If you have tooth damage that needs to be repaired, San Jose Dentist Dr. Karan Mody at Bascom Family Dental can restore strength and function to your tooth with advanced inlays and onlays. Crafted from composite resin or porcelain, our inlay and onlay restorations are a great way to seal areas of decay and fix wear and tear when a simple tooth filling just will not get the job done.

About Inlays and Onlays

Unlike fillings or bondings, inlays and onlays must be designed and crafted, and then bonded to enamel. Inlays refer to restorations that are bonded to the inner cusps of teeth. Onlays are set across a tooth’s biting surface and extend over the cusps. An inlay is used when the damage is confined to the biting surface, whereas an onlay is used for more substantial areas of injury that affect the outer tooth surfaces. Both types may be recommended to replace old, worn, or metal fillings that have become useless over the years.

First, Dr. Mody will remove the old filling or clear out the decay from the tooth. Next, the tooth is prepared with the removal of a small amount of enamel. We take an impression of the tooth, which is then used to design your customized restoration right here in our office. In cases where we need to send your onlay to a local lab, you will be placed with a temporary restoration and return for a second visit. When the onlay or inlay is complete, you will be fitted with your new restoration and it will be bonded in place.

Inlays and onlays are frequently used when damaged enamel requires a stronger solution than a filling, but is not severe enough to warrant a dental crown. They are less expensive than dental crowns and preserve more of your natural tooth.

For more information on our Inlays and Onlays contact Dr Karan Mody at Bascom Family Dental in San Jose, California. Please call (408)247-8001 today!