Do you know about dental inlays and onlays and any of the benefits they can provide for your smile? Our dentist may recommend a dental inlay or onlay if you have tooth damage that isn’t ideal for a dental crown or filling.
Dental crowns are more appropriate for teeth that have extensive structural damage. However, if a tooth has a cavity that doesn’t warrant a dental crown but is too big for a dental filling, dental inlays or onlays may be the best possible restoration to repair the cavity. While inlays and onlays serve a similar function in treating tooth decay, we typically reserve inlays for cavities developing in the center of the tooth that have not extended beyond the cusps, while onlays can treat more extensive tooth decay that has spread beyond the center of the tooth.
You and our dentist may prefer to use dental inlays and onlays in order to preserve as much of the affected tooth as possible and make it easier to clean your teeth. Another benefit is that inlays and onlays are very durable and won’t shrink over time, unlike some composite and traditional dental fillings. Furthermore, the material used in inlays and onlays is very stain resistant, lasting up to 30 years with good care.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of dental inlays and onlays in Falls Church, Virginia, and schedule a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Eli Janabi, we invite you to give Smile Studio Dental a call at 703-982-2222 today.
