Inlays and Onlays in Brentwood, CA

At Fairview Dental Brentwood, we often encounter dental issues that fall into a “gray area”—damage that is too extensive for a standard filling but not severe enough to require a full dental crown. In these cases, Dr. Thuc Luu recommends Inlays or Onlays.

Often referred to as “partial crowns,” inlays and onlays are high-end, indirect restorations that offer a conservative way to save your natural tooth structure while providing the strength of a crown. For our patients in the East Bay, this means a durable, beautiful result that protects your tooth for decades.

What is the Difference Between an Inlay and an Onlay?

While the terms are often used together, they serve slightly different purposes based on the location and extent of the damage to your tooth’s chewing surface.

Dental Inlays

An inlay is used when the decay or damage is located within the “valleys” or grooves between the cusps (the pointed tips) of your tooth. Think of it like a custom-fitted puzzle piece that sits inside the tooth.

• When it’s used: To replace large, failing old fillings or treat moderate decay that hasn’t reached the tooth’s edges.

Dental Onlays

An onlay is a more extensive restoration. It is used when the damage involves one or more of the tooth’s cusps. Because an onlay covers the biting surface and the tips of the tooth, it provides significantly more structural support.

• When it’s used: When a tooth is fractured or weakened to the point that a regular filling would cause the tooth to crack under pressure.

Why Choose Inlays and Onlays Over Other Options?

Inlays and onlays offer several distinct advantages that make them a preferred choice at Fairview Dental:

1. Superior Strength: Unlike traditional composite fillings, which can weaken a tooth by up to 50%, inlays and onlays are bonded directly to the tooth with high-strength resins. This can actually increase tooth strength by up to 75%.
2. Conservative Preservation: To place a crown, a significant portion of your healthy tooth must be filed away. Inlays and onlays require minimal preparation, allowing us to keep more of your natural enamel intact.
3. Perfect Fit: Because these are “indirect” restorations (fabricated in a lab from a precise mold), they fit the contours of your tooth better than a filling that is molded by hand in your mouth. This prevents “marginal leakage” where bacteria could seep under the restoration.
4. Longevity: While a composite filling might last 5–7 years, a well-maintained porcelain or gold inlay can last 20 to 30 years.
5. Stain Resistance: Our porcelain and ceramic materials are highly resistant to staining from coffee, tea, or red wine, keeping your smile bright for years.

The Procedure: Your Path to a Stronger Smile

Getting an inlay or onlay at our Brentwood office typically requires two visits.

Visit 1: Preparation and Impressions

First, Dr. Luu will remove the old filling or decay and clean the tooth thoroughly. Once the tooth is prepped, we take a highly accurate digital or physical impression. This mold is sent to a world-class dental laboratory where your restoration is custom-milled to match your tooth’s shade and shape. We will place a temporary filling to protect your tooth while you wait.

Visit 2: Bonding and Final Polish

Once your custom inlay or onlay arrives, you’ll return to our office. We remove the temporary and “try in” the new restoration to ensure the fit and bite are perfect. Once satisfied, we permanently bond it to your tooth and polish it to a natural luster.

Materials: Porcelain vs. Gold

We offer several material options based on your needs and the location of the tooth:

• Porcelain/Ceramic: The most popular choice for Brentwood patients. It mimics the translucency of natural teeth and is virtually invisible.
• Composite Resin: A more affordable option that is still tooth-colored, though slightly less durable than porcelain.
• Gold: Often considered the “gold standard” for back molars due to its incredible durability and the fact that it expands and contracts at the same rate as natural teeth.
• Trusted Resource: Review the American Dental Association’s comparison of dental materials for more technical details.

Is an Inlay or Onlay Right for You?

You might be an ideal candidate for this procedure if:

• You have a large cavity that is too wide for a standard filling.
• You have a fractured tooth that doesn’t yet require a full crown.
• You have an old, silver (amalgam) filling that is leaking or causing the tooth to crack.
• You want a long-term, aesthetic solution that preserves your natural tooth.

Did You Know? Research from the Cleveland Clinic suggests that inlays and onlays are often the most cost-effective long-term solution because they require replacement much less frequently than traditional fillings.

Experience Advanced Restorative Care at Fairview Dental

At Fairview Dental Brentwood, we combine artistic precision with the latest dental technology to ensure your restorations feel as good as they look. Dr. Thuc Luu takes the time to explain your options, ensuring you choose the treatment that fits your health goals and your budget.

Contact Fairview Dental Brentwood today at (925) 240-7253 to schedule appointment.