Inlays & Onlays in Purley

At our Purley dental practice, we specialise in providing top-quality solutions to restoring damaged or decayed teeth. Dental inlays and onlays are an excellent solution to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile again. 

What Are Inlays & Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are types of dental restorations used to repair teeth that have suffered moderate damage or decay, but serve slightly different purposes. 

  • Inlays are used when the damage is confined to the grooves within a tooth, typically between the cusps. They are custom-made to fit the cavity perfectly and are usually crafted from materials like ceramic, composite resin, or sometimes gold.
  • Onlays: Also known as partial crowns, onlays cover one or more cusps (the raised pyramidal elevation) of the tooth and are used when the damage extends beyond the surface grooves but does not require a full crown. Like inlays, onlays are custom-made and can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth for a seamless appearance.

Unlike traditional fillings, which fill in the cavity within the tooth, inlays and onlays are fabricated outside of the mouth and then bonded to the tooth. They are custom-made restorations to your teeth, specifically chosen to repair teeth that are too damaged for a simple filling but not compromised enough to require a full crown. 

Benefits of Inlays & Onlays in Purley

Choosing inlay and onlay dental restorations offers several key benefits:

Inlays and onlays are more durable than traditional fillings, often lasting longer due to the strong materials used. They provide a more stable solution, especially for teeth that endure significant chewing forces.

Inlays and onlays blend seamlessly with your smile. These restorations are custom-made to match the natural colour of your teeth. 

Compared to crowns, inlays and onlays require less removal of the natural tooth structure. By preserving more of your original tooth, it is better for maintaining long-term oral health.

Prevention of further decay by sealing the tooth more effectively than traditional fillings. Inlays and onlays help prevent bacteria from entering the tooth and causing further decay.

How it Works: The Inlay & Onlay Purley Dental Care

Getting dental inlays & onlays involves a straightforward procedure that can typically be completed in two visits to our Purley practice.

  1. Starting with a consultation and assessment, our dentists will examine your tooth and determine whether an inlay or onlay is the best treatment option. If so, the damaged or decayed area of the tooth will be carefully removed, and the tooth will be prepared for restoration.
  2. An impression of the prepared tooth is taken and sent to a dental lab, where they design your custom inlay or onlay. In the meantime, our dentists may place a temporary filling to protect the tooth.
  3. Once your inlay or onlay is ready, you will return to our practice for a second visit to remove the temporary filling and bond the custom restoration to your tooth with a strong adhesive. The inlay or onlay is then shaped and polished to ensure a perfect fit and a natural look.

Who is a Candidate for Inlays & Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are ideal for patients who have moderate tooth decay, large fillings that need replacement, or teeth that are too damaged for a simple filling but do not require a full crown. They are particularly suitable for molars and premolars, which endure significant chewing forces and may be more prone to decay.

If you’re unsure whether an inlay or onlay is right for you, our experienced dentists at Purley Dental Care can provide a thorough assessment and recommend the best treatment option based on your individual needs.

Aftercare for Inlays & Onlays

Caring for your dental inlays & onlays is much like caring for your natural teeth. With proper care, inlays and onlays can last many years, providing a long-term solution for restoring the health and function of your teeth. Here are some tips to ensure their longevity:

  • Maintaining the usual good oral hygiene which is brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Regular cleaning helps prevent decay and ensures the longevity of your inlays and onlays.
  • Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit our dentists for your regular check-ups and professional cleanings between every 3-6 months. Our dentists can monitor the condition of your inlays and onlays and address any issues early.
  • While inlays and onlays are durable, it’s wise to avoid hard foods and biting down on hard objects like nutshells, which could potentially damage your restoration.

Cost and Financing Options

The cost of inlay and onlay dental restorations can vary depending on the material used, the complexity of the case. During your consultation, we will provide a detailed estimate of the cost and discuss available payment options.

At Purley Dental Care, we offer flexible financing options, including payment plans, to make these high-quality restorations more affordable. 

Why Choose Us for Inlays & Onlays in Purley?

At Purley Dental Care, we take pride in finding the best solution tailored to your teeth and offer high-quality expert inlay and onlay dental services that restore both the function and appearance of your teeth. Our team is highly skilled in restorative dentistry, using advanced techniques and materials to ensure that your inlays and onlays are durable, natural-looking, and comfortable.

We are committed to providing personalised care tailored to your specific needs. From the initial consultation to the final restoration, we strive to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Inlays and onlays are excellent choices for restoring teeth that are too damaged for a filling but not enough for a crown. With their durability, aesthetic appeal, and tooth-preserving benefits, they offer a long-term solution for maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. If you’re considering dental inlays & onlays in Purley, contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards restoring your smile.

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Affordable Finance available for a selected range of treatments. See our Finance Page for more details. T&Cs apply.

The dental implant process is usually carried out under a local anaesthetic, ensuring you do not feel pain during the surgery. After the procedure, there may be some soreness or swelling, but this is typically treatable with over-the-counter painkillers and proper post-operative care.

FAQs

Inlays fit within the grooves of a tooth, while onlays cover one or more cusps. Both are used to restore damaged teeth but serve slightly different purposes.

With proper care, inlays and onlays can last between 10 to 15 years or even longer, depending on the material and the patient’s oral hygiene.

Inlays and onlays are more durable and provide better protection for the tooth compared to traditional fillings, especially for teeth that endure heavy chewing forces.

Common materials include ceramic, composite resin, and sometimes gold. Ceramic and composite inlays and onlays are popular because they can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth.

The cost varies depending on the material used and the complexity of the case. During your consultation with us, we will provide a detailed cost estimate.

While rare, inlays and onlays can become loose or fall out if the bonding fails. Proper care and regular dental check-ups can help prevent this.

Yes, inlays and onlays are custom-made to match the colour of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural-looking restoration.

The procedure is typically painless. Local anaesthesia is used during the preparation of the tooth, and most patients experience little to no discomfort during or after the procedure.

Inlays and onlays are suitable for larger cavities that are too extensive for a regular filling but do not require a full crown.

Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily, avoid biting hard objects, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups to ensure the longevity of your restoration.

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