Inlays and Onlays

Serving the Dallas Metroplex, Plano, Fort Worth, and Surrounding Areas

Inlays and Onlays

If you have any minor damage or decay in your back teeth, you may not think it's a big deal. After all, who really ever sees the back of your teeth? But if decay is allowed to continue unchecked in the back of your mouth, it can lead to infections, disease and even tooth loss.

Inlays and onlays are restorative devices attached to the rear teeth. They seal up cracks and chips and help prevent decay. Inlays and onlays are typically made of porcelain, which resembles real teeth in both look and feel.

Inlays are used to treat decay within the cusps of back teeth. The cusps are the pointed parts of a tooth; inlays are placed in the center valley between the cusps.

Onlays are used to treat decay on the actual cusps. Whether inlays or onlays are used depends upon where your specific tooth decay is located.

Inlays and onlays are only used to treat mild to moderate decay. If the damage is too severe, crowns must be used instead. Crowns cover and restore the whole tooth down to the gum line.

With regular brushing and flossing, your inlays and onlays will last as long as your natural teeth. Plus, because they're made of porcelain, they will be extremely hard for others to notice.

Contact Dr. Strader today for a consultation. Only a qualified cosmetic dentist, such as Dr. Strader, can determine if you have any mild to moderate decay in the back of your teeth. Inlays and onlays are a very simple procedure, yet one which will prevent major tooth decay from happening later in life.