Inlays and Onlays in Albuquerque

Maintaining a healthy, attractive smile after a tooth infection does not always require a prosthetic. Inlays and onlays are two types of dental restorations offered at Dr. Mark Johnson’s clinic in Albuquerque that provide a conservative yet effective solution for repairing teeth with moderate decay or damage. These treatments are ideal when a tooth’s structure is too compromised for a filling but not damaged enough to necessitate a full crown.

What are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations crafted from porcelain or composite resin. They are sometimes referred to as “indirect fillings” because they are designed and fabricated outside the mouth and then bonded to the damaged area of the tooth.

Fit within the biting surface between the cusps of a tooth, inlays are used when the damage does not extend to the tooth’s cusps. They are an ideal alternative to fillings, offering a more durable and better-fitting solution to help restore tooth integrity and prevent further decay.

Also known as “partial crowns,” onlays cover one or more cusps and extend over the biting surface of the tooth. Onlays are more extensive than inlays and are used when the damage is more significant.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Choosing inlays or onlays offers several advantages over traditional fillings and crowns:

• Conservative Treatment: Inlays and onlays require less removal of the tooth structure than crowns, helping to preserve more of your natural tooth.
• Durability: Made from strong, hard-wearing materials, inlays and onlays can last decades, far longer than conventional fillings.
• Aesthetic Match: Porcelain and composite resin can be closely matched to the color of your natural teeth, providing a more aesthetic and discreet restoration compared to metal fillings.
• Improved Tooth Structure: By bonding directly to the tooth, inlays and onlays strengthen the overall structure, providing support and preventing further breakdown.
• Stain Resistance: The materials used in inlays and onlays are typically stain-resistant, which helps maintain the beauty of your smile.

The Inlays and Onlays Procedure

During your first visit, Dr. Johnson examines the extent of tooth decay or damage and discuss whether an inlay, onlay, or separate procedure is the best solution for your dental needs. Next, the affected area of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and prepared. Any decay or old filling material is removed, and the tooth is shaped to ensure a proper fit. An impression of your tooth is taken and sent to a dental lab where your inlay or onlay is custom crafted to fit your tooth precisely and match its natural color. A temporary restoration may be placed while your inlay or onlay is being made.

Once your inlay or onlay is ready, you return for a second appointment where Dr. Johnson will fit and bond the inlay or onlay to your tooth with a strong resin adhesive. Any final adjustments are made to ensure comfort and a perfect bite alignment. Finally, the new restoration is polished, and you receive care instructions to ensure the longevity of your inlay or onlay.

Make an Appointment

Rediscover your smile’s potential with our advanced restorative techniques! If you believe that inlays or onlays might be the right choice for restoring your teeth, contact Dr. Mark Johnson’s office at 505-922-9511 to schedule a consultation.