Inlays & Onlays for Conservative Tooth Restoration in Portsmouth NH
When a tooth has more damage than a filling can fix, but not enough to need a full crown, inlays and onlays in Portsmouth NH offer a way to restore the tooth while keeping as much of your natural structure as possible. At Seacoast Prosthodontics, Dr. Randi's formal training as a prosthodontic specialist, combined with our digital impression system, means these ceramic restorations are designed with precision and built to hold up over time. We also want dental care to feel simple. If you have questions about how your insurance benefits apply to a restoration like this, our team is glad to walk through it with you before treatment starts. And if you are new to our practice, we welcome patients who are coming to us for the first time and are happy to help you get oriented from your very first call.
Contact us with questions about your restorative options.
The BasicsWhat Are Inlays & Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are a type of ceramic restoration that fills the gap between a simple filling and a full crown. An inlay fits within the grooves on top of a tooth, replacing decayed or damaged material inside the chewing surface. An onlay covers a larger area, including one or more of the tooth's cusps (the pointed edges), when the damage extends further out.
Unlike a filling that is shaped directly in the mouth, an inlay or onlay is custom made to fit the exact shape of the prepared tooth, then bonded definitively into place. Patients sometimes ask about an alternative to a dental crown, and inlays and onlays are one restorative option we evaluate based on your specific exam findings, not a choice made without a clinical exam.
Why It MattersBenefits of Ceramic Inlays & Onlays
Ceramic inlays and onlays are matched to the color of your natural teeth, so the repair blends in rather than standing out. Because they preserve more of the tooth's original structure than some other restorations, they can help support the tooth's long-term strength and function. Ceramic material also resists staining and wear well over time, and the bonding process helps spread chewing forces evenly across the tooth instead of concentrating them in one spot.
Your VisitWhat to Expect During Treatment
Treatment typically starts with an exam and a look at the extent of the damage using digital X-rays. Once Dr. Randi determines that an inlay or onlay is the right level of care for your tooth, we prepare the area by removing the damaged material and shaping the tooth to receive the restoration.
The Digital Impression Process
Instead of a traditional impression, we use our Digital Impression Workflow to capture a precise digital scan of your tooth. That scan is used to design, and in many cases mill, your ceramic restoration right in the office, which can reduce the number of visits needed. The finished piece is checked for fit and bite before it is bonded definitively to the tooth.
CandidatesWho Is a Candidate for Inlays & Onlays
Inlays and onlays are appropriate when a tooth has decay or damage too extensive for a standard filling, but enough healthy structure remains that a full crown isn't needed. This is a determination Dr. Randi makes during your exam, based on the amount of remaining tooth structure, the location of the damage, and how your teeth come together when you bite. If a tooth needs more support, other restorative options like crowns, or for less extensive decay, fillings, may be recommended instead, as part of a broader restorative dentistry plan built around your whole mouth.
Good To Know
FAQ
How much do ceramic inlays cost?
The cost of ceramic inlays depends on the size and location of the restoration and your insurance coverage. Our team will review your insurance benefits and provide a cost estimate before treatment begins. Call our office for details specific to your case.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, ceramic inlays and onlays are designed to last for many years. Their lifespan depends on factors like bite force, daily care habits, and where the tooth sits in your mouth. Regular exams help us monitor the restoration over time.
What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
An inlay restores damage within the center of a tooth's chewing surface, staying inside the cusps. An onlay covers a larger area, extending over one or more cusps when the damage is more extensive. Dr. Randi determines which is appropriate based on the size and location of the damage.
Restoring Function. Rebuilding ConfidenceRestoring Your Tooth's Strength Starts With a Conversation
If you have a tooth that needs more than a filling, our team can help you understand your restorative options and how your insurance may apply before you commit to treatment.
Contact us to ask about scheduling an exam.