Inlays and Onlays in Los Angeles, CA
At Studio Smiles, we believe in preserving the natural beauty and strength of your smile. If you have a tooth with mild to moderate decay or a minor fracture, dental inlays and onlays offer a fantastic solution. These custom-made restorations are stronger and more durable than traditional fillings, allowing us to repair your tooth while saving as much of its healthy structure as possible. We are proud to provide this advanced restorative treatment to our patients throughout Los Angeles.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and inlays and onlays are a perfect example. By addressing damage early with a precise, durable restoration, we can often prevent the need for more extensive procedures like dental crowns down the road.
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are conservative restorations that fit into a tooth like a puzzle piece. They are ideal for repairing damage that is too large for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full dental crown.
- Inlays: Fit within the pointed cusps of a tooth’s chewing surface.
- Onlays: Are larger, covering one or more of the tooth's cusps. They are sometimes called "partial crowns."
When Are They Recommended?
Our dentists may recommend an inlay or onlay for:
- Moderate tooth decay that has compromised the tooth’s structure.
- A fractured or cracked tooth where a cusp has broken.
- Replacing a large, failing metal or composite filling.
A dental crown is typically the better choice when the tooth has more extensive damage, has undergone a root canal, or requires complete coverage for protection.
Materials Used for Inlays and Onlays
We use several high-quality materials to create restorations that are both strong and beautiful.
- Porcelain/Ceramic: The most popular choice due to its natural appearance. It can be matched perfectly to the shade of your other teeth, making it virtually invisible.
- Composite Resin: A tooth-colored material that bonds well to the tooth. It's a good aesthetic option, though generally less durable than porcelain.
- Gold: Known for its exceptional durability and strength. While not tooth-colored, gold is very gentle on opposing teeth and can last for decades.
The Inlay and Onlay Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide
Receiving an inlay or onlay is a precise process that typically takes two comfortable visits to our Los Angeles dental office.
- Examination and Preparation: We first ensure you are comfortable, applying local anesthesia to numb the area completely. The decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is gently removed, and the tooth is carefully shaped to receive the restoration.
- Digital Impressions: We use a modern intraoral scanner to take a highly accurate 3D digital impression of your tooth. This avoids the need for messy traditional impression putty.
- Temporary Restoration: If needed, a temporary restoration is placed to protect your tooth while your permanent one is being made.
- Lab Fabrication: The digital impression is sent to a specialized dental laboratory, where skilled technicians craft your custom inlay or onlay. This process usually takes about one to two weeks.
- Bonding Your New Restoration: On your second visit, we remove the temporary and place your final inlay or onlay. We check the fit and your bite to ensure it's perfect before permanently bonding it to your tooth.
- Final Polish: The restoration is polished until it is smooth and blends seamlessly with your natural tooth, leaving you with a strong and healthy smile.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Choosing inlays and onlays offers several key advantages for your long-term dental health.
- Conserves Tooth Structure: Less healthy tooth structure is removed compared to preparing for a full crown.
- Increases Tooth Strength: These restorations can strengthen a tooth by up to 75%, providing excellent durability.
- Superior Fit and Seal: Digital scanning and lab fabrication result in a precise fit that seals out bacteria and helps prevent future decay.
- Beautiful Aesthetics: Porcelain and composite materials offer a natural, tooth-colored appearance.
- Excellent Longevity: With proper care, inlays and onlays can last for 10 years or more, often much longer than traditional fillings.
While very durable, they are not permanent. Risks include potential tooth sensitivity after the procedure or fracture if you grind your teeth heavily. Like all dental work, they will eventually need replacement.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Proper care is essential for getting the most out of your new restoration.
- Initial Care: You may experience some mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days. You can manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers. Avoid very sticky or hard foods for the first 24 hours.
- Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss normally around your new restoration. Pay special attention to cleaning the area where the inlay or onlay meets the tooth.
- Protective Wear: If you grind your teeth (bruxism), we strongly recommend a custom nightguard to protect your restoration and natural teeth from damage.
- Regular Checkups: Continue with your six-month dental checkups and cleanings. We will examine your restoration at each visit to ensure it remains in excellent condition.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of inlays and onlays in Los Angeles can vary based on the material used, the size of the restoration, and the complexity of the case. A general ballpark range is typically between $800 and $2,500 per tooth.
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for inlays and onlays when they are deemed medically necessary to restore a damaged tooth. Our team will gladly help you understand your benefits and provide a detailed cost estimate. We also offer flexible financing options to make your care affordable.
Why Choose Studio Smiles for Your Dental Care?
Finding the right dental team in a city as large as Los Angeles can feel overwhelming. At Studio Smiles, we make the choice easy by providing an exceptional patient experience from start to finish.
- Experienced Clinicians: Our dentists possess the skill and artistry to create restorations that are both functional and beautiful.
- Modern Technology: We use advanced tools like digital scanners and high-strength ceramics for precise, long-lasting results.
- Patient Comfort: Your comfort is our priority. We foster a welcoming environment to ensure you feel relaxed and confident in your care.
- Convenient LA Location: Our office is centrally located, making it easy to visit from neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and the Miracle Mile.
- Proven Patient Satisfaction: We are proud of our 5-star reviews and the trust our community places in us.
