Crafted from materials that are made to match the shade of your natural teeth, inlays and onlays from Napoleon Smiles in Napoleon are highly durable dental restorations made specifically for significantly damaged premolars and molars.

Filling the exact shape and size of the damaged area, these restorative options are ideal for situations in which a traditional filling won’t offer the protection a tooth with substantial decay requires. Additionally, inlays and onlays help rebuild the structure of a tooth (both on its surface and cusp), and unlike amalgam fillings, which require a larger among of healthy tooth to be removed, these options require that only the decayed or damaged areas be removed. These restorations are also ideal when a filling is too large for a filling but not serious enough that a dental crown is needed.

How are inlays and onlays different?

An inlay is made to fit inside the biting surface of a tooth while an onlay is made to cover one or more cusps of a tooth.

How are these restorations placed?

Much like a routine dental filling, we’ll utilize local anesthetic to numb the affected area and remove all signs of decay. We’ll then make an impression of the tooth and send it to our highly skilled lab professionals, who will create your permanent restoration. A temporary filling will be placed over your tooth until your completed inlay or onlay is ready.

How should an inlay or onlay be cared for?

By treating them as you would your natural teeth – with twice daily brushing, once daily flossing, and regular visits to our office – you can help these restorations last for many years.

Do you have questions about these restorative options? Call our office today and we’d be happy to answer them!