Dental Inlays & Onlays – West Monroe, LA

You have a big filling that needs replacement. Do you have to get a full crown? Not necessarily. A more conservative option is inlays and onlays, which fit into a tooth similar to a filling but are milled restorations, much like a crown. The bumps on top of a tooth are called cusps. Inlays fit between cusps, while onlays fit over one or more cusps. Dental inlays and onlays from our West Monroe, LA dentist allow a patient to retain more natural tooth structure, which is always best.

Not every situation is right for an inlay or onlay, but Dr. Scott will assess your problem and determine the best solution for you. Because they are created in a lab like a crown, inlays and onlays require two appointments. At the first visit, we will prepare your tooth by removing your tooth decay or old filling and cleaning the area. We will take a dental impression and send it to our dental lab so that our technician can create a custom inlay or onlay for you. Dr. Scott will determine the best material to use, but in most cases, teeth that show when you smile or speak can have a white restoration. Back teeth incur extreme pressure, so a metal inlay or onlay may be indicated. You'll wear a temporary until the lab delivers your final restoration.

At the second appointment, Dr. Scott will remove your temporary and permanently cement your final inlay or onlay into position. After polishing and modifying the restoration as necessary to ensure proper bite alignment, you'll enjoy your stronger, healthier smile for years to come.