Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head SC
When a tooth suffers from extensive decay or significant damage, a dental restoration can be the answer to restore its structural integrity and reduce the risk of additional damage. While dental fillings are ideal for small to moderately sized cavities, crowns are recommended in cases of more extensive damage. But if the extent of your tooth’s damage falls somewhere in between, Dr. Chris Mohler may recommend an inlay or onlay, which provides more stability than a filling, but is not as invasive as a crown. This means that we preserve more of your tooth’s natural structure and save you money. Plus, with our CEREC technology, we can expertly craft your custom restoration during your appointment – no need to wait for your restoration to be sent to a lab! Learn about the differences between inlays and onlays, how we craft these restorations, and the benefits of these procedures.
What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
Inlays and onlays traditionally were made from either composite resin or gold. However, advancements in dental materials and technology make porcelain a popular choice for these restorations. Porcelain inlays and onlays are durable, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing. An inlay may be used to repair damage to a tooth’s chewing surface, while an onlay may cover more than one tooth’s cusp.
How are inlays and onlays made in our Beaufort cosmetic dental office?
At Chris Mohler, DDS, we employ sophisticated technology known as CEREC. Using a CEREC means that we can “mill” your porcelain restoration in our practice during your appointment instead of sending goopy impressions to a dental lab and waiting a week or two for it to be made and returned to our practice. The process begins with Dr. Mohler preparing your tooth and removing the damaged or decayed area. Next, Dr. Mohler uses a small wand to scan your tooth and bite pattern. These digital images are sent to our in-office milling unit that custom makes your porcelain restoration. After the try-in to ensure the restoration has a seamless fit, we bake in a special oven designed for dental materials. Dr. Mohler permanently bonds the restoration to your tooth with strong resin cement, makes final adjustments, and completes the procedure by polishing the porcelain.
Inlays and Onlays in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head
While composite fillings and porcelain dental crowns have a purpose in dentistry, they are not always the best choices. At Chris Mohler, DDS, we strive to provide aesthetic dentistry that suits the needs of each patient. Therefore, we offer porcelain inlays and onlays when a filling is insufficient and a crown would be too much. Porcelain inlays and onlays can last for decades with proper care and maintenance and helps strengthen the tooth to prevent additional damage.
We believe that patients should have an active role in their dental health care. Our goal is to educate patients on their options for care and answer your questions when they arise. If you would like to consult with Dr. Mohler about restoring your damaged or decayed tooth, please call our office at (843) 522-1442 and schedule an appointment or complete a Contact Form.