Almost everyone has experienced tooth decay at some point in their lives. Because tooth decay is among the most common dental issues, there are a wide variety of treatment options available to address the damage it causes. Which treatment option is right for you can be determined by evaluating the severity and location of the damage in your mouth. If you require treatment that is more durable than a regular filling but less drastic than a full crown, dental inlays or onlays may be the perfect solution. Sometimes called indirect restorations or partial crowns, inlays and onlays are custom-fitted fillings that provide stability and strength to badly damaged teeth while helping to stop future decay or infection.
Dr. Nadder Hassan is a highly skilled dentist who provides exceptional service and patient-focused, comprehensive care in Manassas, VA. He often recommends the use of an inlay or onlay for the treatment of advanced tooth decay. Using these high-quality porcelain fillings, Dr. Hassan can efficiently improve the stability and structure of a tooth that has been affected by decay.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are both types of pre-molded fillings that can be used to repair damaged teeth. Inlays are used to cover larger areas that do not extend beyond the tooth’s edge or cusp. They strengthen decayed teeth and provide stability for a long lasting result. Inlays also seal the damaged area of a tooth to prevent more decay or infection from developing.
Onlays are used to address damage that extends beyond the cusp of a tooth. These types of fillings are typically placed into the grooves and crevices of molars. Those are can be difficult to clean, which allows plaque and bacteria to attack the tooth and cause decay.
What to Expect From Your Treatment
In order to prepare for your filling, Dr. Hassan will first prepare your tooth by removing diseased or decayed tissue from the affected tooth. Then the tooth is thoroughly cleaned to avoid contamination. Finally, the restoration is bonded to your tooth and permanently sealed.
Schedule An Appointment
To learn more about how inlays and onlays can help repair your damaged teeth, contact Manassas Smiles today. To schedule an appointment at our Manassas, VA dentist office, call (703) 335-1020 or request an appointment online.