inlays and Onlays in Del Mar, CA

Classified somewhere between a dental filling and a full crown, inlays and onlays can restore a damaged tooth. Used on the back teeth, an inlay covers the indented middle of a tooth and onlays cover the tooth's upper, rounded edges. Like dental crowns and fillings, onlays and inlays can be created with several materials — composite resin, porcelain, and metal. General and cosmetic dentist Dr. Ron Barry can help Del Mar, CA patients understand the difference between tooth-colored fillings, crowns, onlays, and inlays before they make the right decision about treating their teeth at Ron Barry, D.M.D. Call our office to schedule a private consult today. We look forward to helping you restore optimal oral health for a gorgeous smile.

An onlay or inlay is a fantastic option when you have a chipped tooth or a large cavity that's too big to get filled but does not require the entire protection of a crown. At your dental exam, Dr. Barry can examine your x-rays to determine the ideal procedure for your needs. If an onlay or inlay is chosen, he will explain the available materials that will best meet your requirements. You may even talk about whether you'd like a direct restoration (an onlay or inlay created in our office using CEREC technology while you wait) versus an indirect restoration created in a dental lab.

After applying numbing cream or local anesthesia to your gums, Dr. Barry will begin by cleaning out regions of decay. Other techniques of sedation may be used in case you experience stress or a powerful gag reflex. When the enamel is cleaned, impressions will be produced from your tooth. If you're getting a restoration made in a lab, a temporary cover will be set until it is prepared. As soon as your onlay or inlay is ready, Dr. Barry will carefully set and then bond it on your tooth. He will polish the borders or adjust the fit so that your tooth is suitably coated and feels right.

If just local anesthesia is used, you will be able to leave following your appointment and get back to your regular activities. You might experience mild discomfort, swelling, or sensitivity for several days once your onlay or inlay is placed. Please call Ron Barry, D.M.D. in the event you experience any issues following your treatment. Your onlay or inlay needs to be taken care of like your own teeth using daily flossing and brushing. You need to schedule yearly dental examinations and cleanings at Ron Barry, D.M.D. so Dr. Barry can evaluate the wear and health of the onlay or inlay. With good maintenance, it should last for several years before repairing or replacing.

Onlays and inlays are a common procedure for dental cavities and other problems so it's generally paid in part by insurance. We can talk to your insurer to review your particular policy prior to figuring out your personal expenses. Dr. Barry can personalize your procedure with restoration materials to match your budget and needs. In your consultative appointment, Dr. Barry will discuss price quotes and payments we take, such as low-cost medical financing.

Regardless of whether you choose an onlay or inlay, metal or ceramic, indirect or direct, it is important to take care of a damaged or decayed tooth before it turns into a debilitating and costly issue. Find out more about onlays and inlays to renew your mouth by making an appointment at Ron Barry, D.M.D. in Del Mar, CA. Dr. Barry and his team can help revive your oral health using the very best remedy for your requirements.