Inlays and Onlays: Restoring Large Cavities Without a Full Dental Crown

When a cavity becomes too large for a traditional filling but still doesn't need a full dental crown, inlays and onlays offer an ideal middle-ground solution. At Redstone Dental Studio in Lyons, CO, Dr. Derrik Johnson provides this precise, minimally invasive treatment using modern techniques.

With inlays or onlays, you can restore both the strength and appearance of your natural tooth, often in just one visit. Understanding how inlays and onlays work can help you make confident choices about your oral health while preserving your comfort and smile.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are custom restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage, particularly in the molars. They are stronger and more durable than traditional fillings, yet more conservative than full crowns. 

These restorations are fabricated to fit precisely within or over the biting surface of the tooth. Here's how they differ:

• Inlays fit inside the grooves of a tooth and do not extend over the cusps (edges) of the enamel
• Onlays also cover one or more of the tooth's cusps, and are used for more extensive decay

At Redstone Dental Studio, we use digital imaging and cutting-edge materials to ensure that every inlay or onlay fits precisely and blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. Thanks to our advanced in-office CAD/CAM technology, many patients can receive this treatment in just one appointment.

When Are Inlays and Onlays Recommended?

Dr. Johnson may recommend an inlay or onlay when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but still has enough healthy structure to avoid a full crown. This approach helps preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible while restoring both function and aesthetics. You might benefit from an inlay or onlay if you have:

• Larger cavities that aren't suitable for a filling
• Cracked or fractured teeth that need reinforcement
• Old, failing fillings that need replacement
• Moderate tooth wear from grinding or enamel erosion

Our team focuses on offering personalized care for every patient. We’ll walk you through your options and provide a complimentary second opinion if you're unsure about your current treatment plan. It’s our way of ensuring you feel fully informed and confident in your decision.

The Benefits of Choosing Inlays and Onlays

One of the many reasons patients choose inlays and onlays at Redstone Dental Studio is their remarkable durability and natural appearance. Made from high-quality porcelain, these restorations are both functional and esthetically pleasing.Key benefits include:

• Strength and Longevity: Inlays and onlays restore structural integrity and can last for many years with proper care.
• Minimally Invasive: Only the damaged portion of the tooth is removed, preserving more of your healthy tooth structure.
• Stain Resistance: Porcelain inlays and onlays resist discoloration better than traditional fillings.
• Same-Day Convenience: With our in-house digital technology, we can often fabricate and place your restoration in just one appointment.

Combined with Dr. Johnson’s commitment to patient comfort and modern treatment techniques, inlays and onlays are a practical and effective solution for many restorative needs.

What to Expect During the Procedure

At your appointment, Dr. Johnson will begin by gently removing the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth. Using our digital scanning system, we take precise images to design your custom inlay or onlay. 

If a same-day restoration is possible, the design is then milled right here in our office for immediate placement. The procedure typically involves:

• Cleaning and preparing the tooth
• Capturing digital images for the custom restoration
• Creating and fitting the inlay or onlay for a perfect match
• Bonding the final piece securely in place

Thanks to modern techniques and our compassionate approach, most patients find the process to be comfortable, efficient, and surprisingly simple. 

Restore Your Smile with Advanced Dental Care in Lyons

If you're struggling with a large cavity or worn filling, inlays and onlays offer a strong, natural-looking solution without the need for a full crown. At Redstone Dental Studio, we’re proud to offer same-day treatment options in a welcoming, community-focused environment. 

So don’t wait. Call (303) 823-6006 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Derrik Johnson and discover how our advanced dental care in Lyons can restore your smile with lasting results.