Inlays and Onlays

Dr. Kumar will examine your tooth and determine if a dental inlay or onlay is necessary. X-rays may be taken to evaluate the extent of the damage or decay. A treatment plan will be developed based on your specific needs.

Before placing an inlay, the affected tooth needs to be prepared. This involves removing a small portion of the tooth’s decayed or compromised structure to create space for the inlay or onlay. If the tooth is extensively damaged or decayed, additional dental work, such as root canal treatment, may be required.

After tooth preparation, an impression of the tooth and surrounding area is taken. This impression serves as a model for creating a custom-made dental inlay or onlay that fits precisely over the prepared tooth.

While the permanent inlay or onlay is being fabricated in a dental laboratory, a temporary inlay is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it. Dr. Kumar fabricates temporary inlays of onlays himself. The temporary is fabricated with the best dental material available in the market today and is well-polished and finished. Here are the reasons why a temporary inlay or onlay is used:

1. Protection: A temporary restoration protects the prepared tooth from sensitivity, discomfort, and damage. It covers the exposed tooth structure, preventing it from being affected by temperature changes or pressure from biting and chewing.
2. Preservation of Tooth Structure: The temporary helps maintain the shape and position of the prepared tooth. It ensures that the surrounding teeth do not shift or move into the space left by the missing or prepared tooth.
3. Functionality: A temporary restoration restores the functionality of the tooth, allowing you to eat, speak, and chew normally while waiting for the final crown. It helps prevent any disruption to your daily activities.
4. Aesthetics: A temporary restoration provides a temporary solution to restore the appearance of the tooth. While it may not match the final inlay or onlay’s aesthetics perfectly, it offers a more natural-looking appearance than leaving the prepared tooth exposed.
5. Evaluation and Adjustment: The temporary restoration also allows your dentist to assess the fit, bite alignment, and overall comfort before the final restoration is placed. Any necessary adjustments can be made at this stage to ensure the best possible fit and function of the permanent inlaly or onlay.
6. Patient Satisfaction: Provisional inlay or onlay give patients an opportunity to preview and experience the look and feel of the final crown. This allows for feedback and any desired modifications to be communicated to the dentist before the fabrication of the permanent restoration is completed.

Once the permanent inlay or onlay is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary inlay/onlay and check the fit and appearance of the permanent one. Adjustments can be made if necessary. Once everything is satisfactory, the final restoration is cemented or bonded onto the prepared tooth using dental adhesives.

After the Inlay or Onlay is securely placed, we will ensure proper alignment with your bite and make any necessary adjustments. The surface is then polished to achieve a natural-looking shine.

Restoring the functionality of damaged tooth

Enhancing the Tooth’s Appearance by improving its shape, color, and alignment 

Protecting weak of fractured teeth from further damage

Improving overall oral health and bite alignment