If you’ve suffered tooth damage, our dentist may recommend several options in restoring your teeth. The options that the dentist recommends are dependent on the type, location, and extent of the damage. For teeth that are severely damaged, dental crowns are often necessary. Mild tooth deterioration usually necessitates a simple dental filling. There’s the third option of moderate damage where dental fillings aren’t enough and dental crowns would remove more enamel than is necessary to repair the tooth. In such cases, the best alternative is to go for inlays and onlays.

Inlays and onlays are used in the restoration of damaged teeth where there’s still plenty of tooth structure left such that a crown isn’t necessary, but a dental filling isn’t quite enough.

TLC Dental Care provides inlays and onlays in Knoxville, TN to patients who’d like to restore and protect their teeth after damage, be it in the form of decay or fracturing. Call us today if you’d like to book an appointment with our dentist to discuss your options.

Signs That You Need an Inlay or Onlay

Your dentist can quickly tell whether you need an inlay or onlay by examining your teeth and overall oral cavity. You, however, might have a harder time knowing whether you should get a dental filling or an inlay. Here are some sure signs that inlays and onlays are your better bet:

• Your tooth damage affects one cusp of your teeth.
• You have extensive tooth damage that will only get worse if you go for a dental filling. Dental fillings are meant to repair damage that is less than 1/3 of the total structure of the tooth.
• You would prefer the strongest, longest lasting materials when repairing your teeth.

During your appointment, our Knoxville, TN dentist will walk you through all your dental restoration options to help you to reach the best decision. Of course, you will only get the inlays or onlays if you feel that it’s your best choice.

Our dental practice allows freedom of choice and cultivates an environment where everyone’s opinion is respected. Book an appointment with TLC Dental Care if you’d like to get information on inlays and onlays near you.

What Happens During the Dental Restoration Process?

Our dentist will begin your visit by thoroughly examining you, and removing all signs of decay from your affected tooth. Afterward, our dentist in Knoxville, TN will take dental impressions—either manually using dental putty or digitally using an oral scanner. These teeth impressions are then sent to the dental lab, where your inlays and onlays are manufactured. Inlays and onlays may be made from ceramic, gold, or composite resin, depending on your preference.

Our dentist will make sure to let you know how long you need to wait before you can get your inlays or onlays. During your final visit, the dentist will bond the restorations to your teeth using resin or dental cement.

Do you want to salvage what’s left of your teeth after tooth decay or injury? Call our dentist today to discuss inlays and onlays in Knoxville, TN.