Inlays and Onlays

Rediscover your natural beauty with seamless inlays and onlays

Dental Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays are restorative dental procedures that are used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. They are considered conservative alternatives to full dental crowns and are often used when a tooth’s damage or decay is too extensive to be treated with a traditional dental filling, but not severe enough to require a crown.

Inlays and onlays are made from tooth-colored materials such as porcelain, composite resin, or sometimes gold. They are custom-made in a dental laboratory based on impressions taken of the patient’s teeth. The inlay or onlay is designed to fit precisely within the prepared cavity or onto the damaged portion of the tooth.

Here are the main differences between dental inlays and onlays:

  1. Inlays: Inlays are used when the cavity or damage is limited to the chewing surface and does not extend to the cusps (pointed edges) of the tooth. They are bonded to the tooth’s surface within the cusps and provide reinforcement and protection to the remaining natural tooth structure.
  2. Onlays: Onlays, also known as partial crowns, are used when the damage extends beyond the chewing surface and involves one or more cusps of the tooth. They cover a larger portion of the tooth and provide additional strength and support. Onlays are bonded onto the tooth’s surface, covering the damaged area and preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

The process of receiving an inlay or onlay typically involves two dental visits. During the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth by removing any decayed or damaged portions. An impression of the tooth is then taken and sent to a dental laboratory for the creation of the custom restoration. A temporary filling or restoration is placed on the tooth to protect it until the final restoration is ready.

During the second visit, the temporary filling or restoration is removed, and the dentist checks the fit and appearance of the inlay or onlay. If everything is satisfactory, the restoration is bonded onto the tooth using dental adhesives. The dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper bite and fit.

Overall, dental inlays and onlays offer a conservative and esthetic solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. They provide durability, strength, and a natural appearance, allowing patients to maintain the functionality and beauty of their smiles.

Examination and Treatment Planning

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.

Tooth Preparation

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.

Impression

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.

Temporary Inlay or Onlay

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.

Inlay/Onlay placement

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.

Final Adjustments and Polishing

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.

Benefits of an Inlay or Onlay

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Restoring the functionality of damaged tooth

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

N

Protecting weak of fractured teeth from further damage

N

Improving overall oral health and bite alignment 

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Bill Mamak
Absolutely the best! Would recommend Dr. Kumar and his incredible team to anyone who's either new to the area or just looking for a better dentist.
Bill Mamak
Absolutely the best! Would recommend Dr. Kumar and his incredible team to anyone who's either new to the area or just looking for a better dentist.
Bill Mamak
Bill Mamak
Barbara Wehrly
Another wonderful experience. Dr. Kumar has amd Sarah checked in on my comfort level throughout the 2.5 hour root canal which revealed 3 roots and completed the procedure without experiencing any pain. Cynthia, at the front desk, who wears many hats was ...
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Barbara Wehrly
Another wonderful experience. Dr. Kumar has amd Sarah checked in on my comfort level throughout the 2.5 hour root canal which revealed 3 roots and completed the procedure without experiencing any pain. Cynthia, at the front desk, who wears many hats was happy to help me with directions and tech support and Molly, the dental hygienist was happy to answer my questions also.
Barbara Wehrly
Barbara Wehrly
Kimberly Crabbe
Dr.Kumar and the entire staff take pride in providing top-quality dental services and making patients feel comfortable. I would highly recommend them!
Kimberly Crabbe
Dr.Kumar and the entire staff take pride in providing top-quality dental services and making patients feel comfortable. I would highly recommend them!
Kimberly Crabbe
Kimberly Crabbe
1330 Freshii West Hartford
What a great practice! Dr. Kumar saw me quickly when I called with a broken tooth and was patient answering all my questions - helped me decide the best course of action. Cheri at the front desk couldn’t...
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1330 Freshii West Hartford
What a great practice! Dr. Kumar saw me quickly when I called with a broken tooth and was patient answering all my questions - helped me decide the best course of action. Cheri at the front desk couldn’t be nicer!
1330 Freshii West Hartford
1330 Freshii West Hartford
Jennifer Nichols
This was such a great experience!!! I was not a patient at this office prior to my needing to be seen for an emergency today. The staff got me right in, and took terrific care of me. Dr Kumar is ...
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Jennifer Nichols
This was such a great experience!!! I was not a patient at this office prior to my needing to be seen for an emergency today. The staff got me right in, and took terrific care of me. Dr Kumar is gentle, patient, kind and detail oriented. Sarah his assistant, was friendly, knowledgeable and comforting throughout my procedure. They are a great team and really in sync with one another. I would highly recommend this practice.
Jennifer Nichols
Jennifer Nichols
Elissa Stevens
Highly recommend! Dr. Kumar is very professional, sincere and provides quality dental care. Him and his staff are so welcoming, caring and an incredible team. My family and I are very pleased!
Elissa Stevens
Highly recommend! Dr. Kumar is very professional, sincere and provides quality dental care. Him and his staff are so welcoming, caring and an incredible team. My family and I are very pleased!
Elissa Stevens
Elissa Stevens
Sarah Callahan
I would recommend them to anyone I know. I did research before coming to Avon Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. They are professional and truly care about enhancing your smile and making you feel comfortable. The team is super knowledgeable and ...
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Sarah Callahan
I would recommend them to anyone I know. I did research before coming to Avon Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. They are professional and truly care about enhancing your smile and making you feel comfortable. The team is super knowledgeable and work very well together. Highly recommend!
Sarah Callahan
Sarah Callahan
Diane Lopes
Dr. Kumar, Sarah and Sherry are Fantastic! We found Dr. Kumar via a community group for special needs parents. Those (like myself) looking for a kind, gentle, patient dentist were all told of Dr. Kumar. And they were all right! ...
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Diane Lopes
Dr. Kumar, Sarah and Sherry are Fantastic! We found Dr. Kumar via a community group for special needs parents. Those (like myself) looking for a kind, gentle, patient dentist were all told of Dr. Kumar. And they were all right! He is patient, kind, soft spoken, and terrific with young people with sensory processing disorder and Autism. SO glad we found him. And not only am I taking my child to him (who is 20 yrs old), but I transferred to him as well. HIGHLY recommend. Thank you. Diane
Diane Lopes
Diane Lopes

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Avon Family and Cosmetic Dentistry LLC

39 East Main Street, Avon, CT 06001
Phone: (860) 674 - 0707
Fax: (860) 678 - 8440
Email: info@dentistinavonct.com

Essel Dental LLC

44 South Main Street, East Windsor, CT 06088
Phone: (860) 254 - 6955
Fax: (860) 254 - 6956
Email: info@esseldental.com

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