There are times when cavities are removed from teeth and there is not enough tooth structure left to support a filling. If this is the case, but the teeth are not damaged enough to need crowns, Dr. Steven Ross may recommend inlays and onlays in Salinas, California.
Inlays and onlays are both similar to fillings. With inlays, the entire cavity to be filled is within the cusps on the chewing surface of a tooth. Onlays are more extensive and are sometimes called partial crowns. They cover one or more cusps of the tooth. Inlays are very durable and last up to 30 years—much longer than traditional fillings. Inlays and onlays in our office are made from porcelain.
When placing an inlay or onlay, our dentist removes the decay or old filling from a tooth. Impressions are made of the tooth being repaired and of the teeth around it so that an inlay or onlay can be constructed. When the inlay or onlay is complete, our dentist will check its fit by placing it in your mouth. After any necessary adjustments are made, it is permanently cemented into place.
We encourage you to contact Ross Family Dental today to learn more and to schedule your next appointment with our dentist.