Dental Inlays and Onlays on the Upper West Side

When a tooth has too much damage or decay to be repaired with a dental filling but not enough to warrant a full dental crown, inlays and onlays are the ideal solution. Inlays and onlays, like crowns, are made in a dental laboratory and then bonded to your tooth in our office. Onlays cover almost all of the chewing surface, including the cusps, while inlays fit into the center of the tooth between the cusps.

Inlays and onlays are long-lasting, durable dental restorations that rarely need to be replaced. They blend in flawlessly with the rest of your smile if they are constructed of a tooth-colored material like porcelain, while a gold alloy inlay or onlay is likely to last a lifetime.

An inlay or onlay requires two appointments. The initial visit begins with an impression to ensure that your restored tooth is the same size and shape as your natural tooth. After that, your tooth is prepped for your inlay or onlay by removing the portions that are damaged or decayed. Another impression is taken so Dr. Massiah can confirm that your inlay or onlay will fit flush against the prepared tooth; an airtight fit prevents bacteria from seeping under the restoration.

Dr. Massiah will design your inlay or onlay and send the design to a dental laboratory where it is made. You’ll have a temporary restoration placed for protection while your inlay or onlay is being fabricated. In the past, cast gold alloys were commonly used for inlays and onlays, but tooth-colored ceramic and porcelain are now popular since they have a more natural appearance.

You’ll return to our office once your restoration is finished so Dr. Massiah can check its fit and bond it to your prepared tooth. As long as you brush for two minutes twice a day, floss at least once a day, and visit the dentist every six months, your inlay or onlay should not require any extra care or attention.

An onlay or inlay is best if your tooth has more decay than a dental filling can repair. It preserves more of your natural tooth structure than a crown, but it can also strengthen a tooth that is too damaged for a filling.

The cost of inlays and onlays is largely determined by the type of material used. We can explain the materials available and their expenses when you come in for your consultation appointment.

Inlays and onlays can last for decades or even a lifetime with proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist for preventive care.

Prior to the procedure, your tooth and the area around it will be numbed, so you will not experience any pain while your tooth is being prepared. You may have soreness and sensitivity when the local anesthetic wears off, but this is typically mild and can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Call 212-222-5225 to schedule your appointment.