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Porcelain Fillings

Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Stockton, Modesto, California

If your teeth are damaged, but the damage is not severe enough for a porcelain crown, then a porcelain inlay or onlay may be just what you need.

Dental inlays are used to treat teeth that have damage or decay that lies in the indented top surface. Because they are created with porcelain, a tooth-colored material, inlays and onlays are often used to replace metal fillings for patients who want a more natural looking smile. Besides a natural appearance, their customized nature allows inlays and onlays to be securely bonded to your tooth’s surface. This adds to the structure of your tooth and prevents it from further bacteria and future cavities.

Inlays

An inlay is similar to a filling and lies inside the cusp of your tooth. An inlay is specially made to fit your specific cavity, and is then cemented into place.

Onlays

An onlay is a more extensive reconstruction that covers at least one, if not several, cusps of your teeth. An onlay is used in a situation where significant reconstruction is necessary. However, more of your tooth’s structure can be preserved, compared to an alternative like a crown.

Advantages

In treating dental decay, inlays and onlays help to eliminate tooth sensitivity and future damage. They also offer the following benefits:

• They will not expand or contract in response to temperature changes caused by hot or cold foods, which causes teeth to weaken and crack
• Inlays and onlays require less tooth reduction than metal fillings, thereby preserving more of your natural tooth
• Help to strengthen your natural tooth by up to 75 percent
• The durable porcelain lasts much longer—up to 30 years—than traditional metal fillings
• Create a healthier, more natural-looking smile, and make it virtually impossible to tell you have fillings
• Prevent the need for more extensive treatment in the future by preserving your teeth

How it works

Inlays and onlays are applied in merely two dental visits.  At the first visit, Dr. Miller will remove your old filling and the decay, and prepare your tooth for you new inlay or onlay. He will then make an impression of the tooth, and send this impression to a dental laboratory. The impression will be used to create your custom-made porcelain onlay.  A temporary sealant will be placed on your tooth until your next appointment.

At the following visit, Dr. Miller will remove the temporary sealant and make sure that the inlay onlay fits properly and does not obstruct your bite. Your new restoration will then be bonded to your tooth with a strong bonding resin, and polished smooth.

If you live in the Roseville, California area, and want to replace your old metal fillings, please contact Dr. Miller. We can schedule your consultation over the phone and get you started on your way to a dazzling new smile.