[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Our staff here at Mountain View Dental are dedicated to providing the people of Alamogordo, New Mexico, with dental experiences that are tailored to your needs.
Restorative dental procedures are different for everyone depending on the size of the decay. Most people have heard of fillings and crowns used for restorations but haven’t heard of inlays and onlays. Fillings are used to restore minor decay in teeth and crowns are used to replace the whole tooth. However, there could be situations where a crown is too much and a filling isn’t enough, and that’s when inlays and onlays can be used.
Inlays
When the chewing surface of the tooth has been damaged due to decay, an inlay is made to replace the damaged area. In creating an inlay the process is easy, an impression is made of the teeth to create a mold to accurately replicate the surface that is damaged. Inlays are made out of porcelain or composite material which makes them stronger and more durable than traditional fillings. Inlays and onlays in Alamogordo, NM are created to perfectly match the color of your teeth so that it doesn’t stand out.
On average onlays and inlays can last anywhere from 5 to 30 years
Onlays
Being very similar to inlays, onlays cover just a little bit more surface area of your tooth. Onlays are used when decay and damage are found in the chewing surfaces of the teeth and also the cusp of the tooth. Onlays are commonly known as partial crowns because they have a very similar function but don’t cover the whole tooth like actual crowns. Much like the procedure for a crown, decay is removed and a temporary onlay is placed while the impressions are sent to be made.
The main benefit of inlays and onlays is their durability. Dentists cannot guarantee how long they will last due to a variety of factors in everyday life. On average onlays and inlays can last anywhere from 5 to 30 years depending on oral hygiene.
Mountain View Dental is here to help patients find the best solution for their dental needs by educating them on every option available. If you are in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and are looking for high-quality dental care for you and your family, please give us a call!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]