Richardson Inlays

Restoring Teeth to their Natural Beauty

When the integrity of your tooth has reached a point where decay is too large, a filling will no longer be your best treatment option. In cases like this, we’ll choose an inlay to restore your teeth to their natural look. With the large range of dental procedures out there, it’s no surprise that some patients aren’t entirely sure what inlays are. At Richardson Dentistry, we’ll put your mind at ease by explaining what exactly an inlay is and if it is the right solution for you.

For more information on our Richardson inlay procedure, call us at (972) 690-8617

What Is an Inlay?

An inlay is a pre-molded filling that fits into the grooves of a tooth. To prepare the tooth for an inlay, an impression of your tooth is created to get accurate measurements and placement sizing. From there, the impression is sent to the lab where the inlay will be created. Inlays can be made from porcelain or composite resin to match the shade of your teeth. Typically, inlays are more durable than common dental fillings due to the material used.

When Is an Inlay Needed?

Inlays are used when it’s too challenging to restore a tooth to its normal shape, or when a decayed tooth is too severe for a traditional filling or crown.

An inlay is most recommended for patients experiencing:

• Broken or fractured teeth
• Decay so extensive that it’s damaging surrounding structures
• A tooth that doesn’t allow enough material to be removed to support a mounting crown

How Inlays and Onlays Differ

The onlay treatment process is almost identical to the inlay process, but the need for either lies in the location of your corrupted tooth. An onlay is used to repair a tooth that has much more damage to the cusp and tips of the tooth. Typically, an onlay procedure will require drilling to the teeth to clean out the decayed material.

To prevent your teeth from decaying, our dentists recommend:

• Brushing teeth with a fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing every single time you brush
• Maintaining a balanced diet that’s low in sugar
• Visiting the dentist regularly every 6 months for cleaning and check-ups

Scheduling Your Appointment

If it’s decided that an inlay is needed, it’s probably because you’re at the stage where this is the best treatment option for you. However, we’ll still walk you through all our service choices and, on the day of your treatment, we’ll make sure to answer any questions or concerns you may have to put your mind at ease. At Richardson Dentistry, you’re the most important member of our dental care team, and we will work tirelessly to ensure your oral goals and needs are met.

Dial us (972) 690-8617 to schedule a free consultation.