Inlays & Onlays in Royse City, Tx

Inlays and onlays are two of the options we have here at Pleasure Dental in Royse City to repair and restore a tooth. Since they’re not as well-known as other options like fillings, we often receive many questions about them from our clients.

At Pleasure Dental, we want you to know as much as possible about procedures before you get them. Knowing more about what you’re about to go through helps you set expectations and know what to expect.

Difference Between Inlays and Onlays

Whether you get an inlay or an onlay will depend on how much of the tooth needs to be covered and protected. Inlays are like fillings but are used for larger cavities when fillings aren’t good enough. Onlays are used for the same reason, but they can also cover one of the tooth’s cusps.

Those who have simple cavities but healthy biting surfaces can get inlays. Alternatively, people who have damage to the biting surface, in addition to a cavity, will need onlays for more protection. It’s worth mentioning that onlays usually cover a single cusp. If the entire biting surface of a tooth is damaged, then a crown will be needed.

Number of Visits

Unlike fillings, inlays and onlays need two visits to be put in. Fillings can be made at the dentist’s office, so they’re applied in the same visit. Inlays and onlays require that we take the measurements of your tooth and send them to a lab.

The lab is where the inlays and onlays are made, and we’ll get them back at a later time, which is why a second visit is needed.

The Procedure

Getting an inlay or an onlay doesn’t hurt at all. Before we begin working, we always apply local anesthesia to numb the affected area. The only thing you might feel is pressure, but that shouldn’t be too discomforting. If you feel pain at any time during the procedure, you should let us know so we can stop working.

Getting dental work done can be scary, especially if it’s a procedure you never heard of before. Inlays and onlays are minimally invasive, restorative, and cosmetic, and you won’t experience pain while getting them put in.