A Middle Ground Between a Filling and a Crown
Not every damaged tooth fits neatly into the choice between a small filling and a full crown. Sometimes the decay or damage is too extensive for a filling to hold, but the tooth still has enough healthy structure that a crown feels like more than is needed.
As part of our general dentistry services, our team offers inlays and onlays, custom-made restorations crafted as a single solid piece and cemented into place, as an alternative that restores the tooth while preserving more of its natural structure than a crown would require. An inlay fits within the grooves of the chewing surface, while an onlay extends over one or more of the tooth’s cusps.
Preserving as much of a tooth’s natural structure as possible is a guiding principle in restorative dentistry, and it is a big part of why inlays and onlays exist as an option. Removing less of the tooth helps maintain its natural strength, since a tooth with more of its original structure intact tends to hold up better over time than one that has been significantly reshaped.
Choosing the most conservative restoration that still addresses the damage can also help protect against future treatment needs. A tooth that keeps more of its healthy structure has a stronger foundation to work with if additional care is ever needed down the road, which is part of why our team considers an inlay or onlay before moving straight to a crown when the situation allows for it.
An inlay fits within the grooves of a tooth’s chewing surface, filling the space between the cusps without extending over them. This makes an inlay a good fit for damage that stays contained within the center of the tooth.
An onlay covers more surface area, extending over one or more of the tooth’s cusps in addition to the space between them. This option is typically recommended when damage affects a larger portion of the tooth than an inlay alone can restore.
An inlay or onlay can restore a damaged tooth without requiring as much tooth structure to be removed as a crown. Depending on your needs, this custom-fitted option can offer a durable, natural-looking solution that fits precisely into place.
If you have a tooth with damage that feels like more than a filling can handle, our team can help determine whether an inlay or onlay is the right fit for you. You can contact our office to schedule your visit.
Located in Magnolia, TX
Mon - Sat: 8AM to 5PM Sun: Closed
