression of your tooth will be made. The impression will be sent to a trusted laboratory that will manufacture your pre-molded filling or dental crown. Dr. Vakilian will send the lab special instructions to ensure that your restoration matches the color and luster of your natural teeth. You may be given a temporary restoration while you wait.

After a few weeks, you custom inlay, onlay, or dental crown will arrive at our Encinitas dental practice. During your second and final visit, Dr. Vakilian will ensure that the filling or crown is a perfect fit before attaching it to your tooth using a strong cement. There is no recovery time associated with these restorative treatments, although some patients may experience heightened tooth sensitivity for a few days following the placement of their inlay, onlay, or crown.

Schedule Your Restorative Treatment Today

Dr. Vakilian will ensure that your inlay, onlay, or dental crown blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. To schedule your restorative treatment, please contact our office online or call (760) 436-9292.