Preserve your naturally brilliant smile with dental inlays and onlays

You may be familiar with composite fillings, but have you heard of porcelain or indirect fillings? If you haven’t, it’s okay. Dental inlays and onlays aren’t offered by many dentists. However, these unique dental solutions have a special spot in restorative dentistry and Drs. Gerald Middleton and Adria Cate offer them at our Gerald Middleton DDS office in Riverside, California. 

About dental inlays and onlays

Indirect fillings are also called partial crowns because they cover as much as a dental crown, but a significant portion of the tooth remains uncovered. While most people use inlays and onlays interchangeably, these restorations differ. 

An inlay is a custom-made filling that replaces a small portion of a tooth’s biting surface. It’s used when the damage or decay is limited to the tooth’s center and the cusp (the pointed part of the tooth) is still intact. An onlay is similar to an inlay but covers a larger portion of the tooth’s surface. It extends over one or more tooth cusps, providing more extensive coverage.

What to expect from the ceramic inlays and onlays procedures

Traditionally, patients who require indirect fillings need several appointments for a complete restoration. But guess what? Our office has simplified the placement of inlays and onlays, making it as easy as composite fillings. During your one-visit, we gently numb the tooth to minimize discomfort. Next, we remove the decayed portion of the tooth and clean the area to eliminate harmful bacteria. We then digitally scan the prepped tooth and the surrounding dental structures and use the CEREC technology to design a custom inlay or onlay for you.

Once your onlay design is approved, we use our in-house mill to fabricate your restoration in minutes. After fabricating your partial crown, we’ll make a few adjustments and cement it in place using a strong adhesive. Once placed, your tooth will be completely whole again — and virtually indistinguishable from other teeth. 

Benefits of indirect fillings

Are you considering dental inlays or onlays in Riverside, California? These are the benefits you’ll get.

  • Better reinforcement than a large filling
  • They are more affordable than dental crowns
  • Porcelain fillings are natural-looking
  • Lab-designed for a comfortable fit
  • Saves your tooth from extensive restorative procedures
  • The procedure is minimally invasive
  • They are long-lasting
  • Easy maintenance

Are you searching for a Riverside, CA, dentist who offers porcelain inlays and onlays? You’re in the right place. Please call (951) 688-3442 to schedule an appointment with Gerald Middleton DDS.