At Socal Sleep Dentistry, we specialize in providing advanced dental restorations, including inlays and onlays, to help restore teeth function and aesthetics.
Our experienced team, led by skilled cosmetic dentists, ensures that every patient receives top-quality care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. We understand the importance of patient comfort, especially for those with dental anxiety, and offer anesthesiology services to make your treatment stress-free.
Read on to learn more about inlays and onlays and how Socal Sleep Dentistry can help improve and maintain your oral health.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that repair teeth damaged by decay or injury. They are an excellent alternative to traditional fillings and crowns. They offer a more conservative approach that preserves more of the natural tooth structure.
Inlays fit within the tooth grooves, while onlays cover one or more cusps (the elevated points on the tooth’s chewing surface). These restorations are typically made from durable materials such as porcelain, composite resin, or gold, ensuring strength and aesthetic appeal.
Our office utilizes the latest in scanning technology to avoid the need to take impressions for these restorations. We can deliver inlays and onlays on the same day with our in-office milling machines. Give us a call to learn more!
Why Dentists Use Inlays and Onlays
Dentists use inlays and onlays for a variety of reasons when it comes to looking after patient’s dental health:
Durability and Strength: Inlays and onlays are stronger than traditional fillings, providing long-lasting results that can withstand the forces of chewing.
Aesthetic Appeal: Tooth-colored materials like porcelain and composite resin blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, enhancing your smile’s appearance.
Precision Fit: Custom-made for a perfect fit, inlays and onlays preserve more of your natural tooth structure than traditional fillings or crowns.
Long-Lasting Results: With proper care, inlays and onlays can last many years, offering a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution for damaged teeth.
The Inlay/Onlay Procedure
Receiving an inlay or onlay at Socal Sleep Dentistry is a straightforward and comfortable process. Here’s what to expect:
- Initial Examination: Our skilled dentists will conduct a thorough examination to assess the extent of the damage and determine if an inlay or onlay is the best option.
- Tooth Preparation: The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed, and scans of the tooth are taken to create a custom-fit restoration. Our goal is to conserve as much of the tooth structure as possible.
- Temporary Restoration: A temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth. At the same time, your custom inlay or onlay is being fabricated by our in-office lab or sent out to one of our trusted dental laboratories for enhanced cases.
- Custom Fabrication: The scans or impressions are used to mold the inlay or onlay to match the exact contours and shades of your tooth.
- Final Placement: The temporary filling is removed, and the custom inlay or onlay is bonded to the tooth. Final adjustments are made to ensure a natural look and feel.
Our team prioritizes your comfort and satisfaction throughout the procedure, using the latest technology and dental techniques.
Post-Treatment Care Instructions
Proper care after receiving an inlay or onlay is essential for ensuring its longevity and your comfort. Here are some key post-treatment care tips:
- Numbness: To prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue, avoid eating until the numbness from the anesthesia wears off.
- Eating: To prevent sensitivity, stick to soft foods for the first few hours and avoid consuming very hot or cold drinks initially.
- Sensitivity: It’s normal to experience some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure after your treatment. This should improve over time.
- Pain Relief: If you experience soreness, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate discomfort.
- Brushing and Flossing: Continue brushing and flossing your teeth as usual. Be gentle around the new inlay or onlay to avoid irritation.
- Follow-Up: If you have persistent pain or your bite feels uneven, schedule a follow-up visit for a quick adjustment. Your comfort is our priority.
Remember, your inlay or onlay helps protect your tooth. To maintain your smile’s health and beauty, keep up with regular check-ups and cleanings at Socal Sleep Dentistry.
Why Choose Socal Sleep Dentistry for Your Inlays and Onlays
Choosing Socal Sleep Dentistry for your dental restorations means opting for excellence in dental care. You can be assured of exceptional dental care for the following reasons:
Expertise: Our highly skilled dentists employ advanced technology and the latest techniques to provide precise and effective treatments.
Comfort: Patient comfort is our priority, and we offer sedation options to ensure a stress-free experience.
Personalized Care: We design customized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, guaranteeing the best outcomes for your oral health.
Anesthesia Options for Your Comfort
At SoCal Sleep Dentistry, we prioritize your comfort and peace of mind during dental visits. We understand that many patients find dental visits stressful, so we offer various anesthesia options upon request.
Whether you struggle with dental anxiety, have a low pain threshold, or are undergoing a complex procedure, our anesthesia services, including Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas), Moderate Sedation, Deep Sedation, and General Anesthesia, are available to ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience.
Our experienced dental team will assist in determining the most suitable anesthesia option for your needs. We strive to make every dental visit as pleasant and pain-free as possible by providing personalized sedation solutions. We aim to help you achieve optimal oral health without the fear or discomfort often associated with dental treatments.
Book Your Inlay/Onlay Appointment in Westlake Village, CA
Inlays and onlays are excellent for restoring damaged teeth and maintaining good oral health.
Socal Sleep Dentistry is committed to providing exceptional inlay and onlay services that restore and protect teeth. Book your appointment today to take the first step towards a healthier smile.
Your smile deserves the best care, and Socal Sleep Dentistry is here to provide it.
FAQs About Inlays and Onlays
What is the difference between inlays and onlays?
Inlays fit within the tooth grooves, while onlays cover one or more cusps of the tooth, providing more extensive coverage.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
With proper care, they can last many years, often up to 10-15 years or more.
Are inlays and onlays better than traditional fillings?
Inlays and onlays are often stronger and more durable than conventional fillings, making them a better option for larger areas of decay or damage.
Will my inlay/onlay match my natural tooth color?
Yes, inlays and onlays made from tooth-colored materials like porcelain or composite resin are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Is the inlay/onlay procedure painful?
Thanks to local anesthesia, the procedure is generally pain-free. We also offer sedation options for patients with dental anxiety.
How should I care for my inlays and onlays?
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, and visit your dentist for regular check-ups to ensure your inlays and onlays remain in good condition.
Can inlays and onlays fall out?
Inlays and onlays are securely bonded to the tooth, but if you experience any issues, such as feeling loose, contact your dentist immediately.
